On the 18th May, Bishop John Wilson ordained Joseph Raju Katthula CMF, a Claretian Missionary, to the diaconate in a joyful ceremony at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hayes.
Addressing his homily to the deacon-elect, Bishop John said, ‘from today forwards you are always to have the tongue and heart of a servant, wherever you are sent and whatever assignment you are given. Evermore faithfully, you will shape your way of life according to the example of the Lord Jesus, your servant King, your servant Lord, your servant Shepherd, your servant Friend.’
Reflecting on the celebration afterwards, Bishop John said: ‘This ordination was a first for both Deacon Joseph and me: him being ordained and me ordaining. I found it very humbling and extremely moving. During the presentation of the gifts in the Mass I had a strong sense of this being the Lord’s work, the continuation of the Church’s ministry through the Sacrament of Ordination and the laying on of hands.
‘The Deacon is ordained to proclaim the Gospel and to serve with charity. It was a great joy to ordain Deacon Joseph at a beautiful liturgy supported by the Claretian family and the people of the Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Hayes.’
Expressing his joy at his ordination, Deacon Joseph explained that he ‘was blessed to have the chance to proclaim the Word of God at one of the parish Masses the following day, and to baptize and welcome three babies into Mother Church’.
Dearcon Joseph will continue to minister at Hayes Parish.
