On 12th June 2021, Bishop Paul McAleenan celebrated the diaconate ordination Mass of four seminarians in Westminster Cathedral: Daniel Daley, Matteo Di Giuseppe and Michael Guthrie for the Diocese of Westminster, and John Fitt Mbu Ashu CM (Congregation of the Mission). The celebration marked a major formation milestone for these men as they continue their journeys towards the priesthood.
Three of the new deacons will now undertake placements ministering in parishes in the Diocese of Westminster. Rev Daniel Daley will minister at St Anthony of Padua, Edgeware, Rev Matteo Di Guiseppe will minister at St Francis de Sales, Tottenham and Rev Michael Guthrie will minister at St Paul the Apostle, Wood Green. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue their journey towards priesthood.
In his homily, Bishop Paul reminded the congregation that the ordination was taking place on the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
'When I think of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the word ‘consecrate’ comes to my mind as some our Popes have consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart. Indeed, in this Cathedral, England and Wales was consecrated to the Immaculate Heart.
'We will hear the word "consecrate" again today. It is contained in the promises you will make. Today it is you who will be consecrated, you will be asked to freely consecrate yourself, set yourself apart to be free to serve the Church. You and all present will hear the words, "By this consecration you will adhere more easily to Christ with an undivided heart; you will be more freely at the service of God and mankind".
Bishop Paul also invited the seminarians to consider the example of Mary in the Gospel.
'No doubt you are here today because you did precisely what Mary did in the last line of our Gospel reading, "she stored up all things in her heart", or, as one translation has it, she put everything together, she reflected on all her experiences to discover what was being asked of her. I am sure you did something similar, you put everything together, and were to detect a movement in your life which could only be explained by acknowledging God was revealing himself, being active in your life.'
Photos from the Mass of ordination to the diaconate are available here.
Images: Mazur/CBCEW.org.uk
