News - Prelature of Ayaviri - Bishop Kay Martin ordained two new deacons

Ayaviri, July 17, 2006 - Bishop Kay Martin Schmalhausen presided yesterday, July 16th, the ordination of two deacons for the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae. During the ceremony, held at the Cathedral of Ayaviri, Alexandre Arosa Sobral (Brazilian) and Miguel Alberto Coquelet Castagnino (Peruvian), both members of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, received from the hands of the bishop this first degree of the sacrament of Priestly Ordination. The Eucharistic celebration started at 11 a.m. with the presence of friends and relatives of the new deacons, as well as members of the People of God of Ayaviri.

In his homily, Bishop Kay Martin encouraged the new deacons to "be deeply thankful with the Lord for the distinguished gift of the vocation; which you have not received for your own merit. It is fruit of the love of God for each one of you. Never cease to marvel yourselves and to be in awe of it". "Truly you have been entrusted a very beautiful ministry, which in your case is also ultimately oriented to priesthood: to serve the announcement of the word, the altar and the poor through charity; it means service to the holy mysteries and service to the brothers in their concrete needs. This diakonia requires then of your entire and full availability, as you already live it through your promises", concluded the Prelate of Ayaviri.

After the Eucharist, the new deacons gave the blessing to each one of those that approached to greet them. Deacon Miguel Coquelet will remain in Ayaviri to collaborate with the pastoral activity of this Prelature.

The function of the deacon is to assist the Bishop and the priests through preaching, in the service of the altar and in charity. Besides that they can administer the sacraments of Baptism and Marriage, as well as take the viaticum to sick and perform the funeral rites.