MONONA — May 12 saw two transitional deacons ordained for the Diocese of Madison.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Monona hosted as David Drefcinski and Anthony Kersting become deacons, en route to being priests.
The beautiful ordination Mass was celebrated by Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison, and attended by dozens of deacons and priests of the Diocese of Madison.
The Sisters of Mary Morning Star were in attendance, and the Madison Diocesan Choir made the singing at the event lovely.
There were also Knights of Columbus and Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher there to add further dignity to the occasion.
Key elements
The ordination of deacons includes several key elements: The witness of those who’ve been training the candidates, the promise of obedience by the candidates themselves, the laying on of hands, the handing on of the Book of the Gospels, and the vesting of the new deacons.
Two parts of the ceremony that are moving to watch are the prostration and the sign of peace. The prostration involves the two men lying face down in the sanctuary as the “Litany of the Saints” is prayed by all present.
The men express through this posture their humble request for prayer by the whole Church, both those on earth and those in Heaven, as well as their willingness to humble themselves and serve as Christ did.
The quality of humility
Humility came up often at the ordination, as the bishop’s homily also emphasized this quality.
Bishop Hying commented that he appreciated reading the two candidates’ reflections on their upcoming ordination — both had expressed amazement at the gift of ordination and a feeling of unworthiness as they prepared for it.
The bishop complimented their humility and urged them to continue pursuing this virtue.
“Humility comes from the Latin word humus, which means ‘earth’ . . . To be humble is to fly low to the ground, so when you fall you don’t have far to go . . . Humility is holding in tension two beautiful convictions: The truth of our greatness and the reality of our littleness . . . If we forget our greatness, we can be tempted to fall into despair
. . . When we forget our littleness, we fall into pride.”
Another moving moment in the Ordination Mass is the sign of peace.
Immediately after being ordained, the new deacons take their places, and first the bishop, then every deacon in attendance came to give them the sign of peace.
This remarkable welcoming by their new brothers was a beautiful moment.
An equally lovely moment occurred when the parents of the two new deacons brought up the offertory gifts.
The symbolism of the families that have offered their sons to serve as Christ served also offering the gifts that would become Christ’s Body and Blood is profound.
Overall, the ceremony was indeed lovely and glorious, but far more incredible was the spiritual reality happening, as these two men received a new character in their souls.
We, the faithful of the diocese, give thanks to God for these new deacons, Deacon David Drefcinski and Deacon Anthony Kersting.