National Association of Diaconate Directors

Saintly Deacons
by Owen Cummings

ISBN 0-8091-4322-4
Paulist Press
69 pages

Owen Cummings explores, through the lives of eight notable deacons, the remarkable history and evolution of the diaconate over the two millennia of Christian history. This book traces the tradition from its origins with New Testament ""apostolic deacons"" Stephen and Philip, to patristic deacons Lawrence and Ephrem, and medieval deacons Alcuin of York and Francis of Assisi, and ends with Reformation Era deacons Reginald Pole and Nicholas Ferran Cummings shows that, throughout their long history, deacons have not been defined by a narrow job description, but rather have offered themselves to serve the local church as best they can, in accordance with their God-given gifts, the request of their bishops, and the tasks that needed to be done. And he demonstrates the particular value and relevance for today"s church of this versatile role.

Deacon Owen F. Cummings, PhD, is Regents Professor of Theology at Mount Angel Seminary in Saint Benedict, Oregon. Dr. Cummings is a deacon of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, Utah. He is the author of Deacons and the Church and John Macquarrie: A Master of Theology.

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