THE
P RTAL
July 2017
Page 7
The Ordinariate has
ten new Deacons!
Jackie Ottaway and Ronald Crane were there
I t had
been heralded as an important and exciting event and, as it turned out,
both predictions were true. St James’, Spanish Place in London is a stunningly
beautiful church and the Rector an old friend to many in the Ordinariate.
of Music, and the choir of St James’. The performance
of the music was of the highest order and the rendition
of Herbert Howells’ Collegium Regale mass setting
Fr Christopher Colven, the parish priest, was for
many years at the Anglican Shrine in Walsingham,
and then at St Stephen’s Gloucester Road. It was fitting
that we made our way to St James’ for this ordination
of ten deacons for the Ordinariate of Our Lady of
Walsingham.
made the hairs on the back of necks stand up! This,
together with rousing hymns, aided the devotion of
the day.
In his homily, Bishop Robert reminded the new
deacons that they must live out their ministry in
practical ways, as they were called to proclaim the Word
of God, assist at the eucharist and care for the poor.
As Cardinal Pell was unwell, Bishop Robert Byrne,
Auxiliary of Birmingham, was able to be the Bishop
After the mass was over, we all went to the Parish
present. Another friend of the Ordinariate, we were in
Room for some refreshments, and T he P ortal was
good company.
able to snatch a quick word with one or two of the new
The music was provided by Iestyn Evans, the Director deacons.