Vatican:

Twenty-nine faithful of Opus Dei from 19 countries received the diaconate from Monsignor Andrés Gabriel Ferrada, Secretary of the Dicastery for the Clergy, on November 18. Numerous family members and acquaintances accompanied the candidates for the diaconate to the Roman Basilica of St. Eugene, where they were accompanied by expressions of affection and petitions.

Bishop Ferrada emphasized the centrality of Christ's life for a committed Christian. "Only love is credible," he told them, "and you will be credible if you plunge into the ocean of divine love, into listening to the word of God, into the sacraments and service, learning from everyone."

Moreover, in the same way that the Father adores the Son, the bishop proclaimed to each person by name that His love for us is limitless and incalculable. "His death on the cross for love, for us his friends, is the incontestable proof, and in the same way, Jesus loves each one of us, and today he repeats it to these dear ones chosen for the diaconate," he went on.

"The harvest is abundant, but laborers are scarce." Beseech the crop's Lord to dispatch laborers to gather his harvest. When reminiscing about Jesus' words, the Archbishop said, "You are the answer to so many people's constant prayer in the Church, beginning with your loved ones, your mother, father, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, and the Christian community, priests and religious, all those who have generated you in the faith."

In addition to Mexico, the 29 newly appointed deacons represent 19 countries, including the United States, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Paraguay, the Philippines, Cameroon, El Salvador, France, China (Hong Kong), Italy, Japan, and Kenya.

Following the completion of his homily, he conveyed his sincere prayers to the candidates and said, "May your diaconal ministry flourish considerably, founded upon the profound affection and delight of the Lord, who has affably received you as "friends" and chosen you to guarantee the longevity and prosperous outcome of your endeavors."