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Diaconal
Ordination My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Fray Luis Gerardo Luna de la Orden de los Carmelitas de la provincia de Oklahoma has just been presented to me for ordination to the diaconate. I am very pleased for him, for the Carmelites and for the Church itself. I will continue with the beautiful ordination ceremony shortly but first I wish to speak directly to Brother Luis. Brother Luis, for many years, you have been preparing for this important moment in your personal pilgrimage of faith. Through prayer, study and discernment, you have made great progress. After being accepted into this Carmelite community, you have made temporary religious promises culminating in your recent commitment of solemn and permanent vows. Tonight, as a solemnly professed member of the Carmelites, you are also to be ordained to serve the Church as a deacon. Under the guidance of your Provincial and the direction of your pastor, you will serve God’s people in both liturgical acts and through works of charity. Always do so in faith and with enthusiasm and joy. God is inviting you to become a servant in His Name. Be sure, therefore, that you are always a good and faithful servant, helping and caring for your brothers and sisters. Brother Luis, thank Almighty God for the vocation He has given you to the religious life as a Carmelite. It is in this community that you will receive God’s abundant graces and blessings. It is with this ecclesial family that you shall walk your pilgrim journey on this earth to life everlasting in heaven. Remain faithful to the Lord all the days of your life. Then, when the Lord calls you, you will hear Him say: “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.” Most
Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran |