Diaconate Ordination of Br. Matthew Sislow, OSB
On Saturday, May 24th, Br. Matthew Sislow, OSB, received the Sacrament of Holy Orders as a transitional deacon during Mass in the Abbey church. The monks of Mount Angel Abbey welcomed Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, as the principal celebrant and ordaining prelate.
The Scripture readings chosen for the Mass highlighted the significance of being called by God for service to him and his people: “Before you were born, I dedicated you” (Jeremiah 1:5) … “Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received” (Ephesians 4:1) … “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you” (John 15:16). This theme of calling reverberated throughout the liturgy, emphasizing that Br. Matthew receiving sacred ordination was a response to God’s initial call.
In his homily, Archbishop Sample preached on the three-fold ministry of service that the deacon exercises: of the word, of the altar, and of charity. But he also added that the deacon is at the service of unity in the Body of Christ, drawing upon the themes of St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians proclaimed in the Liturgy of the Word. “You, Br. Matthew, as a deacon, here in your community, are also called to be a servant of that unity, to serve your brothers in community, to be that bond of peace that brings about greater unity among your community,” said Archbishop Sample.
After making the promises of the diaconate and prostrating himself during the Litany of Supplication, Br. Matthew approached the Archbishop and received the laying on of hands. Following the prayer of ordination, Br. Anselm Flores, OSB, himself a transitional deacon who will be ordained a priest on June 28th, helped vest Br. Matthew with the stole and dalmatic, the liturgical vestments of the deacon. During the offertory, Br. Matthew’s parents brought forward the gifts of bread and wine, signifying the offering of their son in service to Christ and his Church.
Please pray for Br. Matthew as he begins this ministry of service as an icon of Christ the Servant in his monastic community and the Church.
Click here to view more photos from Br. Matthew’s diaconate ordination.
—Ethan Alano
Categories: Monastery