Bangalore, 11 May 2020: It was a day of great joy to the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Bangalore as it welcomed 12 newly ordained deacons to the Archdiocese. The celebration took place on 11 May 2020 at the Chapel of Paalanaa Bhavana, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center.
His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore, ordained the 12 seminarians as deacons amidst a a very small number of priests and few lay faithful keeping in mind the social distancing guidelines. The Archbishop, addressing the candidates said "Being Deacon is not a position but it is a call of God to assist and serve the Church... As consecrated people, we should serve God and at the same time we should serve people too," the Prelate reminded them of the mission.
Further saying "We do not see or hear in the gospels about the existence of deacons or the term itself. The history of deacons dates back to the early church. In those days the greek widows blamed that they were not given a chance to serve the church. In order to pacify them, the diaconate instituted. The word deacon in Greek means 'helper'.
The celebration was simple but solemn with the strict observance of social distancing, containing a limited number of participants due to COVID - 19. During this solemn celebration, parents of the new deacons were also present.
The newly ordained Deacons are pursuing their theological studies from different Major Seminaries across India, expressed their great joy and have committed themselves to serve the people of God.