Mullaney Ordained Transitional Deacon by Bishop Loverde

By Linda Busetti
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 6/6/02)

In a spirit of joy and hope, diocesan priests, deacons and seminarians processed into the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington last Saturday to witness Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde ordain Mark Mullaney to the transitional diaconate.

Mullaney, a Pennsylvania native, has completed his third-year theology studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary near Philadelphia, where he is studying for the Arlington Diocese.

Lector Molly Rojos presented the second reading, from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 6:1-7), in Spanish. The Cathedral Handbell Choir accented singing of the Festival Alleluia preceding Deacon Edward Horkan’s Gospel reading (Matt.20:25b-28).

Before the homily, Mullaney was called from the front pew into the sanctuary and presented to Bishop Loverde by Father Curtis Clark, diocesan director of the Office of Vocations. "Most Reverend Father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain this man, our brother, for the service as deacon," Father Clark said.

Answering the bishop’s question, "Do you judge him to be worthy?" Father Clark responded, "After inquiry among the people of Christ and upon recommendation of those concerned with his training, I testify that he has been found worthy."

Bishop Loverde’s acceptance of the candidate was greeted by applause from the assembly.

In his homily, Bishop Loverde spoke about the deacon’s role, "He will make himself a servant to all" and assist the bishop and priests as a minister of God’s Word, baptizing, assisting at marriages, administering viaticum and leading burial rites. "Mark, my son, you have been raised to the order of deacon," Bishop Loverde said. "Do the will of God generously in love and joy. … On the last day you will hear Him say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’"

After the homily, Mullaney stood before Bishop Loverde, publicly expressing that his commitment to celibacy is by free choice. Mullaney knelt before the bishop, placing his hands between those of the bishop, pledging obedience. Bishop Loverde then requested the congregation to pray that God the Father pour out his blessings on Mullaney.

In an ancient gesture of supplication, Mullaney lay prostrate on a red Persian carpet before the bishop’s chair. Cantor John Schultz led the congregation in singing the litany of saints.

Mullaney knelt before Bishop Loverde. The bishop placed his hands on Mullaney’s head and after a prayer of consecration, the congregation responded, "Amen."

Father Joseph Amalfitano, pastor of Mullaney’s home parish in Pennsylvania, vested newly ordained Deacon Mullaney with the deacon’s stole and a dalmatic, a wide-sleeved white robe trimmed in gold.

As Deacon Mullaney knelt before Bishop Loverde, the bishop presented him with the Book of the Gospels. As they stood, Bishop Loverde extended a kiss of peace to the newly ordained deacon before all deacons present came into the sanctuary to warmly welcome him into the order of deacons.

As Mass concluded, the assembly processed out of the cathedral singing "Lord, Help Us Walk Your Servant Way" into the brilliant sunlight. 

Copyright ©2002 Arlington Catholic Herald.  All rights reserved.