British Jesuits celebrate record number of new priests

Source: Jesuit Media Office

A double ordination in South Africa on 8 September will bring the total number of men ordained for the British Province of the Society of Jesus in 2006 to six-the highest number in one year since 1988.

Bruce Botha and Shaun Carls will be ordained by Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg at Holy Trinity Church in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Their ordinations follow the ordination of another South African Jesuit, Russell Pollitt, who was ordained in the same church in February, and a triple ordination for the Province at St Ignatius' Church, Stamford Hill, London, in July.

Durban-born Bruce, 37, entered the Society in 1996 and studied for his MA in Theology and Philosophy at Heythrop College in London from 1998 to 2000. On returning to South Africa, he was made the Co-ordinator of the Region's work among people with AIDS, and undertook further rigorous training at Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto. 42-year-old Shaun entered the Society in 1993 and is currently studying at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California. He also studied at Heythrop College, London (2002-5) and as part of his formation was a Parliamentary Liaison Officer.

The three Jesuits ordained in London over the summer were Nicholas Austin, who has now returned to studies in Boston, USA; Dushan Croos, who starts as Chaplain at Wimbledon College in South London this term; and Jim Conway, who in addition to being part-time Assistant Chaplain at St Ignatius' College, Enfield, also has responsibility for the social outreach office at St Ignatius parish, Stamford Hill.

The last time that so many men were ordained priests for the British Province in one year was 1988 when their number included the current Jesuit Provincial and his immediate predecessor.