Newcastle: Christopher Brolly SJ ordained priest at St Mary's Cathedral

Fr Christopher Brolly SJ. Image by Winsum Oo

Source: Jesuits in Britain

Family, friends, fellow Jesuits and parishioners packed St Mary's Cathedral, Newcastle, on Saturday 13 June, as Christopher Brolly SJ was ordained to the priesthood by the Rt Rev Stephen Wright, Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle.

The celebration brought together members of the Society of Jesus from across the British Province and beyond, including Jesuits and friends who travelled from Boston, where Christopher is completing his theological studies. For the Northumberland-born Jesuit, it was also a homecoming to the diocese where his vocation first began to take shape.

Speaking before the ordination, Christopher reflected on the peace with which he approached the day.

"I woke up this morning feeling very peaceful. I spent some time with my brother and his children. I may well be the first person about to be ordained who has spent the morning bouncing on a trampoline with an eight-year-old! It was great fun. I played with my niece and nephew and enjoyed some special family time that reminded me of the morning of my brother's wedding."

The importance of family was evident throughout the celebration. Christopher's parents, Martin and Theresa, joined his brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew among those gathered in the cathedral for the ordination. During the Mass, his parents presented the bread and wine at the offertory, before later receiving Holy Communion from their newly ordained son.

The liturgy was enriched by the participation of family, friends and fellow Jesuits. The readings were proclaimed by Mrs Mary O'Keeffe and Ms Maria Yasmin Rabiah, while Mrs Lizzie Brooks served as cantor. Music was provided by the Hexham & Newcastle Diocesan Choir under the direction of Ms Nicola Reeves.

Born in Hexham, Christopher attended schools in Northumberland before studying History at King's College London and later training as a teacher. He entered the Society of Jesus in 2015 and has since lived, studied and ministered in Britain, France and the United States. He is currently completing his theological studies at Boston College.

Returning to St Mary's Cathedral carried particular significance. It was while attending the cathedral's monthly young adults prayer group that Christopher began to discern a call to religious life.

In his homily, Fr Peter Gallagher SJ, Provincial Superior of Jesuits in Britain, reflected on priesthood, discipleship and service. Describing ordination as "a new beginning, not a conclusion", he spoke of the long journey of formation that precedes priesthood and of the new stage of mission that now lies ahead.

Fr Peter concluded by telling the congregation:

"We give thanks on this great day that Christopher continues to seek understanding for himself and for us the flock; that he imitates his own teacher Jesus Christ; and that this day and every day he is conforming his life to the mystery of the Cross."

One of the most moving moments of the liturgy came following the ordination itself, when the newly ordained priest was welcomed by his fellow Jesuits. One by one, priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus came forward to offer the traditional fraternal embrace.

Following the ordination rite, Fr Christopher was vested in priestly stole and chasuble by Fr Christopher Warren of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle and Fr John Unni of the Archdiocese of Boston.

The packed congregation reflected the many communities that have shaped Christopher's journey, bringing together family members, diocesan clergy, parishioners, Jesuit colleagues and friends from Britain and overseas.

Following the Mass, Christopher expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, fellow Jesuits, formators, clergy, friends, and supporters, acknowledging all those who had accompanied him on his vocation journey and helped make the day possible.

Many of those gathered then queued to receive a first priestly blessing from the newly ordained Jesuit, bringing a joyful conclusion to a day of prayer, celebration, and thanksgiving.

The full text of Fr Peter Gallagher SJ's homily can be downloaded here.
Watch the Ordination Mass: www.youtube.com/live/K0y1jVVQlGY?is=ogZsF29myCYWMPrD