Before a packed congregation, 11 men were ordained as permanent deacons June 10 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

"We gather this morning in faith, joy and gratitude to God as 11 men are ordained to the order of deacon today for the service of Christ and the church," said Cardinal Roger Mahony at the start of the two-hour liturgical ritual.

After Scripture readings were proclaimed in Spanish, Tagalog and English (representing the native languages of the deacon candidates), San Gabriel Region Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala said in his homily that ordination marked a new phase in the journey of faith for the ten married men and one single man becoming permanent deacons.

The readings selected --- Isaiah 58:6-11; Timothy 2:8-10; John 15:12-17 --- "speak boldly to what your ordination is about --- a call to live in a particular and public way your relationship with God and with God's people," said Bishop Zavala.

"You are to live exemplary lives…[reflecting] a faith that has been internalized and integrated into one's own being; a faith that embraces mystery, leaves us in awe and demands that we respond with integrity.… Isn't it good that you have these wonderful women to accompany you?" Bishop Zavala asked of the ten married deacon candidates as the assembly applauded its approval.

Saying he was impressed by the deacon candidates' service to the poor, imprisoned and needy during their time of formation, Bishop Zavala stressed that their commitment to justice for the marginalized should continue. "Your calling is not a calling of prestige or of status, but it's a calling to work with and accompany God's poor," said the bishop. "Many blessings in your ministry, many blessings in your call."

Following the homily, the rite of ordination continued with the candidates' promise of obedience to Cardinal Mahony and his successors, the cardinal's laying on of hands and prayer of ordination, the deacons' investiture with stole and dalmatic, and the presentation of the Book of Gospels.

Near the end of the celebration, the ten "Lydia Group" deacon wives and deacon candidate widow, Virginia Stephens, were called to the altar where each were congratulated and presented with a certificate of formation participation by Cardinal Mahony. The congregation burst into applause as the cardinal bent down to embrace Stephens.

Applause also ensued before the recessional as Cardinal Mahony recognized the presence of three members of the armed forces in the congregation. The assembly broke into cheering as the newly ordained deacons processed out to offer their first blessings to fellow parishioners and friends on the Cathedral Plaza.

Sister of Social Service Chris Machado, associate director of the archdiocesan Diaconate Formation Office, said the spontaneous cheering at the end of the liturgy was a spirit-lifter for the new deacons who "really sense the support of their communities. That means a lot when you're going to go back into the community as a servant-leader."