Three ordained to the Diaconate in Brixton
The church of Corpus Christi's in Brixton, south London, was packed for the ordination to the Diaconate of three Jesuit seminarians, by Bishop Charles Henderson, on Saturday. Bernd Hagenkord, 34, Tony O'Riordan, 32, and Peter Scally, 35, are all currently studying Theology at Heythrop College. They will be ordained to the priesthood, this year and next, in their home parishes. The candidates were called forward by Fr David Smolira SJ, the Jesuit provincial. He said Bernd, who comes from Germany, first studied history and journalism, before becoming involved in youth ministry. Tony, originally from from Co Cork, initially studied law. With a particular interest in social justice issues, in recent years he has worked in Dublin with Travellers, the homeless and people in prison. Peter, who grew up in Ilkley, Yorkshire, studied philosophy and politics before joining the Society. Since then he has worked in several parts of the world including Soweto, Sarajevo and Dublin - where he helped to set up the Sacred Space website. Throughout the celebration, a rich variety of music was provided by Corpus Christi's Music Group, The Ghanaian Choir, Young People's Choir and many individual singers and musicians. The congregation, which included family, friends and representatives from other local churches, adjourned to a nearby hall for a party after the Mass. Pictured below: Tony O'Riordan, Bernd Hagenkord, Peter Scally.