The Role of the Deacons in the Service
General Principles
The
Eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass is the action of Christ (General Instruction
of the Roman Missal [GIRM], no. 11) and of God's people, in which the human
race adores the Father, through Christ, in the Holy Spirit (no. 16), and the
faithful join themselves to Christ in giving thanks and in acknowledging the
great things God has done (no. 78). The Mass is the "sacrament of
unity" (nos. 91, 92) in which the faithful are nourished from the table of
God's Word and of Christ's Body (no. 28). This unity is expressed particularly
in common posture (no. 42), in communal singing (no. 47), reverential silence
(nos. 45, 56), and in sharing together of the one bread and one cup (nos. 83,
321). The assumption of the Roman Missal is that every Sunday and feast day, the
Eucharistic liturgy will be celebrated with song (nos. 40, 115), with a cantor
(no. 104), with one or two readers (no. 109), and with other assisting
ministers (no. 115). It is also assumed that all communicants present at Mass,
priest celebrant, deacon, ministers and all in the assembly, will receive the
sacrament from bread and wine consecrated at that Mass (nos. 85, 281, 321),
just as the priest celebrant must do (nos. 85, 243). The liturgical books,
particularly those used by the priest celebrant, the deacon and the assisting
ministers should be beautiful and appropriate to the celebration (no. 349)
rather than being disposable pages or booklets. The foundational principles
explaining the purpose of the parts of the Mass are found primarily in Chapter II
(nos. 27-90) and this chapter provides the basis for the more detailed norms
found in Chapter IV (nos. 112-287). Chapters V (nos. 188-318) and VI (nos.
319-351) also give general principles regarding the arrangement of the church
and the requisites for Mass.
The
rubrics assume that the celebration of Mass will take place in a church (no.
288) with a freestanding altar (no. 299), an ambo for proclaiming God's Word
(309), and a presidential chair used by the priest at certain points during the
celebration (no. 310). Although the tabernacle may be located in the sanctuary
(no. 315b), all the rubrics assume that it is located in a chapel apart from
the sanctuary since they make no reference to it when describing the actions of
the priest celebrant and other ministers during Mass. If, however, the
tabernacle is located in the sanctuary, all the ministers genuflect to it only
when they first approach the altar and when they leave the sanctuary, but not
during the celebration of Mass itself (no. 274).
After
the priest, in virtue of the sacred ordination he has received, the deacon has
first place among those who minister in the celebration of the Eucharist. For
the holy order of the diaconate has been held in high honor in the Church since
the time of the Apostles.1 At Mass the deacon proclaims the Gospel reading,
sometimes preaches God's Word, announces the intentions of the Universal Prayer
(Prayer of the Faithful), ministers to the priest, prepares the altar and
serves the celebration of the sacrifice, distributes the Eucharist to the
faithful, especially under the species of wine, and from time to time gives
directions regarding the people's gestures and posture (no. 94).
Mass with a Deacon
When
there is a deacon present at the Eucharistic celebration, he should exercise
his ministry wearing sacred vestments (no. 338). The deacon:
1. Assists the priest and processes at his
side (unless he is carrying the Book of the Gospels, in which case, he precedes
the priest);
2. Ministers the chalice or the Roman
Missal at the altar;
3. Proclaims the Gospel and, at the
request of the priest celebrant, may preach the homily (no. 55);
4. Gives timely directions to the faithful
and announces the intentions in the Universal Prayer;
5. Assists the priest celebrant in
distributing Communion, especially as minister of the Precious Blood, and
cleanses and arranges the sacred vessels;
6. As needed, performs the offices of
other ministers when none of them are present (no. 171).
Introductory Rites
• Vested and carrying the Book of the
Gospels slightly elevated, the deacon precedes the priest on the way to the
altar or else walks at the priest's side if the Book of the Gospels is already
enshrined on the altar (172).
• Upon arriving at the altar, if he is
carrying the Book of the Gospels, the deacon omits the reverence and goes up to
the altar. After placing the Book of the Gospels on it, along with the priest,
he venerates the altar with a kiss.
• However, if he is not carrying the
Book of the Gospels, he customarily makes a profound bow to the altar with the
priest alone, and then, with him, venerates the altar with a kiss (no. 274).
(If, however, the tabernacle is located in the sanctuary, all the ministers
genuflect to it only when they first approach the altar and when they leave the
sanctuary, but not during the celebration of Mass itself.)
