V. Implementation of Vatican II: Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem, the 1983 Code
of Canon Law, the 2009 USCCB Directory
In 1965 an international congress on the diaconate was held in Rome to study the theology,
formation, and mission of deacons. Together with ensuing commissions, the members sought to
advise Pope Paul VI on the practical guidelines for a permanent diaconate. The result of Pope
Paul’s efforts was his Apostolic letter given moto proprio, Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem, General
Norms for Restoring the Permanent Diaconate in the Latin Church.
Beginning already in the early days of the Apostles, the Catholic Church has held in great
veneration the sacred order of the diaconate, as the Apostle of the Gentiles himself bears
witness. He expressly sends his greeting to the deacons together with the bishops and
instructs Timothy which virtues and qualities are to be sought in them in order that they
may be regarded as worthy of their ministry. 62
Pope Paul detailed the process, formation and education necessary by which a man could
become a deacon and the roles of that deacon. Pope Paul’s letter leaves the decision of
restoration to the regional authority of episcopal conferences. As in Lumen Gentium, Pope Paul
calls for candidates to be of mature age (thirty-five) who may be married or young men (at least
twenty-five) who may be accepted under the obligation of celibacy. Candidates for the
permanent diaconate must have proper formation of at least three years and “no one can be called
to the diaconate unless he has gained high regard of the clergy and the faithful by long example
of truly Christian life.”
The duties and functions of a deacon according to Lumen Gentium shall be as follows:
62
Pope Paul VI, Apostolic Letter, Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem: General Norms for Restoring the Permanent
Diaconate in the Latin Church (June 18, 1967) Accessed May 21, 2018. http://w2.vatican.va/content/paul-
vi/en/motu_proprio/documents/hf_p-vi_motu-proprio_19670618_sacrum-diaconatus.html
37