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On 17 February, five deacons from Arundel & Brighton set out for Rome for the Study Conference organised by the International Diaconate Centre, which is based in Stuttgart, Germany.

Deacons John Edwards, Tim Murrill, Rob Wellbelove, Mark Woods and Kevin O'Brien stayed at Fraterna Domus, a little way outside Rome with about 100 other deacons from around the world - some accompanied by their wives - for three days and listened to a number of interesting talks. The speakers included Bishop Dr Klaus Kramer, Cardinal Oswald Gracias and Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, plus testimonies were heard from a number of deacons from different parts of the world, describing their ministries.

When the Conference finished, the group was taken to stay at Casa La Salle in Rome, from where they travelled into Rome each day for the events organised by the Vatican for the Jubilee of Deacons. Again they had some fascinating inputs, plus a Pilgrimage to the Holy Door in St Peter's, and it was further enhanced when Bishop Richard joined them for most of the events, which culminated in Sunday Mass at St Peter's Basilica, where about 4,000 Deacons from around the world attended and, in addition, more than 20 men were ordained as Deacons. Sadly Pope Francis was too unwell to attend, as originally planned, but the congregation listened to the homily that he had prepared for the occasion, read by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation.

This jubilee pilgrimage was a very inspiring event for all who attended, thanks especially to the number of cardinals, archbishops and bishops who gave inputs and to the testimonies delivered regarding the varied ministries that deacons undertake.

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Are you being called to serve God and His people in a deeper way, as a Permanent Deacon?

The Council of Deacons is inviting single or married Catholic men interested in exploring a vocation to the Permanent Diaconate, to an open evening at St John the Evangelist Parish Hall, Horsham, on Friday 14 March at 7pm.

To find out more about the role of the deacon in today’s Church: “come and see” (Jn 1:46). To find out more about the event, please email Deacon Tim Murrill or to learn more about the Permanent Diaconate, click here and download our "Serving the People of God as a Deacon" booklet.

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We are grateful to Deacon Tim Murrill for sharing this account with us.‍