Heralds of Charity: The First Deacons and the Dawn of a New Era

In the vibrant, nascent days of the Church, as the Apostles diligently spread the Good News, a beautiful and essential need arose. The community of believers was growing rapidly, and with it, the demands of daily life and ministry. It was in this context, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, that the Holy Spirit inspired a pivotal development in the structure and service of the Church: the appointment of the first deacons.

The apostles, recognizing that they could not dedicate themselves fully to both prayer and the ministry of the word while also attending to the material needs of the community, wisely sought a solution. Acts 6:1-6 recounts this moment: "Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were¹ neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, 'It is not desirable that we should leave the² word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.'"

This³ passage highlights the practical necessity and spiritual insight behind the diaconate. These men, "full of the Spirit and wisdom," were chosen to serve, to free the Apostles for their primary mission of evangelization and prayer. The choosing of these seven men, including the renowned Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, marked the formal institution of the diaconate, a distinct order within the Church. They were then presented to the Apostles, "who prayed and laid hands on them," a gesture that signifies ordination and the conferral of a sacred office. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in paragraph 1569, affirms this, stating that "at the lower level of the hierarchy are deacons, who receive ordination 'not to the priesthood but to the ministry.'" Their role was, and remains, to serve the People of God in the "ministry of the liturgy, of the word, and of charity" (CCC 1570).

Among these first deacons, Saint Stephen stands out as a luminous example of faith and courage. Filled with grace and power, he "worked great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8). His powerful preaching and unwavering testimony to Christ, however, stirred up intense opposition. Accused falsely, Stephen delivered a stirring defense before the Sanhedrin, recounting salvation history and boldly proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah. His final moments, as he looked up to heaven and saw "the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:55), are profoundly moving. He was then dragged outside the city and stoned to death, becoming the Church's first martyr.

It is here that we encounter a fascinating and providential intersection of lives. Among those who consented to Stephen's execution and even guarded the cloaks of his persecutors was a young man named Saul, a zealous Pharisee dedicated to stamping out this new Christian sect. Acts 7:58 states, "And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul." Saul witnessed firsthand Stephen's unwavering faith, his radiant countenance, and his final prayer of forgiveness for his persecutors: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60).

Could it be that this powerful display of Christ-like love and forgiveness, witnessed by Saul as he stood by and approved, began to chip away at the hardened walls of his heart? While Saul continued his relentless persecution of Christians, the memory of Stephen's martyrdom, particularly his prayer for forgiveness, may have been the very crack that allowed the light of Christ to eventually penetrate his soul. As Pope Benedict XVI noted in a general audience on November 5, 2008, "Stephen's martyrdom ... brought about a radical change in the life of Saul. This death was not merely the end of a life, but the seed of a new one, as Stephen's last words, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them,' echoed in Saul's ears." This pivotal moment, fueled by divine grace, indeed led to Saul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, transforming him into Saint Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, one of Christ's most fervent and influential disciples.

Today, the spirit of those first deacons continues to animate the Church. Deacons, ordained through the laying on of hands, continue to serve the People of God in a multitude of ways. They are truly "heralds of charity," ministering to the poor and needy, bringing the compassion of Christ to those on the margins. They preach the Gospel, bringing the Word of God to life in homilies and catechesis. They witness the joyous union of couples in Holy Matrimony, echoing God's covenantal love. And with immense joy, they baptize new Catholics, bringing them into the life of Christ and His Church, marking the beginning of their journey of faith. Just as in the early Church, deacons today stand as living testaments to selfless service, embodying the call to "serve and not to be served," a vibrant and indispensable pillar of our Catholic faith. 

Jesus, Our Hope: The Sower and the Seed

Hope is not a vague optimism or wishful thinking—hope is a person. Jesus Christ is our living hope, planted in the soil of our hearts through His Word.

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus tells us about a sower who scatters seed on different types of ground. Some seed falls on the path, some on rocky soil, some among thorns, and some on good, fertile soil. The seed is the Word of God, and we are the soil.

Jesus knows that life can make our hearts hard, rocky, or tangled with worry and sin. But still, He sows His Word generously. He doesn’t wait for us to be perfect; He comes to us right where we are, because He is the hope that transforms the soil.

When we receive His Word with faith, even in small amounts, it begins to take root. It pushes through the rocks, breaks through the thorns, and slowly, through grace, we become that good soil. And the fruit? It’s abundant: “some a hundred, some sixty, some thirtyfold” (Matthew 13:8).

So, if your life feels dry or cluttered or unworthy—take heart. The Sower hasn’t given up on you. Jesus is still sowing. His Word still brings life. And His hope is never wasted.

Let Him plant His hope in you today.

Discovering Your Heart's Rest: Dr. Shane Owens' New Book on St. Augustine, Timely for an Augustinian Papacy

In a providential alignment, as the Catholic Church welcomes its first Augustinian Pope, Leo XIV, the release of my good friend Dr. Shane Owens' new book, Return to the Heart: The Biblical Spirituality of St. Augustine’s Confessions, couldn't be more timely. This insightful work invites readers to delve into the enduring wisdom of one of Christianity's most influential figures, offering a roadmap for personal conversion and a deeper encounter with God.

St. Augustine's Confessions holds a unique place in Western literature as the very first autobiography. It's a profound narrative of one man's tumultuous journey away from and ultimately back to God, a journey rich with human experience. As Augustine himself famously penned, "He is most intimately present to the human heart, but the heart has strayed from him. Return to your heart, then, you wrongdoers, and hold fast to him who made you."

