Cardinal Vincent Nichols ordained the former Church of England Bishop of Ebbsfleet, Jonathan Goodall to the Catholic priesthood on Saturday 12th March in Westminster Cathedral.
In his homily, the Cardinal explained that the priest stands 'in persona Christi capitis (in the person of Christ the Head), as the one who lays bare the gifts of heaven, leading the pilgrimage on its heavenly journey, nurturing the assembled people, disclosing the joy and promise of what lies ahead.
'The priest is to be the effective sign and standard-bearer of those glimpses of heaven. He is to constantly hold before us the promise of the fullness for which we are created, the perfection to which we are summoned, by the words of Jesus himself, to seek above all else. We thank God for the gift of such a priesthood.'
Concelebrating were Archbishops George Stack, Leo Cushley and Kevin McDonald, along with Bishops Marcus Stock, John Sherrington and over 20 priests.
Also concelebrating was the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchial Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, who was present as the war in Ukraine continues to rage.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation in Ukraine on behalf of all who were present, the Cardinal said, 'we are also so intensely aware and dismayed by the warfare and violence being suffered by so many. Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Ukraine, and especially to their bishop here in England, Bishop Kenneth.'
Ecumenical guests in choir included the Bishop of Richborough Norman Banks, Bishop of Fulham Jonathan Baker and retired Church of England Bishops Nicholas Reade and John Hind.
The Cardinal thanked them and all who have played a part in this special journey, saying: 'We pray that Jonathan’s ministry is now incorporated into the fullness of the priesthood as understood and lived in the Catholic Church. For us this is a gift, and a moment in which we give thanks to all who have fashioned and enriched Jonathan’s life and ministry over so many years.'
Fr Jonathan Goodall will serve as Parish Priest of St William of York, Stanmore. Please pray for him as he begins his ministry as a priest in the Catholic Church.
Additional photos from the ordination (Pics: Mazur/CBCEW.org.uk)
