Gigantic Holy Year meeting of deacons: Hope for Pope Francis!

Gigantic Holy Year meeting of deacons: Hope for Pope Francis!

Vatican City shines under the sign of faith: almost 7,000 permanent deacons from 100 countries are gathering in Rome until Sunday for the big Holy Year meeting. With an impressive contingent of around 4,000 participants from Italy, followed by 1,300 from the USA, 650 from France and other nations, this event is a true celebration of faith. Among those present is a group of several dozen permanent deacons from Austria who are celebrating the anniversary with their wives. A highlight of the meeting is the ordination of deacons in St. Peter's Basilica, where Pope Francis, currently being treated for a respiratory infection in the Gemelli Hospital, handed over the ceremonial leadership to Archbishop Rino Fisichella, as kathpress.at reported.

But what does it mean to be a permanent deacon? There are around 750 permanent deacons throughout Austria who work in liturgy, preaching and in the charitable sector. They are able to lead celebrations of the Word of God, preach and serve in the community and bring communion to old and sick people. This community of deacons is strengthened during the Holy Year through various topics and events. These deacons in Austria have a valuable place in the parishes, with a deacon active in every fourth parish. Training to become a permanent deacon is subject to certain requirements: Married men under 50 who have proven themselves and single men who have promised celibacy can be ordained. This information comes from erzbistumberlin.de.

A sign of hope

The meeting in Rome is part of over 30 “mini-anniversaries” as part of the Holy Year 2025, which the Pope opened at Christmas. With the guiding theme “Signs of Hope in Diaconal Service,” the deacons gather in various churches in Rome to share their confessions and strengthen one another. The meeting is accompanied by catechesis and masses, and participants have the opportunity to pass through the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica, which is considered a sign of grace and renewal. The presence and commitment of deacons in this community demonstrates how valuable their service is to the Catholic Church.