From Stockton, a diaconate ordination like no other

I received the following e-mail this afternoon from Virginia Meagher, Director of the Office of Worship, Music and Christian Initiation for the Diocese of Stockton, California:

As you often note the ordaining of new deacons, I thought I would share an unusual ordination with you from the Diocese of Stockton in California. Gregg Jacob has been preparing for the past five years to be ordained this coming September. This past fall, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and the disease has progressed rapidly. He is at a small parish in the foothills of the Sierras, St. Patrick in Sonora, and they have been awaiting his ordination these past five years with him. His illness has been a means for the parish community to come together in support of him and others in the community who are ill. His faith and hope in the face of great pain and suffering have been an absolute inspiration to the community.

It was a moment of great joy for him and his parish community. Bishop [Stephen] Blaire had not initially thought that he would ordain Gregg “early”, but has been so moved by his faith and witness that he felt Deacon Gregg’s living of life, in the face of death, was the ultimate preaching of the Gospel. This past Sunday, Bishop Stephen Blaire ordained Gregg to the Order of the Diaconate, in his living room. He was surrounded by his family, his classmates, and the friends who could squeeze in.

There are pictures on our Diocesan Facebook page.

Whether this is a story you share or not, please do say a prayer for Deacon Gregg and his family. We have not given up, and as a Diocese are praying through the intercession of Archbishop Fulton Sheen for Deacon Gregg to be healed.

The bishop’s homily is below.

Congratulations, Deacon Gregg, and welcome, brother! Ad multos annos!  

My prayers — and, I’m sure, the prayers of countless others who will see this — are with you and all those who love you.

Venerable Fulton Sheen, pray for us!

All photos courtesy the Diocese of Stockton