The Deacon

As we find ourselves well into the Jubilee Year, the Church continues to immerse itself in a tradition rich with biblical heritage, inviting the faithful across the globe to deepen their encounter with God’s grace. This ongoing celebration renews our spiritual vigor, reminding us of the transformative power of a holy year.

This tradition, derived from the Old Testament’s command for a sabbatical year every 50 years (Lv 25:10) for rest, release and renewal, has been embraced and adapted by the Church to emphasize spiritual rejuvenation, forgiveness and a universal call to compassion. Proclaimed by Pope Francis and themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” the 2025 Holy Year is not just an opportunity for spiritual introspection; it is a broader opportunity for the Church to deepen its commitment to the Gospel through tangible acts of mercy and forgiveness. It seeks to spark a vibrant renewal of faith, focusing on the Church’s mission to manifest Christ’s love amid global challenges.

In this significant ecclesiastical season, deacons are called to take a lead in embodying the Jubilee’s themes through our dedicated ministry of service. Ordained as ministers to attend to the Church’s needs, we play a crucial role in animating the community’s engagement with our faith throughout this Holy Year. Our vocation, inherently connected to service, positions us as essential figures in mobilizing the Church’s response to human needs in both practical and spiritual realms.

A Mission in the Jubilee Year

As deacons, we are exceptionally positioned to guide and inspire the execution of the corporal works of mercy — feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. These acts of mercy, fundamental to the Church’s mission, gain particular significance during a jubilee year. By leading community initiatives such as food drives, clothing collections and shelter programs, deacons can ensure that the Church’s response to human suffering is comprehensive and impactful.

Furthermore, the diaconate is pivotal in enriching the spiritual life of the community by preaching and teaching the importance of the Jubilee Year. Through homilies, catechetical sessions and educational programs, we can deepen the faithful’s understanding of mercy and spiritual renewal. The Jubilee Year also promotes pilgrimage as a profound means of spiritual renewal. Deacons can organize local pilgrimages and spiritual retreats, offering the faithful opportunities for deep reflection and encounters with the divine. These spiritual journeys encourage parishioners to step away from daily routines and renew their commitment to live out the Gospel.

Consequently, this Holy Year should be distinctly marked by our fervent efforts to illuminate the darkest corners of our communities with the light of Christ. United by our shared vocation and driven by a common purpose, we are called to rally together to ensure that this Jubilee Year stands as a powerful testament to the Church’s enduring mission of mercy. This is not merely a call — it is a mission that places us, as deacons, at the very heart of the Church and the world during this blessed Jubilee. Let us move forward with determination and faith, embodying the Gospel in every act of service, every word of comfort and every gesture of unconditional love, making this year truly transformative.

DEACON DOMINIC CERRATO, Ph.D., is editor of The Deacon and director of diaconal formation for the Diocese of Joliet, in Illinois.