Southwark welcomes five new priests

Archbishop Peter Smith with Fr Samuel, Fr Valentine, Fr Stephen, Fr Thomas and Fr Leonard.

Archbishop Peter Smith ordained five deacons to the priesthood at St George's Cathedral in Southwark on 20 July. The new priests are: Father Samuel Davey, Father Valentine Erhahon, Father Stephen Haines, Father Thomas Lynch and Father Leonard Tatt. These ordinations bring to a total of seven the number of men ordained for the diocese this year, the other two being Father Stuart Meyer and Father Nicolas von Malaise.

Fr Samuel Davey, from the Good Shepherd Parish, New Addington, was trained at St John's Seminary, Wonersh, where he spent his Pastoral Diaconate. Fr Valentine Erhahon, from the Holy Ghost Parish, Balham, (originally from Benin City) was trained at St John's Seminary, Wonersh, and spent his Pastoral Diaconate at St Saviour's Parish, Lewisham. Fr Stephen Haines from the Cathedral Parish, a former Anglican clergyman, was trained at Allen Hall and spent his Pastoral Diaconate at the Cathedral. Fr Thomas Lynch from St Bede's Parish, Clapham Park, was trained at St John's Seminary, Wonersh, where he spent his Pastoral Diaconate. Fr Leonard Tatt from Christ Church Parish, Eltham, was trained at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome, where he spent his Pastoral Diaconate.

Music for the Ordination Mass was provided by the Exeter College Chapel Schola, Oxford, led by George De Voil, Exeter College Organ Scholar.

Father Stephen Langridge, diocesan Vocations Director, said: "It is great to have so many newly ordained priests for the diocese this year, but we need many more. Anyone considering a priestly vocation is encouraged to contact the Vocation Centre: info@southwarkvocations.com

"Our congratulations and grateful prayers to all who have been ordained to the priesthood for our diocese this year.

Source: Archdiocese of Southwark