Spirit of camaraderie at National Deacons Conference
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Keynote speakers Deacon Dr Bill Ditewig and Rev Dr Michael Trainor offered insightful, affirming, if not challenging presentations to around 80 attendees at the conference held from Thursday February 27 to Sunday 2 March 2.
Deacon Bill Ditewig from the Diocese of Washington DC shared his perspective on deacons as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ in light of the ordination ritual, sacred promises and the 2025 Jubilee Year.
He spoke of his participation in the last Jubilee in 2000 when he joined 700 deacons and wives on a pilgrimage to Italy and how the sudden death of one of the participants outside a church in Florence “changed everything” for the group.
“It was a transforming moment,” the former US Navy officer said.
“When Pope Francis began writing about pilgrimage, he wrote about the patience of God, about the journey itself and being led by the Spirit.
“Along the way we have to confront our fears and our uncertainties.”
Adelaide priest Fr Michael Trainor, a New Testament scholar from the Australian Catholic University, shed fresh light on the contextual reality of the diaconal ministry of Jesus and of Jesus’ earliest followers.
Other speakers included Deacon Tony Hoban, Diocese of Parramatta, who reflected upon his recent pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee of Deacons. He was the only Australian deacon present and was elected deputy chair of the International Diaconate Centre.
Breakout sessions included presentations on Ageing Well, Wives of Deacons, Spiritual Direction and Deacons, Deacons and Liturgy, and Deacons as Pastoral Directors.
Many attendees commented on the strong spirit of camaraderie evidence throughout the four-day conference. Warm reconnections and new encounters occurred between deacons, aspirants and wives.
It was also a chance to welcome Deacon Shane Hyland, from the Diocese of Lismore, who had been ordained for less than a week while others attendees have been ordained for more than 35 years. There are over 200 permanent deacons nationwide.
A small team of deacons from Adelaide organised the well-received biennial event.
It was announced that the next National Deacons Conference will be hosted by deacons from the Archdiocese of Brisbane, together with deacons from throughout Queensland, in 2027 (date and venue to be confirmed).
Adding to the festive nature of the conference, set amidst the 2025 Jubilee Year, the Papal Nuncio to Australia, Archbishop Charles Balvo, attended the entire conference. He was principal celebrant for weekday Masses and spoke at the Deacon Nick Kerr Memorial Conference Dinner.
Archbishop of Adelaide, Patrick O’Regan, who opened the Conference, also presided at the closing Mass, concelebrated by Karol Kulczycki SDD, Bishop of Port Pirie.
-Deacon Tim Grauel
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