The Permanent Diaconate: Its History and Place in the Sacrament of Orders

by Kenan B. Osborne OFM

Among the landmark accomplishments of the second Vatican Council was the restoration of the order of permanent deacons, which had languished since the early middle ages. In THE PERMANENT DIACONATE, renowned Franciscan theologian Kenan B. Osborne demonstrates that one cannot study the renewed order of permanent deacons within the Catholic Church without understanding the renewal of the Order of Priests and Bishops as well. He accomplishes this by bringing all three of the Holy Orders of the Church―the diaconate, the presbyterate, and the episcopate―into focus through the lens of post-Vatican II sacramental and systematic theology. In addition to establishing the context for the permanent deacon within the framework of ministry, Vatican II, and the Catechism, Fr. Osborne also provides important insights into the key issues that continue to surround the diaconate and remain unresolved, such as formation, anointing of the sick, and church leadership. In addition to helping readers understand the basis for the restoration of the Order of Deacons, THE PERMANENT DIACONATE will also serve as an excellent guide to grasping the essence of Vatican II itself. †

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really helpful theological treatise on the diaconate, placing it in relation to a Vatican II understanding of ministry in light of the mission and ministry of Jesus - and the problem of reception of the teachings. The author is very good at pointing at the context that must be taken into account in an understanding of the diaconate as well as other ministries in the church.

This is not an introductory text but a work of theological interpretation which helps me to understand better the ministry of the diaconate as well as to prepare myself to deal with alternative interpretations of ministry which are not rooted in the works of the Second Vatican Council.

My one regret is that he did not develop further some of the themes in Part Two. He raises important and contested issues but left me wanting more.

A good read for those really interested in the diaconate in a post Vatican II church - but not for the squeamish. It is a work of theology!