Embodied in Service, Emboldened by Grace by Deacon Wally Calabrese explores the diaconate, providing a theological and pastoral reflection on its significance within the church. The book traces the historical development of the diaconate, from its beginnings in the Apostolic Age to its reinstatement as a permanent order by the Second Vatican Council. It emphasizes the unity of Holy Orders, affirming that the diaconate is not merely a transitional stage but a permanent and essential vocation. Calabrese weaves together scripture, tradition, and magisterial teaching to portray the diaconate as a visible sign of Christ the Servant. Through detailed chapters, he investigates the theological foundations, spiritual identity, and pastoral mission of the deacon. The book highlights the triad of Word, Altar, and Charity as the core of diaconal ministry, demonstrating how these elements are interconnected and vital to the Church's mission.

Deacon Wally Calabrese’s passion for the diaconate is evident as he explains common misconceptions, such as the difference between "transitional" and "permanent" deacons. He promotes a unified understanding of the diaconate based on sacramental theology and the indelible character given at ordination. Calabrese also explores the relationship between the deacon and the laity, emphasizing their shared mission to bring Christ into the world. Embodied in Service, Emboldened by Grace: The Unbroken Thread of Diaconal Ministry challenges the church to embrace the servant identity of Christ and to see the deacon as a bridge between the altar and the world. Deacon Wally Calabrese’s work is a valuable resource for clergy, seminarians, and lay faithful seeking a deeper understanding of this sacred vocation.

Walter Calabrese’s Embodied in Service, Emboldened by Grace is a comprehensive exploration of the Catholic diaconate, tracing its theological roots, historical evolution, and practical expressions within the Church. Calabrese presents diaconate as not a transitional or secondary office but a permanent, sacramental vocation. Beginning with the confusion surrounding terms like “transitional” and “permanent” deacons, Calabrese systematically dismantles the false dichotomy, demonstrating through scripture, tradition, and magisterial teaching that all clergy, including deacons, priests, and bishops, share in the one, indivisible character of Christ the Servant. The work moves from foundational chapters on the identity of the deacon in Christ, through historical accounts of decline and restoration, to profiles of saintly deacons and contemporary formation. Calabrese’s pastoral and theological reflection calls for the Church to recover the unity and dignity of the diaconate as essential to its mission.

As someone who spent seven years in the Seminary and was just a step shy of the diaconate, this book resonated powerfully with me. This book is not only for the ordained ministers, but for every Christian and anyone who wants to follow Jesus in truth. The theme of diakonia, defined as service, is the defining mark of all ordained ministry, rooted in Christ’s own self-emptying love. Walter Calabrese uses scriptural references (Philippians 2, John 13, Acts 6), patristic insights (St. Jerome, St. John Chrysostom, St. Augustine), and conciliar documents (Lumen Gentium, Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Catechism) to show that the diaconate embodies the Church’s threefold mission: Word, Altar, and Charity. The book challenges utilitarian and clericalist mindsets by insisting on the ontological and indelible character of the diaconate, which persists in all orders of clergy. I particularly enjoyed the way the author addresses contemporary debates, such as the appropriateness of ordaining women or the formation of deacons, always returning to the unity of Holy Orders. The key message is that the Church’s credibility rests not in hierarchy, but in humble, sacramental service, and this makes the deacon a living icon of Christ’s mercy and a summons to all Christians to engage in the works of mercy in their daily lives. Embodied in Service, Emboldened by Grace is the best book I have read on the theology of self-giving and service.