• Finally, if incense is used, he assists the priest in putting some in the censer and incensing the cross and the altar (no. 173). After the incensation, the deacon goes to the chair with the priest, sits next to him, and assists him as required (no. 174).
Liturgy of the Word
• If incense is used, the deacon
assists the priest when he puts incense in the censer during the singing of the
Alleluia or other chant.
• Then he makes a profound bow before
the priest and asks for the blessing, saying in a low voice: "Your
blessing, Father." The priest blesses him: "May the Lord be in your
heart...." The deacon signs himself with the sign of the cross and
responds: Amen.
• Then he takes the Book of the
Gospels, which was fittingly laid on the altar, and, with a bow to the altar,
processes to the ambo, slightly elevating the book, with the censer bearer
preceding him. In contrast, the censer is smoking, and ministers are holding lighted candles.
• There he greets the people, saying,
with his hands joined: "The Lord be with you," and then, " A
reading from the Holy Gospel..." signing the book with his thumb and
afterwards, himself on his forehead, mouth and breast. He incenses the book and
proclaims the Gospel reading.
• After the reading, he acclaims
without raising the Book of the Gospels: "The Gospel of the Lord," to
which all respond: "Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ." Then he
venerates the book with a kiss and the deacon says inaudibly: "Through the
words of the Gospel may our sins be wiped away." He then returns the book
to the priest or places it in another suitable place.
• When the deacon is assisting a
Bishop, he may carry the book to him to be kissed. In more solemn celebrations,
as circumstances allow, the Bishop may impart a blessing to the people with the
Book of the Gospels. Then the deacon carries the Book of the Gospels to the
side table or another dignified and appropriate place (no. 175).
• If there is no other qualified reader
present, then the deacon may deliver the other readings as well (no. 176).
However, every effort should be made to insure the presence of lectors for the
celebration of the Eucharistic liturgy.
• After the priest introduces the
Universal Prayer, the deacon announces the intentions from the ambo or another
suitable place (no. 177). He remains at the ambo while the priest concludes the
Universal Prayer with a prayer.
• After this prayer, the
deacon begins the preparation of the altar.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
• After the Universal Prayer, while the
priest remains at the chair, the deacon prepares the altar, assisted by the
acolyte(s), but the care of the sacred vessels belongs to the deacon. He
assists the priest in receiving the people's gifts in a suitable place.
• Next, he hands the priest the paten
with the bread to be consecrated, pours wine and a little water into the
chalice saying inaudibly: "By the mystery of this water and wine...,"
then passes the chalice to the priest. He may also make this preparation of the
chalice at the side table.
• If incense is used, the deacon
assists the priest with the incensation of the gifts, the cross and the altar;
afterwards, he, or the acolyte, incenses the priest and the people (no. 178).
• During the Eucharistic Prayer, the
deacon stands near but slightly behind the priest, so that when needed he may
assist the priest with the chalice or the Roman Missal.
• As a general rule, from the epiclesis until the elevation of the chalice the deacon remains kneeling. If there are several deacons present, one of them goes to place incense in the censer for the consecration and then incenses at the elevation of the host and the chalice (no. 179).
• At the final doxology of the
Eucharistic Prayer, the deacon stands next to the priest, and after the priest
(or Bishop) hands him the chalice, he elevates the chalice as the priest raises
the paten with the Eucharistic bread, until the people have responded with the
acclamation Amen (no. 180).
• After the priest has said the prayer
for peace and the greeting "The peace of the Lord be with you always"
and the people have made the response "And with your spirit," the
deacon may invite all to exchange the sign of peace, saying, with hands joined
and facing the people: "Let us offer each other the sign of peace."
He himself receives the sign of peace from the priest and may offer it to the
other ministers near him (no. 181).
• After the priest's communion, the
deacon receives under both kinds from the priest himself and then assists the
priest in giving communion to the people. But if communion is given under both
kinds, the deacon ministers the chalice.
• When the distribution is completed,
the deacon immediately and reverently consumes at the altar all of the Blood of
Christ which remains; he may be assisted, if needs dictate, by other deacons
and priests (no. 182) or, in their absence, by extraordinary ministers of Holy
Communion (Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion under
Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America, no. 37).
