We see them during Mass, in Caritas groups, in prisons, and in hospitals, always ready to help those in need. Yet deacons often remain almost invisible figures, little known and sometimes considered “failed priests.” But who are deacons really, and what is their role?
Who is the deacon?
The word “diakonia,” which means service in Greek, defines the essence of the diaconate. This task is so crucial for the Church that it is undertaken through a sacramental act, the Rite of Ordination. Being a deacon means embracing a spirituality of service, characterized by inner willingness and outward openness. As Pope Francis says, deacons are not “half-priests” or “luxury altar boys,” but caring servants, ready to help everyone feel the Lord’s love, especially those who are excluded.
A little history
The origins of the diaconate date back to the time of the apostles, as testified in the Acts of the Apostles by the appointment of the seven deacons to serve at the tables. The Church Fathers also wrote about them. From the fifth century onward, however, for various reasons, the diaconate remained only an intermediate stage for candidates for priestly ordination. The Council of Trent (1545-1563) decreed that the permanent diaconate should be restored, but this prescription was not put into practice. It was the Second Vatican Council that reestablished the diaconate (Lumen Gentium 29).
Exemplary figures such as Saint Lawrence, Saint Vincent of Saragossa, and Saint Francis of Assisi have left their mark on the history of the Church through their witness of faith and charity.
What does a deacon do?
The deacon carries out a 360-degree ministry of service: liturgy, preaching, and charity. In particular, the deacon may administer Baptism, distribute the Eucharist, assist at and bless marriages, bring comfort to the dying, proclaim the Word of God, instruct the people, lead prayer, and preside at funerals. The Second Vatican Council specifies that the deacon serves the people of God in communion with the bishop and his presbyterate, participating in the functions of teaching, sanctifying, and governing.
The two paths of the diaconate
There are two types of diaconate:
• Transitional diaconate: this is a temporary stage for those aspiring to the priesthood. Candidates for the transitional diaconate must be single and may be admitted to ordination only after turning 23.
• Permanent diaconate: this is a specific vocation for those who wish to serve the Church in a stable way, whether single or married. For the permanent diaconate, the minimum age is 25 for single men and 35 for married men, with the wife’s prior consent. If permanent deacons are single, they may no longer marry after ordination. Likewise, a widowed permanent deacon may not remarry. The permanent diaconate is not merely a transitional step toward the priesthood, but a specific vocation within the ministry of Holy Orders. Deacons “have hands imposed on them not for the priesthood, but for service.”
The profile of a deacon
A true deacon is full of virtues: sincere in charity, caring toward the poor and vulnerable, humble in service, upright and pure of heart, watchful and faithful in spirit. Like prophets, they offer comfort and sow hope, helping the community find solutions in difficult times.
Through their quiet service, deacons teach us that true greatness lies in serving. By their example, they show us that service is a way to encounter God and our brothers and sisters. The Jubilee is a special opportunity to renew our commitment to living out our faith with a spirit of service and charity, with open hearts and hands ready to help.
How can you, in your own small way, become a servant to others, following the example of Christ and the deacons?
