With a standing-room only crowd of people from all over the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City gathered to join in the celebration, 15 men were ordained deacons in the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Jan. 27. For more than four years the 15 men endured harsh weather, long driving distances, family problems, health problems and even the death of one of their own, but despite the challenges they kept on going, following the special call they received from God. With the guidance of Deacon Drew Petersen; who oversaw the diaconate formation program, and Father Eleazar Galvan Silva, who served as director of academics; the men grew spiritually and prepared theologically and practically to serve in the parishes and missions through the diocese. During his homily, Archbishop Wester recalled Kent Lowe, a cathedral sacristan who had been a deacon candidate, but who died unexpectedly in 2014 at the age of 55. He assisted at the cathedral’s daily Mass as well as the weekend evening Masses. It was on one of those evenings that Archbishop Wester found Lowe climbing ladder to change a light bulb. “I was watching him, getting a bit distracted from my prayers, and I thought to myself, ‘What an interesting metaphor,’” said Archbishop Wester, adding that Lowe “knew what now you all know: that we are here to serve and not to be served.” Archbishop Wester remind the candidates that the way to the Father is not by climbing a stairway to heaven, but rather “it is by running to the heart of Christ.”
Congratulations and welcome, brothers! Ad multos annos!
Photo: Intermountain Catholic Facebook page
And today we celebrate...