Our parishioner, Svea Fraser, is in Rome with the Discerning Deacons/CEAMA Pilgrims and will be sending us updates from their journey!
Deacon Day!
On this day we found ourselves in the Saint Lawrence Basilica, built as a diaconiae (not to be confused by that word). A diaconiae started as a simple structure to serve the needs of the poor in the area. Over time it was developed and expanded to include an oratory where deacons could gather in prayer. To this day, this oratory contains the Easter Candle as well as the ambo for the proclamation of the Gospel. Eventually a sanctuary was added to the oratory. This three-part design of the oratory and the sanctuary is a graphic reminder of the deacon’s threefold ministry of the Word (oratory), Sacrament (sanctuary) and Charity (the nave). These three make up one sacred reality! Pope Francis resumed the ancient custom of entrusting a church to a Deacon.
Lawrence was one of seven deacons who oversaw giving help to the poor and the needy. Big trouble began when Christians were being martyred for their faith. After suffering pain for a long time, the legend relates, Lawrence cheerfully declared: “I’m well done on this side. Turn me over!”
We got to sit in the oratory and celebrate Mass together: Fr. Michael Hicken presided and acknowledged that our liturgy modeled the co-responsibility of clergy and lay, men and women, joined in inclusive worship.
When Jessica Morel (the military deacon chaplain who cannot claim either of those titles) climbed the marble stairs to the ambo above us, I could not hold back tears both happy and sad. THIS is what a woman deacon is ordained to do. As she preached the Word with deep faith and compassion it was a prophetic sign for me of the future we hope for.
We all wore our green T-shirts today. They have an image of St. Francis and St. Clare with the words “Every Francis has a Clare” on the front. Our dreams of an inclusive and just church will not be accomplished without the full support of all the baptized: women and men, clergy and lay for the good of all the People of God and the Good News of the Gospel.
For me this day was a tangible culmination of my dreams of a church that sings “All are Welcome” and really means it. Our collaboration with AUSCP and partnership with Discerning Deacons expands the orbits of our mission and has the potential to enlarge our synodal circle of influence and expands the space of our tent.
Getting out of the rain we stopped to take a photo of everyone, wearing our T-shirts, the one we offered to the Pope!
When we climbed back onto the bus, we heard a whoopee as (Angela) shared the Vatican photo of Pope Francis. Pope Francis has a Clare! Can I hear an “AMEN”?!
Svea
To view all the posts in this series please visit our Synod page.