Vatican City, Feb 19, 2006 / 22:00 pm
On Saturday, Pope Benedict XVI met with some 400 permanent deacons from around Rome, telling them that they have a unique, family-oriented ministry to evangelize with the truth of the Gospel and a spirit of charity toward the poor.
The meeting came on the 25th anniversary of the reinstatement of the ecclesial ministry of permanent deacons in the diocese of Rome.
The Holy Father told them that above all, "Union with Christ, cultivated through prayer, sacramental life and especially Eucharistic adoration is of the utmost importance to your ministry, in order that it truly bear witness to the love of God."
Benedict thanked the deacons for their parish service in Rome, especially noting their pastoral concern for Baptisms and the family. Likewise, he highlighted how they must be "servants of the Truth.”
“By announcing the Gospel,” he said, “you will offer a Word capable of illuminating and giving meaning to the work of mankind and to the suffering of the sick, and you will help the new generations discover the beauty of Christian faith.”