This profound call to the heart resonates deeply with our own contemporary struggles for love, happiness, and peace. Dr. Owens, with his new book, bridges the centuries, making Augustine's wisdom accessible to a new generation. He masterfully demonstrates that true wholeness and self-understanding are found only in a heart-to-heart encounter with our Creator.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church echoes Augustine's central insight, stating that "The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God" and that only "in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for" (CCC No.¹ 27). Return to the Heart offers convincing testimony from St. Augustine's own life and writings to this fundamental truth: an ever-present God is ceaselessly at work, guiding us toward conversion and eternal life.

With Pope Leo XIV, himself a "son of St. Augustine," leading the Church, there's a renewed emphasis on the Augustinian charism. This papacy promises to reacquaint the universal Church with Augustine's intellectual depth and missionary zeal. As Pope Leo XIV's own motto, "In Illo uno unum" ("In the One, we are one"), drawn from Augustine, suggests, his pontificate will likely emphasize unity in Christ, rooted in a profound understanding of the human heart's restless yearning for God.

Now more than ever, as we navigate a world often characterized by restlessness and a search for meaning, Dr. Shane Owens' book provides a vital guide. It's an invitation to follow in the footsteps of St. Augustine, returning to the very core of our being to discover the ultimate peace and fulfillment found only in God. 

Welcome to Pope Leo

With gratitude to God and in joyful communion with the universal Church, we give thanks for the election of Pope Leo XIV. In this moment of grace, the Body of Christ rejoices at the new successor of Peter, chosen to shepherd the flock in a time of both great challenge and great hope. As he begins his sacred ministry, we invite all Eucharistic missionaries, parish leaders, and faithful across the United States to lift him up in prayer—offering personal Mass intentions, Holy Hours, and other devotions for our new Holy Father.

In his first words from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV humbly introduced himself as “a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian.” This identity is more than biographical—it signals a deep spiritual heritage rooted in the search for God through community, humility, and love. The Augustinian Rule’s call to be “of one mind and one heart on the way to God” beautifully echoes the vision of the National Eucharistic Revival. As we prepare for our Eucharistic pilgrimage, this Augustinian spirit invites us to journey not as individuals alone, but as a people united in Christ.

The Eucharist itself is the supreme expression of this unity. In every Mass, Jesus Christ humbles Himself to become present under the appearance of bread and wine, drawing us into communion not only with Him, but with one another. In a world so often torn by division and isolation, the Augustinian emphasis on interior conversion and community challenges us to let our belief in the Real Presence lead to real transformation—healing relationships, forming friendships in Christ, and restoring the bonds of charity.

Let us pray that Pope Leo XIV will be a wise and courageous shepherd, rooted in the Gospel and guided by the Holy Spirit. May his Augustinian formation inspire us all to live Eucharistic lives—marked by humility, spiritual poverty, and deep love for God and neighbor. As we give thanks for our new Holy Father, may we also renew our commitment to walk together as one Church, “on the way to God.”

Pope Leo XIV

In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. Pope Leo XIV has deep ties to Peru, where he spent over two decades working as a missionary and bishop. He is also known for his pastoral experience, commitment to social justice, and advocacy for workers' rights. He selected the name Leo to evoke Pope Leo XIII, famed for his pro-worker stance.

Pope Leo XIV's deep roots in the Augustinian Order further shape his vision for the Church. As a former Prior General of the Augustinians, he brings a commitment to communal living, humility, and service. His tenure in Peru, where he served as Archbishop of Chiclayo, reflects his dedication to missionary work and social justice. His leadership style emphasizes synodality and inclusivity, aligning with the Augustinian ethos of unity and shared purpose.

Pope Leo XIV has articulated a traditional stance on LGBTQ+ issues and the ordination of women, aligning with longstanding Catholic doctrine. In a 2012 address, he criticized the "homosexual lifestyle" and same-sex families, attributing such developments to media influence and cultural shifts that, in his view, distort Christian teachings. Regarding the ordination of women, Pope Leo XIV opposes the inclusion of women in the diaconate. He has expressed that "clericalizing women" does not necessarily address the challenges faced by the Church and could introduce new complexities . This position is consistent with the Catholic Church's teaching that ordination is reserved for men, as affirmed in the apostolic letter Ordinatio Sacerdotalis, which states that the Church has no authority to confer priestly ordination on women. Pope Leo XIV's perspectives on these issues underscore a commitment to traditional interpretations of Catholic doctrine. As his papacy progresses, observers will watch closely to see how he navigates the balance between upholding established teachings and engaging with contemporary discussions within the global Church community.

The global Catholic community has responded to Pope Leo XIV's election with enthusiasm and hope. In his first Mass as pope, Leo XIV described his election as both "a cross and a blessing," emphasizing his commitment to invigorating the Church’s mission in a secular world. He highlighted his support for women's roles in the Church and stressed healing divisions within the Church and enhancing lay participation. His formal installation is scheduled for May 18.

 

Prayer for the Papal Conclave

 Prayer for the Conclave and the Election of a New Pope

To be prayed by the faithful beginning May 7

Heavenly Father,
Lord of all wisdom and mercy,
You guide Your Church through the ages
and never leave Your flock untended.

As the College of Cardinals gathers in conclave,
we lift our hearts in prayer for Your divine guidance.
Send forth the Holy Spirit, O Lord,
to enlighten, inspire, and unify these 135 shepherds
called to discern Your holy will.

May their deliberations be marked
by humility, wisdom, and courage.
Grant them clarity of mind and purity of heart,
that they may recognize the one You have chosen
to serve as the next Vicar of Christ on Earth.

Raise up for us a Holy Father
who will lead with truth and tenderness,
who will defend the dignity of life,
strengthen the faith of the weary,
and build bridges of peace in a divided world.

Under the watchful mantle of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
with the intercession of Saints Peter and Paul,
and in communion with all the saints,
may this conclave be a faithful response
to the voice of the Good Shepherd.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.