Pope tells deacons: in serving others, imitate God’s love

June 06, 2016

Pope Francis received members of the Internationales Diakonatszentrum (International Center for the Diaconate) in the Hall of Popes of the Apostolic Palace on June 4 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the center’s foundation.

“Deacons express in a particular way Jesus’ commandment: imitate God in the service of others, imitate God Who is love and is driven even to serve us,” the Pope told the deacons, as he referred to Christ’s new commandment at the Last Supper.

“God’s way of acting, with patience, benevolence, compassion and willingness to better us, must also distinguish all the ministries: bishops as successors of the apostles, priests, their collaborators, and, in the concrete work of ‘serving tables,’ deacons,” he added. “Deacons are the face of the Church in everyday life, of a community that lives and journeys in the midst of the people, and where the great are not those who command, but rather those who serve.”

 

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Further information:

• Udienza alla Delegazione del Centro Internazionale del Diaconato (Holy See Press Office)
• Deacons, face of the Church in daily life (Holy See Press Office)
• Internationales Diakonatszentrum