Deacon Geert de Cubber, 26 March 2026
“It was not my plan to become a deacon,” Geert de Cubber starts with. Yet here he is today: a Deacon of the Diocese of Ghent in Belgium and the only Latin-rite deacon to be a voting member of the Synod on Synodality, 2021-2024.
The way Geert describes it, “It was just something given to us.” By ‘us’ he means himself and his wife; Geert strongly believes that his ministry is only possible with family support. In fact, “I always say it’s my wife’s fault.” She was taking theology courses at the diocesan Institute, which included a curriculum for deacons and parish assistants. When she first brought home a flyer, Geert had to google what deacons were. The second year, they talked about the flyer again, yet still, Geert did not know any deacons. In the third year she brought home a flyer for a family retreat in an abbey.
It was at this abbey that Geert met a man who was training to be a deacon – he seemed to be “normal” and, like him, had several children. They talked for hours and Geert thought that maybe it would be “something for us”. Geert’s wife was not surprised. He also spoke to a priest who encouraged him to discern and give it a try.
Geert’s initial program coupled theory with testimonials of deacons and their wives. Their diversity really struck him, and he and his wife found their own place. He was ordained in 2013.
Deacon Geert began his ministerial life as the college teacher he had been before. However, after a couple of years, he became a journalist for a Belgian Catholic weekly. In 2020, he started working for the diocese, in the areas of youth, family and catechesis. Today his responsibilities cover youth, communication and synodality.
One of Geert’s roles is to organise an annual diocesan youth camp for about 200 young people between 12 and 28 years old. While some go to church regularly, some only have an idea about church and some don’t know what they think about it. The camp offers an opportunity in “a very special atmosphere” to develop friendships and faith. Every year the young organisers discuss whether they should finish with a Mass, and every year they say yes.
Geert has “had the privilege to preach the homily during these Masses for the past 5 years. It is a wonderful experience.” The exchange of peace is a real highlight – a “joyful moment”. In this situation it takes 10-15 minutes, as everyone goes around a large hall. Another fruit of the time together happened later on. One of the young men, who had been attending the camp with his girlfriend since he was 12 years old, and was on the cooking team with Geert, asked him to celebrate their wedding.
Geert also describes the experience of ministering with a priest in the Seaman’s Mission on a ship. The workers are away from their families for 6-9 months and have many difficult stories. The Seaman’s Mission is trusted and the celebration of Mass becomes a gate to share a drink and the need for pastoral – and occasionally practical – care. They know the ship visitors are there for them.
Finally, Geert reflects on the ministry of a deacon as a whole. He says it so well, and I will quote him in full.
“One aspect is making sure that diakonia – charity – is made into one of the priorities for what it means to be Church today. To me it is important that deacons are ordained because they are officially recognised by the Church, but also sent to the periphery. They have to reach out to people on the margins of the society and the Church. Where the Church does not want to go or dare to go, that is where the deacon should go.
The deacon – along with the bishop – is a bridge-builder. His main task is helping the bishop to be a bridge-builder, and he has to do it himself for those who are not seen or heard in society or Church. When he can do something for people, he has to do it. Sometimes, all he can do is be there and listen.
Mass is the source and summit of Christian life. Then you go out, you are sent. I am sent as a deacon towards the world’s periphery, to hear the cries of the poor. What I have to do is make sure I remember these stories and bring them back to the altar and, if I have to preach, in the homily. These stories are brought to the centre of Christian life – even in my heart. That is what I try to do, though one week is better than the other week. In that way it is important that deacons are ordained.”
Thank you, Geert, first deacon on this blog from Belgium. What a delight to hear your story!
Liturgy on the Margins 