Bishop Éamonn Walsh ordains two deacons at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome
The Irish College, Rome has been in five different locations in the eternal city since its foundation in 1628. The College was at the Church of Sant’Agata de’ Goti for ninety years (1836 – 1926). Monsignor Liam Bergin, rector of the College, remarked that “the celebration of the diaconate ordination in this church was an acknowledgement of a significant part of the history of the College.” The heart of Daniel O’Connell was first buried in this Church in 1847 to fulfill The Liberator’s final wish that his heart rest in Rome, his body in Ireland and his soul with God.
Notes for Editors
There are three levels of holy orders in the Catholic Church: diaconate, priesthood, and episcopate. Students for the priesthood are ordained deacons prior to their ordination as priests. Deacons are ordained to represent Christ the servant sacramentally. A deacon is called to embody the work of Christ in charity, in the word and at the altar. There are as many ways of serving: deacons can baptise, witness marriages, bring viaticum to the dying, visit the sick and housebound, assist in sacramental preparation, promote knowledge of the social teaching of the Church, and preside at funerals. Deacons proclaim the Gospel and may serve as the homilist at Mass.
Martin Long, Director of Communications 086 172 7678
Brenda Drumm, Communications Officer 087 233 7797
