2021 marks 50 years of the Permanent Diaconate England & Wales
Restored by Pope Paul VI in 1967, following discussions during the Second Vatican Council, the Permanent Diaconate has gradually re-emerged to reflect Christ-the-Servant through a three-fold ministry of Word, Altar and Charity. National 50-year celebrations, began with a Mass on 1st May at Leeds Cathedral, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, other events have been postponed until 2022. These will include a special Mass at Westminster Cathedral on 2nd July and a National Assembly for Deacons from 2nd-4th September 2022, at Liverpool Hope University. Throughout the coming months there will be a series of articles on the Diocesan Website detailing the history, characteristics and ongoing development of the Permanent Diaconate in Westminster and beyond.
1st May 2021 - Mass at Leeds Cathedral for 50 years of Permanent Diaconate
(Photograph: 2019 Ordinations to the Permanent Diaconate at Westminster Cathedral)