On Saturday 30th January 2021, Bishop John Sherrington ordained Jakub Joszko and Marco Salvagnini to the diaconate at the St Francis de Sales Church, Tottenham.
Concelebrating the ordination Mass were Mgr Roger Taylor, Rector of Allen Hall Seminary; Fr Lorenzo Andreini, Rector of Redemptoris Mater House of Formation; and Fr David Lucuy, Parish Priest of Tottenham.
Despite the Covid protocols required at this time, the Mass was a solemn and joyous occasion, which was live streamed, allowing family, friends and the faithful across the diocese and in Poland and Italy to witness the ordinations.
In his homily, Bishop John spoke of the two images that 'shine through the liturgy to the diaconate, one is that of herald and the other servant'.
Both men have been on 'the pathway of the Neo-Catechumenal Way'. Addressing the men, Bishop John said 'you have received the Gospel of Christ into your hearts, scrutinising it, understanding it and allowing it to feed you. You have believed in the Word of God through listening and responding in trust in Jesus and understanding the doctrine of the Church.'
Along the way, the men have 'begun to teach this Word of Life through your catechesis and itinerancy.'
Reflecting on the image of service, Bishop John added: 'You are called as oblates to offer yourselves to God and others as Christ offered himself as a living sacrifice to be transformed in love for others. This is now your raison d’être.'
He invoked the example of the saints whose feast days occur around this time and those with whom the men have a special association, including St John Paul II, St Francis de Sales and St John Bosco, among others.
The newly-ordained deacons will now continue their formation for the priesthood. Deacon Jakub will serve at St Francis de Sales, Tottenham, and Deacon Marco will serve at Holy Cross, Parsons Green. Please keep them and the other deacons who are in formation for the priesthood in your prayers.
