Annual shareholder meeting stands in contrast to newly ordained deacons

On a weekend when tens of thousands of people flocked to Omaha to celebrate wealth and prosperity and to listen to advice on how to become even more prosperous, eight men did something radically different.

They were ordained as permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Omaha. They now have a specific mission to serve those who are not so prosperous: the homeless, the incarcerated, the hungry, the undocumented and the sick – in the name of Jesus, according to Archbishop George J. Lucas.

He ordained the men May 3 before a crowd in St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha. It was one of his last official acts as archbishop before his successor, Archbishop-elect Michael G. McGovern, is installed on May 7 at the same cathedral.

In his homily at the ordination, Archbishop Lucas referenced the Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting, held annually in Omaha, and the prosperity it touts.

ROBERT ERVIN

The deacons, he said, are to be sent out by the Risen Christ, taking on a special role in the Church’s mission of charity “to seek out the lost and the burdened.”

“I ask you new deacons to find them, to go out to them,” the archbishop said. “They’re not far from here, where we are today. As Pope Francis has reminded us repeatedly: They have names, they have faces, they have their own stories. Go to them and offer them the gift of peace in the Risen Jesus, peace that comes from knowing that they are seen and recognized as our brothers and sisters.”

“The Lord Jesus would tell us we don’t need a lot of baggage and equipment as we go to them,” the archbishop said, “but do bring them companionship, compassion, the fruit of your prayer – and then be prepared to receive.”

The new deacons are Arturo Hernandez of St. Michael Parish in South Sioux City, José Lara Rodriguez of Assumption-Guadalupe Parish in Omaha, Andrew Ryba of St. James Parish in Omaha, Kyle Uhing of Holy Trinity Parish in Hartington, and Michael Campie, John Cavanaugh, Jim Horacek and Phil LaSala, all of St. Columbkille Parish in Papillion.

PHOTOS BY ROBERT ERVIN

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