Brother Maximilian Buonocore, O.S.B. was ordained to the Diaconate, March 22.  His ordination as a Deacon is a step towards the ordination to the priesthood that will take place on June 22.

“Being ordained as a deacon adds another level of service, which includes proclaiming the Word and preaching.”

Br. Max cherishes his responsibilities as a Deacon.

“To be able to do it [preaching] from a pulpit is significant to me. I can certainly reach a lot more people. I feel that it is a gift and a responsibility to teach the truth and live the truth.”

Br. Max has been a monk for almost 30 years and has been at Newark Abbey for 23 years serving in many ways. In the monastery, he has been influential in caring for the sick, working as the kitchenmaster, guestmaster, serving as the Abbey tailor, housekeeping, gardening, and serving as needed in the sacristy and other church responsibilities. In the school, he works in the Library, teaches math to special needs students and tutors several subjects. Moreover, he is a licensed professional counselor and serves on the Sustainability Committee, as well as an instructor and facilitator for the Gardening Project.

As a deacon, Br. Max serves the priest at mass, and can perform weddings and baptisms, can officiate at funeral wake services and graveside services, and can bring holy communion to the sick. He is excited about being able to say Mass when he is ordained a priest in June.

“To act In Persona Christi [in the person of Christ] is an amazing privilege.”