Before the cross | Permanent deacons witness to the Lord’s ministries

Submitted on October 20, 2010

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson shook hands Oct. 17 with Christopher McCann, 8, during a reception in Boland Hall. Earlier, Archbishop Carlson celebrated the annual White Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis for doctors, nurses and others in the medical field. Christopher’s father, Michael McCann, is a medical doctor. From left are members of his family including: Andrea (his mom); Veronica, 3 months; Michael, 18; Christopher, 8; Benedict, 3; and Gisela, 14. In the background is Father Jay Alvarez, a priest of Opus Dei.

Jerry Naunheim Jr.

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Last year when Pope Benedict XVI met with the permanent deacons of the Diocese of Rome, he recalled an incident that occurred at the Second Vatican Council. Each day when the council was in session, the Gospel was enthroned to demonstrate that the council’s proceedings were subject to the authority of God’s Word. One day, Pope Paul VI told those in charge of the opening ceremony that at least one time he would like to be the person who enthroned the Gospel. The liturgists told him no, this is the job of a deacon, not the pope.