Permanent Deacons in PH Approved by The Vatican

By: John Patrick Bajalla
September 14, 2023
1451

The CBCP's request to implement a permanent Dicastery is granted by the Vatican. Photo courtesy of the ABS-CBN News.

A letter from the Secretariat of State informed the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio about the Pope’s decision to have married deacons alongside the instruction to coordinate with the Dicastery for the Clergy for its implementation on September 17, 2023.

The Diaconate (deacons) is among the three Sacred Holy Orders of the Catholic Church, along with the episcopate (bishops) and the presbyterate (priest). There are two types of Diaconates, namely Transitional, those who are transitioning to become a priest and required to be unmarried, and Permanent, who may remain in the service of the church.

“I am pleased to inform you that the holy father granted your petition,” said the Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the pope's chief of staff or the “sostituto”. 

The Vatican described the action which the CBCP have taken as “noble initiative for the good of holy people of god in the philippines”. 

The Code of Canon Law states that both married and unmarried men can become a permanent deacon given that the married man is 35 years old and has consent from the spouse and the unmarried man is 25 years old.

Permanent deacons are more common in United States and Europe according to the report from the center of applied research in the Apostolate of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. estimate of 13,695 permanent deacons in active ministry in the U.S in 2022.

Comments

  1. AdSpeak’25: ADgorithm : Digital influence in the Advertising Landscape
  2. Knights escape Golden Stags’ five set onslaught; Lady Knights show no signs of slowing down in another sweep
  3. A new papacy rises as white smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel chimney
  4. CLAS spearheads WPS Youth Forum with PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela and key personnel
  5. Black smoke signals: silent verdict of the cardinals’ first conclave vote
  6. Letran leaves Lyceum crumbling after double victory in NCAA volleyball
  7. LPS Takes a Stand: A Week of Awareness and Action for Women
  8. Comelec on #Halalan2025 campaign season: peaceful overall, but violence affected some areas
  9. Labor groups call for ₱1,200 living wage in Kilusang Mayo Uno protest, urged government to prioritize wage hike bill
  10. PPSA 4th lecture caravan explores geopolitics and Philippine role ahead of 2025 elections amid global power struggles
  11. Lady Knights sweep Perpetual; Men's volleyball inches short of five set reversal
  12. Letran overcomes second set crumble, bombs EAC in 4 sets; Lady Knights assert mastery over Lady Generals to earn number one spot
  13. Letran faced mixed fortunes in second round opener against San Beda; Lady Knights win, Knights fall on losing end
  14. ‘The People’s Pope’ Francis dies on Easter Monday at 88: A shepherd of mercy and reform​
  15. Letran moves up in winning column after round 1 finale win over San Sebastian
  16. LETRAMURALS DAY 4: Triumphs and Comradeship
  17. NSTP-Letran Area transitions to service learning, begins implementation of student-formulated community projects
  18. Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3) started to extend their operating hours on March 24
  19. Dengue cases drop by 90%, 123 barangays cleared from outbreak — QC gov’t
  20. Lawyers question COVID-19 expenditures, urge Supreme Court to compel govt. for transparency report
  21. Letramurals Day 3: Courts, boards, and bytes
  22. LETRAMURALS DAY 2: Turning up the heat
  23. Day 1 Roundup: Letramurals 2025 kicks off with excitement
  24. LSCE 2025 concludes with extended filing and two-day poll for A.Y. 2025-2026 student council
  25. Lady Knights succumb in gritty five-set duel; Letran Knight stun reigning volleyball champs
  26. Lady Knights pin Lady Red Spikers to bottom seed; Himzon’s efficient outing propels Letran back to win column
  27. Letran‘s win streaks end as Arellano takes commanding victory in Men’s and Women’s division
  28. Lady Knights stay unblemished after dismantling Lady Generals; Knights deliver four-set upset vs. EAC
  29. Letran’s Matt Obiena jumps to gold in pole vaulting; Jettro Montejo picks up bronze in track and field shot put
  30. UPOP 2025: A Stage of Passion and Possibility
  31. Himzon-Vicente, Sarie-Nitura duo leads Letran past LPU in straight sets
  32. EDSA Rehabilitation has moved to April; SM North EDSA busway now open
  33. Duterte set to face ICC for first hearing on alleged crimes against humanity over drug war killings
  34. Pope Francis’ health Improves slightly, but recovery remains uncertain
  35. The Sound of Confidence: Celebrating Multiple Intelligences
  36. Rodrigo Duterte arrested upon return to the Philippines with ICC’s official warrant
  37. LSC convenes its third session of constitutional convention; faces procedural delays
  38. TOFI application will proceed despite student opposition, VPFA to consider decreasing the percentage to 5%
  39. Never Forget: Catholic Schools Commemorating EDSA’s Triumph