Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Ph.D., writes from Illinois. He is the editor of The Deacon, published by OSV.
A letter written by Pope Francis on Nov. 10 to four German Catholic laywomen – Professor Westerhorstmann, Professor Schlosser, Professor Gerlalkovitz, and Mrs. Schmidt – carries considerable significance. Pope Francis' letter is a significant intervention in the ongoing discussion about the future
A newly published book offers insights into Pope Francis' views on various issues, including whether or not women can be ordained deacons.
The book, originally written in Spanish and recently translated into Italian is titled in English, Pope Francis the Pastor, Disaffections, Reasons
Deacons are often mistaken for priests, and while their ministries overlap, the permanent diaconate bears witness to Christ the Servant. He is, by virtue of his ordination, an envoy or emissary of the bishop through the three-fold gifts of liturgy, word and