Congratulations to
Deacon Hervé Boisson, Deacon Anthony Cecile, Deacon Paul Christian, Deacon Michael Larmer
ordained to the Permanent Diaconate
by Bishop Paul McAleenen on 5th July 2025 at Westminster Cathedral.
On Saturday 5th July at the 10.30am Solemn Mass in Westminster Cathedral,Hervé Boisson, Anthony Cecile, Paul Christian and Michael Larmer where Ordained into the Permanent Diaconate by Bishop Paul McAleenan. The Ordination followed more than three years of Formation by the men, which included part-time academic study in Pastoral Ministry and Catholic Social Teaching at St Mary's University Twickenham, and active service in their parishes. Each man was supported firstly by there families, their parish priest, also academic tutors, mentors and spiritual directors.
With hymns and music, traditional and modern, the four men who initially sat with their families, were called forward to be presented to the Bishop. After being assured of their worthiness by the Director of the Permanent Diaconate, Adrian Cullen, to take on ministry as deacons, Bhp Paul gave his homily, encouraging them in their ministry of service and prayer.
During the ordination rite, the men resolve to be charitable, faithful and prayerful as they carry out their duties following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, and obedient to the bishops. They then prostrate themselves, as all present call on the help of the saints in heaven to assist the men in their ministry. And again, presenting themselves to the Bishop, who then lays his hands on their heads calling down Holy Spirit, the men are ordained Deacons.
Deacons Hervé, Anthony, Paul and Michael are then presented with their vestments by their wives, and vested in stole and dalmatic by deacon colleagues. The Bishop then hands them the Book of the Gospels, and declares, 'Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are'. Following which, the newly ordained men are greeted by their brother deacons.
Immediately, the new Deacons are put to work, assisting the Bishop in the celebration of the Mass, as they will do so from now on with the Priests in their own parishes: Hervé in St Mathew, Northwood; Anthony in St Sebastian & St Pancras, Kingsbury Green; Paul in Cathedral Parish; and Michael in St Albans & St Stephan, St Albans.
Before the end of the Mass, the three Deacons brought their wives onto the sanctuary: Hervé with Veronica, Anthony wit Kaveeta, Paul with Yolande, and Michael with Maria. There, Bishop Paul, on behalf of the Church, blessed and thanked the wives for the loving support they have given their husbands in their new ministry.
The Mass of Ordination ended with blessings and the procession to the accompaniment of an organ voluntary.