Yesterday afternoon I drove down to St John’s Seminary, Wonersh for the ordination of one of our Southwark students, Philip Smith. This year Philip is the Dean, or senior student, and has been very much involved in ensuring the smooth running of life at the seminary.

The ordination was carried out by Bishop Pat Lynch one of the Southwark auxiliary bishops and it was nice to see a considerable group of Southwark priests there to represent the diocese. Philip’s family, was also present and the bishop made a point of thanking them during the ceremony for the gift of their son.

The ceremony itself was dignified and characterised by the noble simplicity commended by the Church’s liturgical books. In the capable hands of Sam Davey, the college Master of Ceremonies, everything went smoothly.

After the ordination there was a reception in the ambulacrum followed by supper in the refectory. Later the students gathered in the Dive for further, less formal celebrations.

Please keep Philip in your prayers as he begins life as a deacon. Before long he will be thinking about his priestly ordination! We look forward to seeing him next weekend when we gather for the Vocations Retreat at Wonersh. I am sure his presence among us will be a great encouragement to the men who will be joining us for that retreat.