Today around 1 p.m. on a warm November Monday the pre-ordination retreat for our 10 candidates and wives came to a close. Together since Thanksgiving afternoon, the ten couples departed for home aware that they would next be all together in one place for rehersal, a pre-ordination vigil and finally ordination day. And then, they move on to their assigned ministries and the possibility that they all will never be together in one place again.
On Saturday evening the class experienced a myriad of prayer opportunities; the vigil for nascent life as requested by Pope Benedict, a rosary, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Bendiction and finally a penance service and individual reconciliation.
Sunday brought Mass as community in the beautiful church of the St. Joseph Abbey and an evening prayer and sharing opportunity in front of the fireplace. Supported by about 6 or 7 deacons, many of whom served as mentors, the candidates and wives were able to reflect on the journey, share moments from the retreat that touched them and look forward to the ministry of deacon that now awaits.
This morning, in a prayerful and reflective way, Archbishop Hughes walked the couples through the actual rite of ordination. I can imagine how profound that must have been as being a relatively new deacon, I found the Archbishop's talk as he described the rite spiritually profound.
After Mass, lunch was served and off they went.
And soon we will welcome these 10 men as brother deacons in the diaconate community for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. As I do, may I ask each of you to pray for these men as ordination day draws near.
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