Exciting News: A Special Jubilee Celebration!
Today, at 9 o’clock in the morning, on the Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time, a significant event took place at the Vatican Basilica. His Excellency Msgr. Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for the Fundamental Questions of Evangelization in the World, presided over the Holy Mass to mark the Jubilee of the Deacons.
During this inspiring celebration, twenty-three deacons received the sacrament of Holy Orders, a truly monumental moment in their journey of faith.
Now, let’s delve into the profound words of the homily delivered by the Holy Father, as read by His Excellency Msgr. Rino Fisichella:
Homily of the Holy Father
The message conveyed in today’s readings can be encapsulated in one powerful word: “gratuity.” This word holds immense significance for you, dear deacons, gathered here for this Jubilee celebration. Let us explore three key aspects of this fundamental dimension of the Christian life and your ministry: forgiveness, selfless service, and communion.
Firstly, forgiveness. The act of forgiveness lies at the core of your ministry as deacons. It is a crucial element of every ecclesial vocation and a necessity in all human relationships. Jesus emphasizes its importance when he exhorts us to “love your enemies” (Lk 6:27). Forgiveness is essential for building and nurturing relationships, fostering reconciliation, and fostering a future filled with hope and love for all, even those who have wronged us. As deacons, you are called to embody this spirit of forgiveness, reaching out to those on the margins and extending a hand of reconciliation and support to those in need.
Secondly, selfless service. The Gospel teaches us the beauty of serving others without expecting anything in return, mirroring God’s unconditional love for us. As deacons, selfless service is not just a duty but a defining aspect of your identity. Through your ministry, you become channels of God’s mercy, painting a portrait of the compassionate face of the Father and bearing witness to the Triune God’s mystery.
Lastly, let us reflect on the power of gratuity in fostering communion. Giving without expecting anything in return creates bonds of unity and togetherness, forming a community built on love and solidarity. As Saint Lawrence famously declared, “These are our treasures!” By embodying a spirit of communion, you extend your family to include all those in need, embracing them with open arms and hearts.
Dear deacons, your mission transcends societal norms, plunging you into the heart of humanity to make it a more inclusive and welcoming space for all. Through your humble service and unwavering commitment, you become beacons of forgiveness, selfless servants, and architects of communion.
As some of you prepare to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders, remember that it is not an ascent but a descent, a call to humble service and selflessness. Let us approach this sacred moment with reverence, guided by the intercession of the Virgin Mary and Saint Lawrence, embracing our ministry with love and humility.
Together, let us strive to be apostles of forgiveness, selfless servants of our brothers and sisters, and builders of communion, spreading God’s love and grace to all corners of the world.
