St. Phoebe
Photo credit Bro. Mickey McGrath
This month we celebrate the life of St. Phoebe. We turn to her in prayer as we hold hope for our Catholic church as it continues to discern the ordination of women to the diaconate.
“In the Letter to the Romans, St. Paul commends Phoebe to the church in Rome, introduces her as a deacon (diakonos) of the church at Cenchreae, and asks that they “receive her in the Lord” (Romans 16:1-2a).
Phoebe was a woman of great courage and deep love. She answered God’s call to minister to God’s people during the earliest days of the Church, when persecution against Christians was strong. She earned the trust of Paul, who depended on her to handle communications with the ecclesial community in Rome.” (from Discerning Deacons website)
Romans 16:1-2
“I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the holy ones, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a benefactor to many and to me as well.”
Discerning Deacons (click link to learn more) has supported the coordination of St. Phoebe services around the world. In Cincinnati, this Wednesday we will celebrate St. Phoebe at Xavier’s Bellermine Chapel. All those in the Cincinnati area, I encourage you to join me in this powerful evening. See details below. If you are in Loveland and would like to carpool with me, send me an email or text. If you are not local click here to see where a celebration might be near you.
Prayer of St. Phoebe by Elizabeth Young, RSM
God of Vision,
You see beyond our horizons, and enlarge our tents.
You draw us into communion, participation and mission.
Inspired by St. Phoebe, our Deacon forebear in faith,
May we hear the cries of those who suffer, discern our response with the Holy Spirit,
And reach out in ministry to share the Good News with all creation.
May we proclaim your Reign, in which all are kin, welcomed with healing and hope.
May our Church lead and serve in the spirit of Jesus, who raised up those who bowed down.
God of Vision, light our way, that we might shine.
Amen
Evening Prayer Celebrating St. Phoebe
Plan to join us on Wednesday, September 18, at 7:30 p.m. for Evening Prayer including Taize music to celebrate Phoebe, “our Deacon forbearer in faith.” This event is a collaboration between Bellarmine Chapel and the XU Center for Faith and Justice. We join other groups around the US in recognizing St. Phoebe’s September feast day as we pray for the ministry of Discerning Deacons and for the next gathering of the Synod in October in Rome. Please join us!
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