Ordination: Father Hector Rouco Gutierrez

The priestly ordination of Hector Rouco Gutierrez took place on Saturday 18 June. The ordination took place during a Solemn Mass celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor at Our Lady of Victories in Kensington High Street. More than thirty priests concelebrated, with Fr Michael O'Boy as Master of Ceremonies. The liturgy was delivered in a mixture of English and Hector's native Spanish. A reception took place afterwards in the parish hall, where Fr Hector spent more than an hour blessing those who came forward. The Mass and reception were hosted by Our Lady of Victories' parish priest, Fr Perry Sykes. The event was well-attended by family, friends and well-wishers, some of whom had travelled from afar. Fr Hector's first Mass was on Sunday in Fulham. This coming weekend, he will celebrate Mass on Saturday evening at Our Lady and St George in Enfield before returning to Our Lady of Victories as celebrant on Sunday morning. He has served placements in all three parishes as part of his training. Hector is originally from Cuba but now resident in London, and completed his studies at Allen Hall. To the delight of Hector's family, the Cardinal gave the first part of his post-service address in Spanish! After a holiday, Fr Hector will take up his first appointment as assistant priest at the parish of St Scholastica, in Clapton.