• After communion, the deacon returns
to the altar with the priest and collects any remaining fragments. He then
takes the chalice and other vessels to the side table, where he cleanses them
and arranges them in the usual way; the priest returns to the chair. But it is
permissible to leave the vessels to be cleansed, suitably covered and at a side
table on a corporal, immediately after Mass, following the dismissal of the
people (no. 183).
Why does a Deacon wear his stole across his
shoulder?
Many
people often inquire about the distinct way a deacon wears his stole in
comparison to a priest. This difference is rooted in profound symbolism and
meaning, reflecting the unique role of the deacon within the Church.
Not
Power, But Service
At the
heart of the deacon's vocation is a commitment to service. Unlike priests, who
are ordained to lead and administer the sacraments, deacons are ordained to
serve the Church and its community, embodying the servant leadership
exemplified by Jesus Christ. The term “deacon” originates from the Greek word “diakonos,”
which translates to “servant.” This foundational role is manifest in the
vestments they wear, particularly in the way they drape their stole.
The
Meaning Behind the Stole
The
stole serves as a powerful reminder of the deacon's mission and
responsibilities. While a priest wears his stole hanging straight down from
both shoulders, symbolising his leadership role, the deacon wears his stole
differently: across his left shoulder, spanning crosswise across his chest, and
tied at his side. Each part of this arrangement carries significant meaning:
·
From the Shoulder: The left shoulder
signifies where one might carry a burden. For the deacon, this burden is
multifaceted; it encompasses the weight of the Gospel, the concerns and needs
of the poor and marginalised, and the responsibilities entrusted to him by the
Church.
·
Across the Chest: This positioning of
the stole crosses over the heart, symbolizing that true service is rooted in
love. It is a reminder that without genuine love and compassion, service can
become mere labour, devoid of the spirit of Christ that should underpin all
actions.
·
Tied at the Side: The side knot is a
gesture of readiness. Just as a servant would roll up their sleeves to prepare
for work, the deacon’s stole signifies his constant availability to assist and
serve others, reflecting an active rather than passive commitment to his
ministry.
The
Stole as a Cross
The
overall shape of the deacon's stole, crossing from one shoulder to his side,
resembles the form of a cross. This imagery is crucial, as it serves as a
constant reminder to the deacon and to all who witness him that to serve as
Jesus did is to embrace the challenges and sacrifices that come with carrying a
cross.
· It’s Not About Appearance: The stole
isn’t an adornment for display; it signifies a deeper calling. It embodies the
essence of loving deeply, serving humbly, and giving joyfully.
· A Reflection of Christ’s Actions: When
donning the stole, the deacon aligns himself with Christ's own actions, whether
it is assuming the role of a servant by washing the feet of others or carrying
the cross for the salvation of the world.
A
Message Without Words
When
individuals observe a deacon in his stole, they encounter a powerful message
conveyed silently through his attire:
- “I
am here to serve, not to be served.”
- “I
carry Christ’s message with love and devotion.”
- “I
exist to bridge the gap between the altar and the street, bringing God to the
people and the people to God.”
To
distill the essence of their respective roles:
- The
priest’s stole communicates: “I lead you to the altar.”
- The
deacon’s stole conveys: “I walk with you to the streets.”
The
stole the deacon wears transcends its fabric; it acts as a cross, a symbol of
commitment, and a defining calling. Ultimately, it is worn with the heart
positioned at the center of service, illustrating the profound relationships
that exist within the community of faith.
Dalmatic
The dalmatic is the distinctive outer liturgical vestment
worn by deacons in the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations (such
as Anglican, Lutheran, and some Orthodox churches) during Mass and other solemn
liturgical functions.
·
Symbol of
Diaconal Ministry: The dalmatic is the defining
vestment of the deacon. It visually distinguishes the deacon from the priest
(who wears a chasuble) and signifies the deacon's specific role in the sacred
liturgy.
·
Symbol of
Service: It represents the deacon's ministry
of service, rooted in the example of Christ, who came "not to be served
but to serve." Historically, the dalmatic was a garment of everyday use
for public servants in the Roman Empire before it was adopted for liturgical
use.
· Symbols of
Benevolence, Innocence, and Joy: Some
traditions associate the dalmatic with these virtues, reflecting the spirit in
which a deacon is called to serve.
