The Order of Deacons in Early Irish Canonical Sources: A Contribution to Understanding the Evolution of a ‘Major Orders’ in the Western Church
Thomas O’Loughlin
At a time when we are asked to investigate the origins of diaconate, this paper argues that it is no easy task recover its history nor relate later questions on nature ordination. However, early canonical sources do throw important light history, and case examined here Collectio canonum hibernensis texts related it. This seventh- eighth-century material shows while diaconate was recognized as one sacred orders, was, in effect, seen primarily function within liturgy.
Irish Theological Quarterly