Why celebrate becoming a deacon when I have not graduated? Because we are not celebrating finishing seminary but a total gift of self. Every deacon gives his whole life to God, making life-long promises of simplicity, obedience, and chastity. Once ordained the man cannot marry, with those who were preparing for the diaconate often marrying beforehand and those preparing for the priesthood freely embracing a life of celibacy. Once ordained these promises are irrevocable: even if the man stopped pursuing priesthood he would not be able to marry. This level of commitment is like marriage: God calls every married person to love by calling them to lay down their life for their spouse and to be fruitful by raising children. God calls every bishop, priest, and deacon to lay down their lives for their spouse, for His spouse, the Church, and to be fruitful by raising spiritual children. Like marriage, this level of commitment is borne of deep love. I have experienced the love of God. He saved me from my life of sin, a life I did not want to live but could not escape. He showed me how meaningful creation and life is. He showed me that He loved me beyond all telling. When one experiences such a complete love, love wells up in their heart and drives them to love completely in return. How deeply He has loved me! His love has been so sweet, so steadfast, so merciful! What else could I do except decide to lay my life down for Him who laid down His life for me?!