Dermot makes history with Deacon ordination
AN Enniscorthy based solicitor has created history by becoming the first person ever in the Ferns diocese to be ordained a Permanent Deacon.
Dermot Davis was ordained by Bishop Denis Brennan in St Aidan’s Cathedral at a ceremony which was attended by his mother, Pauline (91), wife, Patricia, daughter, Susan, and sons, John and Andrew.
Although originally from Dublin, Dermot has been living in Co Wexford since 1980.
Having qualified as a solicitor he first moved to Gorey where he worked in Gary Lombard’s practice before setting up his own solo practice in Ferns in 1982.
In the interim he opened offices in New Ross and Enniscorthy - where he now lives and has his office based.
He is continuing with his legal practice and plans to do his church work in tandem with that.
His historic ordination in St Aidan’s Cathedral was the culmination of four years of study and one propaedeutic year which is a year of discernment .
As part of his four year degree in DCU he studied philosophy, theology, study of the Old and New Testaments, homiletics, sacramental studies, evangelisation, ecclesiology, counselling and pastoral care and ministry.
Through his ministry as a Permanent Deacon he will be able to read the Gospel, preach, baptise, preside at funerals and weddings and bring communion to the sick.
The only thing his ministry will not include is anointing of the sick, hearing mass or confessions.
A son of Jeremiah and Pauline Davis, he was delighted that his mother was able to attend his ordination along with his wife and family.
His brothers, Frank, Michael, Anthony, Martin and Paul also gave him their support .
Dermot said his faith was something he got from his upbringing, however, a certificate course in Pastoral Theology, under Fr Billy Swan in the IT Carlow Wexford Campus further strengthened his own faith.
‘I was always very involved with the church as a reader and also with the pastoral council in St Aidan’s Cathedral,’ he said.
He said his ordination was borne from him wanting to get more involved in the church.
‘I always wanted to get more involved in it and this was a way Icoulddothat,’hesaid.
He said he enjoyed studying on the course because he was around like-minded people and he learned from that experience.
‘It’s very enriching as you delve into it, spiritually,’ he said.
He also acknowledged the support he received from the clergy within the Ferns diocese and in particular Bishop Denis Brennan who gave permission for him to complete his formation year in Dublin under Fr John Gilligan.
A Permanent Deacon is the highest role a married man can reach within the church and Dermot said feels privileged and honoured to fulfil that role.
A very active member of his community he has been involved in drama and music society’s locally and during his ordination ceremony the Cathedral Choir provided wonderful musical accompaniment.
Fr Tom Dalton acted as MC and a large number of other local clergy were also in attendance at the ceremony.
Acknowledging the support he received from his wife and family Dermot said he hopes to have an enriching ministry.
‘It’s a privilege to work with people when they are at their most vulnerable but also on joyous occasions,’ he said.
‘I think there are people out there who realise the value of their faith,’ he added.
‘I hope it might inspire other people to get involved too.’