Permanent deacons: 50 years of service, charity

by Peter Finney Jr.

By Peter Finney Jr.
Clarion Herald
More than 400 men have been ordained as permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of New Orleans since 1974, and their 50 years of service will be recognized Aug. 2 by the Office of the Permanent Diaconate with a community reception and meal for the deacons and their families at St. Philip Neri Parish in Metairie.

On May 18, 1974, Archbishop Philip Hannan ordained 19 men as permanent deacons at St. Louis Cathedral. None of the members of the original class is still living.

Early adopter

The Archdiocese of New Orleans was among the first dioceses in the U.S. to ordain permanent deacons after the world’s bishops renewed the diaconate during the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s.

“We want to make this an evening of reminiscing and remembering,” said Deacon Ray Duplechain, executive director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate. “At the same time, it will be a reminder to us that Christ is serving yesterday, today and forever.”

Legacy of Vatican II
Over the last 50 years, Deacon Duplechain said, the “renewed diaconate is beginning to be recognized as an enduring legacy of the Second Vatican Council.”

He cited St. Stephen and St. Philip as two of the first seven deacons who were ordained by the apostles to further the work of charity and service with the growing Christian community.

“The call to holiness is shared by all of the baptized,” Deacon Duplechain said. “Each of us brings forth the fruits of service, according to our vocation. What is sometimes unseen are the fruits of service that bring the grace of compassion and mercy to those in need. For the last 50 years, deacons have served the people of God wherever the need exists.”

206 deacons serve here

There are approximately 20,000 permanent deacons in the United States and 49,000 across the world. In the Archdiocese of New Orleans, there are 206 deacons, most of whom serve in parishes or other ministries as directed by the archbishop.

There are two classes of deacons in formation who will be ordained in 2025 and 2027.

Another class, which is in the discernment stage, would be ordained in 2029.

The Aug. 2 celebration will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by a meal at 7 p.m.

Deacons who have served for 30 or 40 years will be recognized. Members of the original deacons’ class were Henry A. Cassou Jr., Mallory N. Dutreix, Wendolen J. Fandal Jr., Edward B. Hooper, Paul J. Legendre, James C. Lockwood, Walton J. Mallerich, Paul A. Nalty, Charles R. Nunez Sr., Willie Orgeron, Pedro P. Pujals, Bertrand A. Rabalais, Angelas Robin, Michael Segura, Norey J. Smith Jr., Louis W. Stall, D.K. Texada, Murphy J. Trahan and Clifford E. Whipple.

‘Flourishing of humility’

Deacon Duplechain said as he reflects on the diaconate ministry, he has been most impressed by the “flourishing of humility that it takes for a man to do this and what it means for the church in terms of service. That’s one of the things that endures to this day.”

For more information on the festivities, call the Office of the Permanent Diaconate at (504) 861-6329 or email [email protected]. The dinner is $60 a person.

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