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

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

Vatican city shines in the sign of faith: Almost 7,000 constant deacons from 100 countries gather for the big Holy Year meeting in Rome. 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 faith. Among those present there is also a group of several dozen permanent deacons from Austria, which celebrates the anniversary with their wives. A highlight of the meeting is the consecration of deacons in St. Peter's Basilica, where Pope Francis, currently treated because of a respiratory infection in the Gemelli Hospital, handed over the ceremonial management to Archbishop Rino Fisichella, such as kathpress.at reported.

But what does it mean to be a constant deacon? There are about 750 constant deacons all over Austria, which are active in liturgy, proclamation and in the charitable sector. They are able to manage, preach word-God celebrations and serve in the community and bring old and sick people to communion. This community of deacons is strengthened by various topics and events during the Holy Year. These deacons in Austria have a valuable place in the communities, with a deacon that is active in every fourth parish. The training as a constant deacon is bound to certain conditions: married men under 50 who have proven themselves, and single men with the promise of marriage to be consecrated. 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 for Christmas. With the guiding theme "Signs of Hope in the Diaconal Service", the deacons gather in various churches in Rome to share their confessions and strengthen each other. The meeting is accompanied by catecheses and services, and the participants have the opportunity to walk through the holy gate on St. Peter's Basilica, which is considered a sign of grace and renewal. The presence and commitment of the deacons in this community illustrates how valuable your service is for the Catholic Church