VATICAN CITY, OCT. 5, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Archbishop John Foley told 21 Australians and North Americans about to be ordained deacons that their basic attitude should be one of service.
The U.S.-born archbishop, who is pro-grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, said this in his homily during Thursday's ordination Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.
During his homily, the 71-year-old archbishop told those present that the prayer of a deacon should ask what he can do for God, and for the Christians he is being ordained to serve.
Archbishop Foley, who is also the former president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, explained that the response to the question should be one of obedience to superiors, as well as an anticipation of the needs of the community.
Monsignor Robert Panke, the director of priestly vocations for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., told ZENIT that "God is continuing to call fine men who are willing to give up many things in order to serve," and this should give Catholics great hope.
Three of the new deacons came from the Archdiocese of Washington, which has 73 men in formation for the priesthood.
"God has blessed us, but it is a never-ending effort to promote vocations," Monsignor Panke said. "It is the duty and responsibility of every Christian to pray for vocations, not just the job of vocations directors, the bishop or the priests."
ZE07100507 - 2007-10-05