Did You Know? A Deacon's Blessings Are Specific and
Limited
For
those of us who frequently turn to deacons seeking blessings, it’s important to
understand the scope and limitations of what they can actually bless. While
deacons play a significant role within the Church, their blessings are distinct
from those offered by priests. Distinguishing between these roles helps
highlight the diversity and richness of the Church's ministry. Let’s explore
this in detail.
What Can a Deacon Bless? (With Official Church
Approval)
Deacons
have a unique ministry that allows them to bless certain groups of people and
objects, but it’s essential to note that their blessings are not sacramental.
what a deacon is permitted to bless:
People (Non-Sacramental Blessings):
· Families: A
deacon can bless families, acknowledging the presence of God in their lives and
seeking His guidance and protection.
· Children:
Deacons can provide blessings for children, often invoking God’s grace and love
upon them.
· Engaged
Couples: Before marriage, deacons can bless couples preparing for the sacrament
of matrimony, offering their support as they embark on this journey.
· The Sick:
Deacons can bless the sick as an act of compassion and support, though this
does not include the anointing of the sick, which is reserved for priests.
· Travellers: As
they prepare for journeys, a deacon can bless those who travel, asking for
God’s protection and safe passage.
· Catechumens:
Those preparing for initiation into the Church can receive blessings from a
deacon as they grow in their faith.
Objects (Non-Sacred Use):
·
Vehicles:
Deacons can bless vehicles, asking for God’s safety for those who will use
them.
·
Homes: A
blessing for a new home can be provided to invite God’s presence into the
household.
·
Rosaries and
Religious Articles: In some dioceses or even in Parishes, deacons are permitted
to bless personal religious items like rosaries. If there are priests nearby,
it is better to show them the way.
·
Tools, Food,
Christmas Cribs, and Advent Wreaths: Deacons have the authority to bless
everyday items that hold significance for individuals and families during
various seasons.
Liturgical Moments:
·
Leading Prayer
Services: Deacons can lead prayer services and offer blessings within these
contexts.
·
Blessings at
the End of Non-Mass Services: Deacons can give blessings after services that do
not include Mass.
·
Ashes or Palms:
On special occasions like Ash Wednesday or Palm Sunday, a deacon can bless
ashes or palms if delegated by a priest.
How Does a Deacon Bless?
When a
deacon blesses, they do so with a non-sacerdotal formula. An example of this
would be:
"May
the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen." This language emphasizes the deacon’s role as a servant of the
Church community rather than a mediator of sacramental grace.
Canonical Authority
According
to Canon Law (1169 §3), “A deacon may impart only those blessings which are
expressly permitted by law.” This legal framework ensures that the boundaries
of the deacon's role are respected and preserved.
What Can a Deacon NOT Bless?
Despite
their ability to bless in certain areas, there are significant limitations to a
deacon's blessings:
·
The Eucharist:
A deacon cannot bless or consecrate the Eucharist; this sacrament is reserved
solely for priests and bishops.
·
Priestly
Blessing for People: Deacons are not permitted to bless individuals using
sacral formulas, such as, “May Almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son,
and the Holy Spirit. Amen.” This is exclusively the role of priests and
bishops.
·
The Sign of the
Cross Over People at Mass’ Conclusion: Deacons cannot perform this gesture, as
it is also reserved for priests.
·
Sacred Objects
for Liturgical or Sacramental Use: Items like chalices, altars, holy oils,
vestments, and sacred images for public veneration cannot be blessed by a
deacon.
·
Performing
Exorcisms or Sacramental Absolution: A deacon does not have the authority to
perform these actions, which require the priest's sacramental power.
Understanding the Role of Deacons
Even
when a deacon presides over a funeral or prayer service, they will always use
the non-sacerdotal form of blessing, maintaining the distinction between their
function and that of a priest.
What Does This Mean?
Deacons
are empowered to bless in meaningful and valid ways, but always within the
limits established by the Church. Their blessings act as humble intercessions
rather than sacramental mediations.
A deacon
blesses with the Church's authority, while a priest blesses in the person of
Christ, the Head of the Church. The Church's intention in defining these roles
is not to restrict deacons but to honour and protect the sacred mysteries of
the liturgy. Each role within the Church reveals a unique aspect of Christ: The
Servant (Deacon), the Shepherd (Priest), and the Head (Bishop). Liturgical
obedience within these distinctions does not diminish the potency of the
blessings bestowed; instead, it serves to enhance their sacredness. Let us
endeavour to comprehend and value the sacredness inherent in our worship and
ministries.
