Prayers filled St. Peter’s Basilica Sunday as Archbishop Rino Fisichella delivered Pope Francis’ homily to over 4,000 permanent deacons gathered for a special Jubilee Mass, while the pontiff remained hospitalized with pneumonia. 

The Pope’s message emphasized three fundamental aspects of this ministry: “forgiveness, selfless service, and communion.” 

During the February 23rd historic ceremony, 23 men from eight countries were ordained as permanent deacons. The international gathering drew significant delegations from around the world, with Italy sending the largest group, followed by 1,300 deacons from the United States, 656 from France, and substantial numbers from other nations. 

The event started on Friday with prayers in 12 different Roman churches, followed by a series of meetings on the theme “Concrete signs of hope in diaconal ministry.”  

Ahead of the diaconal ordination on Sunday, a prayer vigil was held at the Vatican's Paul VI Hall on Saturday evening. 

In his message, which Archbishop Fisichella delivered on Sunday, Pope Francis encouraged deacons to make themselves “small” in humble service to others: 

“Dear deacons, your mission sets you apart from society only to be re-immersed in it in order to enable it to be an ever more open and welcoming place for everyone. It is one of the finest expressions of a synodal Church, one that goes forth.” 

Adapted by Jacob Stein 

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER HERE