London: Eight Jesuits ordained to the diaconate

On Saturday 25 February, Bishop Nicholas Hudson ordained eight Jesuits as deacons. The men come from all over the world. Anthony Paul Appu, Nilan Fernando, Thomas Idergard, Swaninathan Krishnamurti, Roy Alex Kuzhimannil, Sandeep Lakra, Alphonse Lepcha and Mikael Schink have all been living and studying in London for the last three or more years before becoming deacons.

While reflecting on the Gospel chosen for the day, Bishop Hudson encouraged the eight candidates to get to know Christ the Good Shepherd intimately in order to be effective preachers of the Gospel. The deacons were also encouraged to continually pray for the grace of celibacy. Bishop Hudson underscored that although celibacy is seen as counter cultural, it is a sign and means of proclaiming the good news.

The eight Jesuits ordained deacon with Bishop Nicholas HudsonThe congregation was full of people the new deacons had lived with, worked with and served, as well as a large number of their Jesuit brothers. Concelebrants included the British Jesuit Provincial, Fr Dermot Preston SJ, the new formation assistant Nicholas King SJ, and the former formation assistant and current Socius Paul Nicholson SJ who had been responsible for the men's training as Jesuits.

The day was enjoyed by all and topped off with a small celebration in the hall of the local Catholic school, Our Lady's Convent High School.