Colm Fitzpatrick
The new deacons with the ordaining Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, Bishop Philip Boyce OCD, members of the formation staff of the Pontifical Irish College, Anthony’s brother, Father Joseph Briody, and the acolytes who served the Mass of ordination. Bishop of Raphoe, Alan McGuckian SJ, ordained two seminarians to the diaconate yesterday in the Basilica of Saint Prassede, Rome.
The two new deacons, Rev. Anthony Briody, from the Diocese of Raphoe, and Rev. Declan McGeehan, from the Diocese of Derry, are resident in the Pontifical Irish College in Rome, from where they are pursuing their studies for the priesthood.
Bishop McGuckian was accompanied by Bishop Philip Boyce OCD, the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore.
Speaking about the event, Monsignor Ciarán O’Carroll, Rector of the Pontifical Irish College said: “It is with great joy that we celebrate the ordination to the diaconate today of Anthony and Declan. On behalf of everyone at the Pontifical Irish College I congratulate our two new deacons on their ordination.”
He added that he hopes God’s grace may allow them to share the Gospel and to serve their parishioners with “care and passion”.
“I wish them every happiness and blessing as they commence their diaconal ministries of service, of charity and of leadership in prayer and liturgy. May they experience God’s grace anew in their lives so that they may courageously proclaim the Gospel in word and deed, generously serving the people of God in their dioceses with care and compassion.”
Transitional deacons exercise the very same ministry as permanent deacons, as such they are now ordinary Ministers of Baptism; are able to preside at weddings; assist the priest at Mass; proclaim the Gospel and preach, as well as preside at wakes and funeral services.