Southwark: seven priests ordained for the Ordinariate

Fr Christopher Pearson, Fr Christopher Lindlar, Fr Nicholas Leviseur, Fr Simon Heans, Deacon James Bradley, Archbishop Peter Smith, Mgr Keith Newton, Fr Ivan Aquilina, Fr Edward Tomlinson, Fr Stephen Bould

Seven former Anglican clergy were ordained to the Catholic priesthood for the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham by Archbishop Peter Smith in Saint George's Cathedral Southwark, on Saturday, 4 June.

In his homily Archbishop Peter promised them the support of the Archdiocese: "...you know you will have the companionship and support of the people to whom you have been pastors for many years, as well as the wider community, God's people in the Archdiocese - priests, deacons, religious and laity."

He concluded: "I pray that your example and way of life as shepherds of the flock will bring those you serve closer to Christ and to a deeper holiness of life. I pray that, like you, they will continue to grow in the love of God and of their neighbour, and become more credible witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life."

Monsignor Keith Newton, Ordinary of the Personal Ordinariate, concelebrated at the Ordination Mass. Apart from the ordination of three former Anglican bishops in January, this was the first priestly ordination of former Anglican clergy and begins a wave that will continue throughout the month, with more than 50 ordinations expected around the country.

Source: Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham/Archdiocese of Southwark