(All photos on this page are copyright Damian Walker.)
On 27th September, Dom Bede was ordained to the priesthood after 9 years in the monastery. His ordination comes after six of studies at Oxford Blackfriars.
Bishop James Curry presided at the ordination. In his homily, Bishop James referred to Bede’s experiences prior to joining the monastery and to the meaning of the Benedictine vows. He reminded us that everything a monk does is part of his spiritual life, whether praying the Divine Office or doing the washing up. Although Dom Bede was ordained to the priesthood, he remains a monk. The monk’s life is a school of prayer which nourishes the priestly ministry.
The Ordination
The service started with a procession from the monastery through the street to the church. Sr Kathleen of the Resurrection Sisters read the first reading (Isaiah 61:1-3) and Bede’s cousin Maria read the second reading (2 Corinthians 4:1-2, 5-7). The Carmelite Deacon Chidiebere Ezeakacha OCD, who is also studying at Blackfriars Oxford, proclaimed the Gospel (John 15:9-17).
Then came the Rite of Ordination. This comprises a questioning and the homily by the Bishop, and then promises by Dom Bede to carry out his duties. After this comes the Litany of Saints, where we call on the saints to pray for us. Following this, the Bishop and then all the other priests laid their hands on Dom Bede’s head, passing on the Holy Spirit. Then the Bishop prayed the prayer of consecration before Fr Alexander dressed Bede in the stole and chasuble. Bishop James then anointed Bede’s hands before Bede received the chalice and paten for the Mass. The Bishop and Fr Bede then exchanged the kiss of peace, and then all the other priests also gave Bede the kiss of peace.
Following this, Mass continued as normal, with Fr Bede and Abbot Dominic as principal concelebrants alongside the Bishop. The Mass ended with Fr Bede giving his first blessing to the Bishop. This is something that happens at the end of every ordination to the priesthood; the newly-ordained priest blesses the Bishop who ordained him.
Blessings and Celebration
After the Mass, there was a celebration in the Parish Hall, while Fr Bede was giving his First Blessing to people.
