This weekend, the Jubilee Year of Hope focuses on Deacons with special events being held in the Vatican.

The Jubilee of Deacons has a theme: ‘Deacons: Joyful Witnesses of Hope’, reminding us that Deacons help bring the hope and love of Christ to a world which has lost hope.

We remember, in a special way this weekend, those who serve the Church in the Diocese of Kilmore as Permanent Deacons: Andy Brady and Padraig Kelly.

PRAYER FOR DEACONS:

Mary, who as teacher of faith, by your obedience to the word of God, has co-operated in a remarkable way with the work of redemption, make the ministry of deacons effective by teaching them to hear the Word and to proclaim it faithfully.

Mary, teacher of charity, who by your total openness to God’s call, has co-operated in bringing to birth all the Church’s faithful, make the ministry and the life of deacons fruitful by teaching them to give themselves totally to the service of the People of God.

Mary, teacher of prayer, who through your maternal intercession has supported and helped the Church from her beginnings, make deacons always attentive to the needs of the faithful by teaching them to come to know the value of prayer.

Mary, teacher of humility, by constantly knowing yourself to be the servant of the Lord you were filled with the Holy Spirit, make deacons docile instruments in Christ’s work of redemption by teaching them the greatness of being the least of all.

Mary, teacher of that service which is hidden, who by your everyday and ordinary life filled with love, knew how to co-operate with the salvific plan of God in an exemplary fashion, make deacons good and faithful servants, by teaching them the joy of serving the Church with an ardent love. Amen.