“God is always calling us, but seldom do we listen to His voice,” recalled Dcn. Antonio Alvarez. “I finally listened, and today I am a deacon.”

Dcn. Álvarez, who is originally from Mexico City, was one of six men ordained to the permanent diaconate Nov. 3 at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral. His wife, Guadalupe, and his sons joined him at the Mass.

“We should pay more attention to the voice of God,” said Dcn. Álvarez. “After that comes the discernment process and at that stage it’s important to get guidance from a priest or spiritual director.”

Dcn. Antonio first felt the call to the diaconate while being involved at his parish of St. Mary’s in Chandler and through the spiritual support of his pastor.

“Prayer is always the most important when listening for God’s call during the discernment process, then during the formation process and, above all, during ministry,” he said.

EN ESPAÑOL: El Diácono Antonio Álvarez escuchó el llamado de Dios

Dcn. Álvarez, who is assigned to serve at his parish, emphasized that the ministry of the deacon is to serve his parish and his Church faithfully and with total obedience to his bishop, as he was asked during the Rite of Ordination.

“I hope to serve with humility, absolute fidelity and obedience to my bishop and my Church,” Dcn. Álvarez told The Catholic Sun.

Guadalupe Álvarez, Dcn. Álvarez’ wife of 31 years, told the Sun that it’s important for a deacon to have the support of his wife.

“I always support my husband in his walk with the Lord,” she said. “I am always praying for him, especially that he can be a faithful servant of God and His faithful.”