Storia
In 1965, an International Study Conference took place in Rome on the topic of “The Deacon in the Church and World of Today”. Cardinals, bishops, theologians, women and men from all over the world take part in this event..Founded in this context, the “International Diaconate Centre” has been promoting, ever, since then, the ministry of the deacon within a Church with a diaconal face.
| 1951 | Young social workers found the first Diaconate Circle in Freiburg, Germany with the aim to serve the people in need as married permanent deacons in the Catholic Church. |
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| 1952 | The Diaconate Circle publishes its first “Working Paper”; this will be regularly published up to 1966. |
| 1954 | Another Diaconate Circle is founded in Munich. |
| 1955 | Expanding of international contacts. |
| 1958 | More Diaconate Circles and groups start to be created in various countries (e.g. Germany, France, Austria, Latin America). |
| 1959 | The various initiatives join together, forming the “International Diaconate Circle”, based in Freiburg. |
| 1962 | Petition addressed to all bishops participating in the Second Vatican Council asking for the renewal of the permanent diaconate. |
| 1965 | Rome: International Study Conference on “The Deacon in the Church and the World of Today”. |
| Founding of the “International Information Centre for Issues Pertaining to the Diaconate” based in Freiburg. | |
| 1966 | Beginning of the “Diaconia Christi” magazine. |
| Over the following years: Collaboration in the renewal of the permanent diaconate in various countries. | |
| 1969 | Changes in the tasks and structures and change of name to “International Diaconate Centre (IDC)”. |
| 1992 | The IDC is transferred to the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart. |
| 1995 | 30th anniversary of the IDC. |