Part 6 of the series on the diaconate with Deacon Andy Saunders and Deacon Ray Duplechain was filmed at the National World War II Museum. They discuss the seeds of the renewal of the diaconate coming from the Nazi concentration camp Dachau.

Around 2,400 Catholic priests and bishops were interned at this infamous Nazi concentration camp in cell block 26 known as der Priesterblock. It was in the midst of this miserable place where  priests discussed the possibilities of the restoration of the diaconate as a permanent state with married men. They had a vision of a renewal of the church after the war with married clergy as an image of Christ the Servant who could go into the nooks and carnies of society extending the church’s ministry beyond the reach of priests.

For more information see WWII Planted Seeds of Diaconate. An article on a presentation by Dianne M. Traflet, J.D, S.T.D., Associate Dean, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall University delivered in celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the restoration of the diaconate in the United States at the National World War II Museum.