Deacons serving in the Diocese of Raleigh recently met with Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama for the Annual Deacon Convocation. Fifty-eight deacons attended this year’s event; more than half of them were also joined by their wives.
“I always look forward to the convocation,” said Rev. Dcn. Felix Saez, Jr., Director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate. “It’s always a special occasion for me to meet with Bishop Luis, but I also like this event because it is an occasion for me to see and talk, even for few minutes, with all the deacons in the diocese.”
The day included morning prayer and Mass with Bishop Luis followed by an informal group meeting. At the meeting, those celebrating milestone ordination anniversaries were recognized, including Deacon Myles Charlesworth, who is celebrating 42 years in service as a deacon at Our Lady of Lourdes, where the convocation was hosted.
“It is especially important that we can pray the morning prayer - the Liturgy of the Hours - together,” said Deacon Felix. “This reminds me of the years of formation we spend together.”
During the meeting, Bishop Luis talked about his recent experience meeting with Pope Francis for the Ad Limina visit at the Vatican and encouraged the deacons to have an attitude of hope in their ministry and in their lives. The bishop also encouraged them to make time for each other and especially for their wives.
“God always give us something new in our lives,” said Bishop Zarama. “We need to find it today and every day.”
The next Ordination of Permanent Deacons will be on June 27, 2020, at the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral at 10:00 a.m.
