Once upon a time ordinations to the Priesthood were 2 a penny, not so these days; that is why the Ordination of Rev. Darren Carden at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Lancaster was a red letter day.
A red letter day not just for the community of the diocese, and for Darren’s family and friends, but also for us at St. Clare’s where Darren has been serving as a Deacon since last June. And it is here that he will begin his priestly ministry.
On Saturday (Oct 22nd) the Cathedral, a big church, was pleasantly full for the ordination; a coach load plus others from the parish were in situ well in advance of the start of the Mass. Many priests had made the effort to be there to support Darren in this new and exciting step. Bishop Campbell, in his homily, took the theme of the Readings for the Mass, and spoke about the challenge of the priestly ministry.
After the homily the Rite of Ordination took place and our newest priest, for the first time, extended his hand at the consecration entering into that special relationship and becoming in a new and powerful way alter Christus.
After the Mass there was the obligatory bun fight which was held in Lancaster Town Hall, a very fitting place, and only just large enough for those who gathered there. Fr. Darren was welcomed with an enthusiastic round of applause, did the rounds of the tables and eventually cut the cake made by Clare, our Housekeeper.
Ad multos annos!
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