We gather virtually on September 3 and unleash Catholic communities to host local prayers and celebrations honoring St. Phoebe throughout the month of September.
Icon by Cheryl Liske
Read reports from some of the parishes, high schools, universities, and other Catholic organizations who celebrated the Feast of St. Phoebe in September 2023 and 2024.
“In learning of St. Phoebe, the Synod and the movement for women’s ordination to the permanent diaconate, many students shared that they are hopeful that change is coming! For young people, knowing that the Church is dynamic and able to change and grow in response to the movement of the Holy Spirit in the world is profoundly important.”
“This was such a great learning experience for all of us, and even more so, a chance to build momentum and connection.”
“Together, increasing our devotion to St. Phoebe, we created something that was empowering, mystical, connective and embodied. We experienced what it can feel like to walk and pray together on a synodal journey. We are powerful together! There is such a thirst for this conversation and for this type of embodied prayer and communal witness.”
“The most meaningful parts of our celebration together included a standing ovation following the witness reflection, the power and strength of the reflection itself, and the procession at the start of mass. In the procession, young women carried in and presented symbols of St. Phoebe including an icon, the commission of St. Paul, a deacon’s stole and a pitcher of water to symbolize our shared baptism.”
Explore our interactive map to see some of the places and communities where St. Phoebe has been celebrated in past years. Don't see your celebration on the map? Send an email to us at info@discerningdeacons.org letting us know about your celebration!
Prayer to St. Phoebe
By Elizabeth Young, RSM
God of Vision,
You see beyond our horizons and enlarge our tents.
You draw us into communion, participation and mission.
Inspired by St. Phoebe, our Deacon forebear in faith,
may we hear the cries of those who suffer,
discern our response with the Holy Spirit,
and reach out in ministry
to share the Good News with all creation.
May we proclaim your Reign,
in which all are kin,
welcomed with healing and hope.
May our Church lead and serve
in the spirit of Jesus,
who raised up those bowed down.
God of Vision,
light our way that all might shine.
St. Phoebe, pray for us.
Amen.
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