‘Be a man of good reputation, full of wisdom and the Holy Spirit’
BELMONT — Benedictine monk, Brother James Raber of Belmont Abbey, was ordained a deacon March 8 during Mass at the Abbey Basilica of St. Mary Help of Christians.
Atlanta Auxiliary Bishop John Nhan Tran presided over the Mass and ordination, serving as homilist. Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey, Benedictine priests, visiting priests and priests of the Diocese of Charlotte also assisted at Mass.
In his homily, Bishop Tran cited the second reading, Acts 6:1-7b, encouraging Deacon Raber to “be a man of good reputation, full of wisdom and the Holy Spirit,” as he embarks on his ministry as deacon.
“Conform your manner of life always to the example of Christ who came not to be served but to serve, who gives His life as a ransom for many,” Bishop Tran said.
“Serve others with great joy and humility as you would serve the Lord.”
A native of Charleston, S.C., Deacon Raber entered Belmont Abbey in 2014, after having worked for seven years as a ship’s navigator in the Merchant Marines. He made his solemn vows as a monk in 2018.
He can now proclaim the Gospel at Mass, give homilies, baptize and officiate at weddings. He is considered a "transitional" deacon as compared to a "permanent" deacon – a reflection that he intends to continue his formation and prepare for the final step of ordination to the priesthood next summer.
“Brother James, indeed, you have come a long way,” Bishop Tran said in recounting all of the years and the journey that brought him to this day. “Your life of service to God and His people beginning today takes on a new meaning today. Jesus, who calls you to service, is also with you until the end of time as He promised.”
“May our Blessed Mother, Mary help of Christians, intercede for you daily as you pray the rosary. And may God, who has begun the good work in you, bring it to completion,” Bishop Tran concluded.
Learn more about the Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey at www.belmontabbey.org.
— SueAnn Howell, photos by Rolando Rivas
