Arbinger Rafael Hintersteiner consecrated to the deacon - a ceremony in Linz!

Arbinger Rafael Hintersteiner consecrated to the deacon - a ceremony in Linz!

On Whit Monday, June 11, 2025, a solemn consecration of deacon took place in the Linz Mariendom, which was led by Bishop Manfred Scheuer. Among the ten consecrated men was Rafael Hintersteiner from Arbing, who will now work in the Hospital of the Merciful Brothers in Linz. During the touching ceremony, between 80 and 100 Arbinger with Mayor Hermine Leitner and other local sizes were present to support Hintersteiner. After his consecration, he will work both in the pastoral service of the hospital and liturgical in the Mariendom.

The atmospheres of the festival service were shaped by gratitude, as Bishop Scheuer emphasized in his sermon. He not only praised the calling of the deacons, but also focused on the service characteristics of all church offices. "The service is not next to the family and the job, but is right in the middle of it," says Scheuer. He quoted significant personalities such as Ignatius of Loyola and Teresa of Avila to underline the need to search for and find God in all areas of life. Alfred Delp was also quoted, according to which it was the task of the deacons to join the people in all situations and to create spaces for a deeper community.

The ceremony in the Linz Mariendom

The consecration itself was an impressive ritual: the candidates were stretched out on the ground for Heiligenlitani, a sign of dedication and humility. After the ceremonial laying of hands, the new deacons symbolically received a stole and a gospel, both signs of their newly adopted office. This special moment made it clear how important the integration of the new deacons into the community is, with a total of 152 constant deacons in the Diocese of Linz.

The festival service was not just a local affair; It was visited by about 900 believers and even transmitted via Livestream to enable relatives, including in Vietnam, to participate. The musical framework through a vocal quartet of the cathedral music and the cathedral organist created a festive atmosphere.

The career of Rafael Hintersteiner

Hintersteiner, who was born and baptized in the Hospital of the Merciful Brothers, started his church career as an altar boy and was later active as a word service manager, cantor and lecturer. The way to the diaconate began for him during Corona pandemic in home office, followed by an intensive five-year training. His strong rooting in the home community of Arbing is also reflected in his commitment as a member of the volunteer fire brigade, where he recently took over the function of the FF pastor.

The consecration of deacon has gained importance in recent decades, not least through the restoration of the constant diaconate by the 2nd Vatican Council. According to the stool's guidelines, it is crucial that the training of deacons goes beyond a pure and simple catechesis. The deacons, such as Hintersteiner, not only have the task of proclaiming the Word of God and donating the sacraments, but also showing a strong spiritual and social presence in their communities.

With Rafael Hintersteiner As a new constant deacon, the municipality of Arbing has a committed and experienced pastor, who will continue to carry the values ​​and traditions of the region while meeting the challenges of modern society. A good reason for joy and celebrating!

For more information on the consecration of deacon, read meinzirk.at [katholisch.at] (https://www.katholisch.at/aktuelles/138904/linz-bischof-scheuer-weihte-zehn-zu- deacon vatican.va Document Useful Interpretation of the training and service of the permanent deacon offers.