C
cmathias147
Guest
I was just wondering about St. Francis of Assisi. I had heard that he was an ordained deacon and was wondering if this was true or not.
Last edited:
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
E
EugeneCharles
Guest
Greeting of peace!
As I heard St.Francis does not want to be a priest because he felt that he is not worthy to be because he is a sinner and he felt that he is not holy to become a priest of Christ.
As I heard St.Francis does not want to be a priest because he felt that he is not worthy to be because he is a sinner and he felt that he is not holy to become a priest of Christ.
D
Diaconia
Guest
Yes, he was ordained a deacon so he could preach.
He did not feel worthy to become a priest, and did not seek priestly ordination.
Deacon Christopher
He did not feel worthy to become a priest, and did not seek priestly ordination.
Deacon Christopher
P
phil19034
Guest
Yes, it is true. He was a Deacon.I was just wondering about St. Francis of Assisi. I had heard that he was an ordained deacon and was wondering if this was true or not.
J
jack63
Guest
Interesting…I thought the order of Deacons was largely phased out by the time of St. Francis of Assisi (1200’s). Did he just become something like a transitional Deacon and decide not to become a Priest?
Last edited:
D
Diaconia
Guest
The confusion occurs because people think there are two kinds of deacons (transitional and permanent).
There is only one order of deacon - and every deacon belongs to that order. Every priest and every bishop still belong to that order, as well.
The idea of some deacons remaining deacons forever was re-introduced after Vatican II. It was that way in the ancient Church - and has always been that way in the East.
Having priestly candidates in the order of deacon for such a short period of time before joining the presbyterate, is what causes the confusion. They should probably be deacons for a longer period of time before becoming priests.
Deacon Christopher
There is only one order of deacon - and every deacon belongs to that order. Every priest and every bishop still belong to that order, as well.
The idea of some deacons remaining deacons forever was re-introduced after Vatican II. It was that way in the ancient Church - and has always been that way in the East.
Having priestly candidates in the order of deacon for such a short period of time before joining the presbyterate, is what causes the confusion. They should probably be deacons for a longer period of time before becoming priests.
Deacon Christopher
J
jack63
Guest
Thanks! What happened with St. Francis of Assisi though? Did he just decide never to become a priest even though he could have?
D
Diaconia
Guest
This is what St. Francis said.He did not feel worthy to become a priest, and did not seek priestly ordination.
Years ago sacred orders were perceived differently than they are today.
For example, St. John Chrysostom was forcibly ordained [probably against his free will]. Today that is not possible - before diaconal orders, a deacon must write a letter in his own hand requesting sacred orders.
John was hiding in a cave, trying to live as a hermit when the Emperor sent men to haul him back to the city to serve the Church (and, by extension, the Empire).
Today if someone said they felt worthy to be a deacon but unworthy to be a priest they would be scrutinized for that - and probably not admitted to either diaconal or priestly formation.
For sure, St. Francis would have been a wonderful priest. But he also was/is a wonderful deacon.
God bless the birds that received his preaching!
Deacon Christopher
- Status
- Not open for further replies.