Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts in the name of Jesus Christ, who became the living bread for us, humbling himself to the point of the cross, that we might share in eternal life.
Giver of every grace, you have entrusted these deacons, along with their beloved wives and families, to serve as faithful witnesses to your love and mercy. By their dedication, they show us that in the Body of Christ, each member has a unique role, none raised above another but bound together in humble service.
Tonight, as we gather, we also pause to listen to the hearts of these deacons, for whom we often ask much, but tonight we seek to understand what they need from us in return. In a spirit of communion, may we be open to their voices, to hear and support them as they seek to fulfill their calling.
Father of every good gift, send forth your Holy Spirit to fill our deacons anew. As our Holy Father, Pope Francis has said, “May the service of deacons be in favor of orphans, widows, social work… helping parish priests administer the sacraments.” Through their hands and voices, may they continue to bring comfort to the broken and justice to the oppressed, reminding us all that “we do not live by bread alone, but by every word from your mouth” (Mt 4:4).
As we share this meal, let it remind us of the joy of fellowship in you, where we are all beggars in need of your boundless love. Bless us, O Lord, and these gifts we are about to receive, from your bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
