More than 2,200 family members, friends and fellow parishioners started filling the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels bright and early June 12 to witness the ordination of 12 permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, an event characterized by Cardinal Roger Mahony as "a calling forth of ministers to carry on the work of Christ."

The tri-lingual (Korean, Spanish and English) liturgy was distinguished by breath-holding periods of silence at solemn points in the ritual interspersed with enthusiastic applause during three standing ovations.

In his homily, Cardinal Mahony noted that the order of deacons was primarily established for evangelization and service to the community, representing two of the six initiatives developed at the recent Synod. "I invite you today to take seriously the Synod initiatives --- to take upon yourselves a special duty and responsibility with [regards to] evangelization and the service of the poor," declared the cardinal. "Not only is that fitting, we also desperately need you to do that. All of us need you to be leaders, especially with those two initiatives."

He warned that being a leader in proclaiming God's word in service of the poor "is not as easy as it sounds," occasionally prompting "opposition, ridicule and rejection." He urged the deacons and their wives to be leaders in working to change structures in society that keep people in poverty. Using the example of Jesus as the "Good Shepherd," he counseled deacon couples to "tend the flock" with a pastor's love, care and concern.

"That's the kind of leadership that Jesus gave," emphasized the cardinal. "Jesus seldom chastised anyone. He led by word and especially by example. Caring for the flock means helping all the members of the flock to understand the needs of the sheep who are in need, so that all come together. Your ministry is one of unity and harmony in your parishes, your apostolate or ministries."

Cardinal Mahony also cited the "special gift" of deacon wives. "Women bring to the sense of community a gentleness and a patience that oftentimes we men do not," said the cardinal. He urged the wives to help "tend the flock" with their gifts of love, gentleness, forgiveness, understanding, acceptance and "to be there" with their husbands when the going "gets a bit challenging."

At the conclusion of the liturgy, Social Service Sister Chris Machado, diaconate formation associate director, called forth the wives of the deacons to the altar for recognition. "Their energy and commitment continue to impress and inspire all of us on the formation staff," said Sister Machado about "our indomitable diaconate women."

"We feel blessed and joyous," said deacon wife Irene Estrada after exiting the cathedral with her newly-ordained husband, Armando. Like the other deacon couples, the Estradas greeted a long line of well-wishers who waited patiently to offer congratulations or ask for a blessing.

"I think it's really cool," said Jennifer Boucher, 12, after receiving a blessing from her father, Deacon Richard Boucher. "It will help him get closer to God."