Sacred Vessels
During
the celebration of Holy Mass, the priest primarily requires two essential
sacred vessels: the paten and the chalice. The paten is a small, typically
circular plate crafted from gold or gilded silver. It serves as the holy
surface upon which the consecrated Sacred Host, representing the Body of
Christ, is placed. The chalice, similarly made of gold or gilded silver, is of
equal importance, as it holds the Precious Blood of Christ during the
Eucharistic celebration, signifying deep respect for this significant element
of the Mass.
As the
priest approaches the altar to commence the Mass, he carries the chalice,
elegantly covered with a chalice veil. This veil, made from silk, is usually of
the same colour as the vestments worn by the priest, symbolising the unity of
purpose and reverence. On top of the chalice veil rests the burse, a folded
cloth that carries the corporal. The corporal is a linen cloth that the priest
will spread out in the center of the altar, providing a sacred and clean space
for the celebration of the Eucharist.
Once
the consecration has occurred, the chalice, now containing the Precious Blood,
is placed on the corporal. At the Offertory, the chalice veil is ceremoniously
removed, allowing the priest to prepare for the next part of the Mass. During
this time, he takes the purificator, a linen cloth used to wipe the chalice
both before the Offertory and after Communion, ensuring that the vessel remains
clean and sacred. Additionally, a golden spoon is utilized to mingle water with
the wine, a practice imbued with both symbolism and tradition, reflecting the
dual nature of Christ.
On the
chalice, the paten is positioned, bearing the Sacred Host, which is covered
with a pall. This pall is a stiff, square piece of linen designed to shield the
contents of the chalice from dust, dirt, or other impurities that might
otherwise fall during the Mass, thus maintaining the sanctity of the Eucharist.
In the
context of Mass or Benediction, the monstrance is another sacred vessel
employed. This ornate vessel, typically made from silver or gold, is designed
to hold and display the Sacred Host on the altar. During adoration, the host is
exposed for worship by the faithful, emphasizing the importance of this moment
in the liturgy.
Furthermore,
the ciborium is a larger vessel, akin to a chalice but with a lid, used for
holding the reserved Sacred Hosts to be distributed during Holy Communion. This
allows for the careful storage of the consecrated hosts. For those unable to
attend Mass due to illness or other circumstances, Holy Communion is brought to
them in a small container called a pyx or custodia, allowing them to partake in
the Eucharist even while away from the altar.
These
sacred vessels are not merely functional items; they embody the profound
respect and reverence with which the elements of the Eucharist are treated
within the Catholic tradition.
Understanding the Corporal
Have
you ever paused to consider the significance of the white cloth placed on the
altar during the sacred moment of consecration? It serves a purpose far beyond
mere aesthetics. This cloth carries profound symbolism, telling a story steeped
in mystery and miracle.
This
sacred piece is known as the Corporal, derived from the Latin word "corpus,"
meaning body. Its name is fitting, as it is specifically designed to receive
the Body of Christ during the Eucharist. This humble cloth represents a point
of contact where heaven touches earth extraordinarily.
But
the depth of this story runs even deeper…
Reflect
for a moment: once, as a newborn, Jesus was wrapped
in linen and laid in a manger, a cradle of simplicity and divine humility.
Later in His life, He would once again be wrapped in linen, this time lying in
a tomb, symbolizing death and the anticipation of resurrection. Now, in our
present-day celebrations of the Mass, He rests once more on the corporal,
uniting past, present, and future in this beautiful act of worship.
Can
you see it now?
Consider
the profound role of Mary, the Blessed Mother, who first carried the body of Jesus.
Unlike a mere piece of cloth, she is the living corporal, the first
tabernacle. It was she who lovingly wrapped the Son of God in flesh and
swaddling clothes, nurturing and protecting the very essence of divine love.
Just as Mary embraced her role, the Church, too, lays down the corporal with
love and reverence, as if to say: “Receive Him. Adore Him. Love Him.”
You
might wonder, why is the corporal folded with such care? The answer lies
in the belief that even a single crumb of the consecrated Host contains the
fullness of Jesus. He is not divided into parts; He is complete, even in the
tiniest particle. Thus, the corporal is carefully folded with precision,
reminiscent of holy hands gently folding the linens of Bethlehem and Calvary.
