Twenty Opus Dei seminarians were ordained as deacons in Rome, in a Mass presided over by Bishop Hugo Nicolás Barbaro of San Roque De Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña, Argentina. The group included four deacons from Latin America and seven from Spain. During the ordination ceremony, Bishop Barbaro emphasized that the spirit of service characterizes the life of a deacon and priest, citing Jesus’ example of coming to serve and give his life.
Bishop Barbaro encouraged the new deacons to assist the Prelate of Opus Dei, Monsignor Fernando Ocariz, in his pastoral service and to engrave in their souls the teachings of St. Josemaría, who longed to be the servant of the whole world. The bishop also stressed the importance of being available, giving up one’s own agenda, and being prepared for God’s surprises. He emphasized that serving others means helping, praying, forgiving, smiling, encouraging, mortifying, caring, listening, and treating everyone with the same affection.
At the end of the Mass, Bishop Ocariz thanked Bishop Barbaro and stressed that Christ is the model for their special mission of service to the people of God. He emphasized the importance of personal encounter with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and in prayer, as it enlarges one’s heart to include all people. Bishop Ocariz also encouraged the families of the new deacons to continue accompanying them with prayers in the months leading up to their ordination as priests.