Archbishop Mgr Paul Cremona OP. will ordain four deacons on Sunday at St Joseph parish church, Msida, during a concelebrated Mass at 6pm. The new deacons are Malcolm Agius (from St Joseph parish, Msida), Glen Buhagiar (from the parish of Our Lady of Graces, Zabbar), Jonathan Farrugia (from the parish of the Assumption of Mary, Mqabba) and Eucharist Zammit (from St Nicholas parish, Siggiewi).

Through ordination to the diaconate, the new deacon receives the sacrament of Holy Orders and is configured to Jesus Christ, the perfect ‘deacon’ who made himself the servant of all.

The duties of the deacon include the following: he assists the bishop and the priest during the celebration of the sacred mysteries, especially the Eucharist; he administers the sacrament of Baptism; he assists at the celebration of marriage and blesses the marital bond; he proclaims the Gospel and delivers the homily; he leads prayers during the funeral rite. In all these duties, he offers himself by serving with love and dedication.

The community of the Major Seminary is urging everyone to pray for these new deacons, and to pray to the Lord that those whom he calls to the priestly and religious life may respond generously and wholeheartedly.