Cambridge: Ordination is historic first

Rev Jaylord Magpuyo with Bishop Alan Hopes

An historic occasion took place in Cambridge on Wednesday evening (January 25) when Seminarian Jaylord Magpuyo became the first-ever Filipino to be ordained as a deacon in the Diocese of East Anglia.

The Ordination Mass was celebrated by Bishop Alan Hopes at the Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs (OLEM) in Cambridge.

It was witnessed by a packed church of well over 300 people, including family and friends of Deacon Jaylord and parishioners from the Cambridge churches of St Philip Howard and St Laurence, together with people from the Annunciation of Our Lady, King's Lynn, parishes in which he has served over the last 18 months. Prior to that, Jaylord spent six years in formation for the priesthood in the Philippines.

The Rite of Ordination included the calling and presentation of the candidate, election by Bishop Alan, the laying-on of hands and a prayer of consecration. This was followed by the investiture of Deacon Jaylord with a stole and a Dalmatic (vestment) and the presentation of the Book of the Gospels.

Ending the Mass, Mgr Eugène Harkness, Chancellor of East Anglia and Rector at OLEM, and who first presented Jaylord for consideration for ordination, said: "This is an historic day in the life of our Diocese with Jaylord becoming the first-ever Pinoy deacon - the first of many more we hope, with one more well into his formation and possibly another two to begin their studies soon."

After the Mass the congregation enjoyed an impressive Filipino meal in St Alban's school hall.

Source: Diocese of East Anglia