MONTHLY ALBUM
© Marcin Mazur
New Deacons and Priests
© Marcin Mazur
Concelebrating the Ordination Mass
Deacons William Johnstone and Tim Mangatal are ordained
Does it seem unreasonable to have to wait an extra couple of months for ordination after six years of training? Well, when the focus of one’s life is on priesthood and as the hope and expectation builds, it has been hard for those due for ordination in June to wait for a new date to be fixed. Finally, however, the day came, albeit not without mishap, as one of the candidates for the diaconate damaged his leg playing football and has had to drop out until he has recovered. However, the diocese now has its three new priests, Frs Alexander Balzanella, David Knight and Axcel Soriano. In the first image readers may recognise Fr David (left), who was formerly a Lay Clerk in the Choir, whilst Fr Alex (right) has spent many hours taking photos in the Cathedral from his time working in the Communications Office in Archbishop’s House, when he was a colleague of the present Editor of Oremus. The custom is for Ordinations of Deacons and Priests to take place separately, so the Cardinal referred to this Ordination being the first such combined event for many years. As the Ordination of Priests is normally at the end of June, it coincides with the week or so when St John Southworth’s relics are moved to the centre of the Cathedral nave for his feast. The candidates for priesthood then lie prostrate for the Litany of Saints on the floor of the nave in line with St John. Social distancing, not least, meant that the prostration during the Litany at this Ordination had to be on the sanctuary, but we hope that the new priests and deacons will have received the help of St John’s prayers nonetheless.
Smart Casual?
© Marcin Mazur
It is the gentleman on the right who provides the clue. At the beginning of October the lawyers observe the beginning of the Legal Year, with their attendance at the Red Mass, bringing to it a variety of colour and their own particular shades of red. The pandemic did not prevent the Mass from happening, although it meant the cancellation of the customary reception in the Throne Room of Archbishop’s House. It also meant that it was distinctly a dress down, although certainly smart, occasion.
18
Oremus
November 2020