Some traditions emphasise folding it into nine squares, three by three, a poignant reminder of the Holy Trinity and the perfect respect that is due to the King of Kings. This cloth is more than just linen; it embodies love in its purest, most
refined form. It is heaven wrapped in humility, a tangible reminder of divine
presence.
So,
the next time you encounter the corporal, take a moment to see it truly. Don’t
merely glance; allow yourself to marvel at its significance. This small white
cloth is not just an altar accessory; it symbolises the cradle of the Infant
Christ, the altar of the Sacrificial Lamb, the linen that heralds the
Resurrection, and the arms of Mary, tenderly holding Jesus out to you.
Let
your heart kneel in reverence. Let your soul whisper: “Thank you, Lord.” For He
still comes to us, He still rests among us, and He continues to wait, inviting
us to adore Him.
Understanding the Paten
Have
you ever paused to observe the small golden plate that the priest lifts at Mass
and contemplated its significance? This seemingly simple dish is far more than
a mere receptacle for bread; it serves as a profound symbol with layers of
meaning that transcend its physical form. This sacred object is called the
Paten, derived from the Latin word "patina," meaning a shallow plate
or dish.
However,
the true essence of the paten lies not in its shape or material but in what it
encompasses. It serves as a throne for the divine, a cradle for the miraculous,
and a battlefield for the eternal struggle between good and evil. Upon this
humble vessel, the Bread of Angels descends from Heaven, and the Lamb of God
lies down, embodying the eternal sacrifice. The sacred mystery unfolds as the
eternal Word of God becomes flesh again through the act of consecration.
Delving
deeper into this sacred symbolism, we are reminded of Mary, who held Jesus
first. She bore Him in her womb, cradled Him in her hands, and lifted Him to
the world, presenting the Incarnation to humanity. In a powerful
transformation, the paten now occupies her role at every altar, becoming the
new Bethlehem, the “House of Bread.” It is here that Christ is not merely
displayed for adoration but offered to be received and consumed, allowing us to
partake in His divine life.
The
golden circle of the paten symbolises eternity, serving as a profound reminder
that what we receive during the Eucharist is not merely a piece of bread but
the Living God Himself, broken out of love for us, yet never divided. When the
priest raises the paten at the moment of consecration, he echoes Mary’s
profound invitation, “Behold,” as he offers Christ to the Father and,
consequently, to each one of us in the congregation.
Therefore,
the next time you gaze upon that little golden plate, take a moment to reflect
on its richness and significance. Rather than simply glancing at it, let your
heart and mind engage in contemplation.
• The altar of sacrifice, where Christ’s ultimate
act of love is made present.
• The manger of divine humility, where the King
of Kings chose simplicity and vulnerability.
• The offering plate of Heaven itself, where we
encounter the grace of God poured out for our salvation.
Let
your soul whisper in awe, “This is my Lord… and my God.” Embrace the depth of
this mystery and allow it to transform your experience of the Holy Eucharist.
You (Deacons) are witnessing.
The
promise of obedience made by deacons and priests emphasises its significance in
Christian life.
Promise
of Obedience
- The promise of obedience is a commitment made by deacons and priests during ordination.
- It signifies obedience to the Bishop and ultimately to God.
- Obedience is rooted in love, not mere loyalty or efficiency.
- The promise encapsulates the essence of the Christian life, reflecting Christ's obedience.
Biblical
Foundations
- References to God's promises throughout salvation history, including those made to Abraham, Moses, and David.
- Key Gospel promises include Jesus' assurance of His presence and eternal life for believers.
- The Eucharist symbolizes Jesus' promise of being with His followers.
Characteristics
of Obedience
- Obedience must be filial, reflecting the relationship between a son and a father.
- St. Augustine highlights that true freedom is found in the son, not in the slave.
- Mary serves as a model of obedience, demonstrating promptness, thoughtfulness, and generosity in her response to God.
Mary's
Example
- Mary's obedience is characterised by quick, intelligent, and generous responses to God's call.
- She asks questions to understand God's will without doubting His words.
- Her willingness to serve God reflects a deep trust in His providence and love.
- It calls for a life of obedience informed by charity and love.
- It encourages the faithful to express love through promises and commitments.
References:
1.
2. liturgical instructions issued by the Vatican Liturgical Commission
3. Document Sacrosanctum Concilium
So beautiful to understand the real meaning of deacons.
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