Father-of-three Tony Pace is just one year away from becoming a ‘father’ a second time after he was ordained a deacon during a ceremony officiated by Archbishop Charles Scicluna .

Rev. Pace, who felt the call to the priesthood after his wife passed away, became a deacon in the presence of his three children – David who is also studying to become a priest with the St Paul’s Missionary Society, Pauline and Deborah.

A hug between the father and his son stole the show during yesterday’s ceremony.

The special moment came after David helped his father wear his vestments.

Left to right: Revs. Osmar Baldacchino, David Borg, Christopher Bugeja, Jonathan Debattista and Tony Pace. Photo: Curia – church.mt/photos

During the homily at St John’s Co-Cathedral, Mgr Scicluna urged the new deacons to be servants first as otherwise they will not be worthy of proclaiming the Gospel and cannot eventually be shepherds.  

He said they must listen before speaking in God’s name and must also practise the gospel before preaching it.

The five new deacons are: Tony Pace from St Paul’s Conversion parish, Safi, Osmar Baldacchino from St Nicholas parish, Siġġiewi, Christopher Bugeja from St Paul’s parish, Rabat, David Borg from Our Lady of Graces parish, Żabbar, and Jonathan Debattista from the Annunciation parish, Tarxien.

Deacons may assist in Eucharistic celebrations, preaching and spreading of the Gospel, administer the sacrament of baptism, assist in marriages and blessings, and conduct funerals.