Sixteen deacons were ordained priests by the pope in a ceremony full of symbolism. Without a doubt, the most moving moment of the celebration was when they laid down on the floor of the majestic Vatican basilica as a show of complete surrender.
The youngest was 26, the oldest was 41. They come from Italy, India, Madagascar, El Salvador, Peru, Colombia and Croatia.
The pope sent them a simple but powerful message when touching on confession.
POPE FRANCIS
“Now, I stop to ask you all: please, don't grow tired of being merciful. Think of your sins, in your miseries that Jesus forgives. Be merciful.”
The fourth Sunday of Easter is the day the Church celebrates the Day of Prayer for Vocations. Thus, it's the day chosen for the ordination of priests. The theme for this year was “Listen, discern, live the Lord's call.”
