Oscott College 14 December 2024

“Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become” – with these words from the ordination rite, Archbishop Bernard presented the Book of the Gospels to each of five men newly-ordained to the diaconate at St Mary’s College, Oscott, on Saturday 14 December. Coming in the middle of Advent, when the figure of John the Baptist – the first herald of the Gospel – is so prominent, the ordination marked the beginning of a lifelong ministry of preaching the Word of God, preparing the hearts of the people to receive Christ.

The five men ordained were: Rev. Gerard (Gerry) Bowen (Archdiocese of Birmingham), Rev. Paul Chisnall (Diocese of Salford), Rev. Adam Bamber and Rev. Joseph Fawcett Wood (Diocese of Shrewsbury) and Rev. Christopher Igwe (Diocese of Motherwell). They now leave the seminary to take up their ministry in their own dioceses, though will make a few return visits to Oscott in the coming months as part of their transition from seminary to ministerial life. 

Revd. Gerry Bowen is due to be ordained to the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Birmingham next year. For the final part of his formation, called by the new Ratio “Vocational Synthesis” Archbishop Bernard has appointed Gerard to serve as deacon at the Parish of Blessed Carlo Acutis, Wolverhampton. Please remember him in your prayers as he begins his ministry in the Archdiocese.

I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the future, but I also acknowledge the significance of the time spent as a Transitional Deacon as a period of profound learning and growth in my vocation bestowed upon me by God.

Revd. Gerry said: 

“On December 14, 2024, a group of five men from four dioceses were ordained as Transitional Deacons at St. Mary’s College Oscott. I was honoured to be among them. After nearly seven years of seminary formation, including a year in Valladolid and almost six at Oscott, I felt a sense of triumph upon reaching ordination.

"While I experienced some nervousness leading up to the ordination Mass, I found that during the litany of the saints as we lay prostrate on the floor, my nerves dissipated, replaced by a profound sense of calm and conviction.

"Ordination as a Transitional Deacon holds significant meaning. It is often perceived as a stepping stone to priestly ordination, particularly given the emphasis placed on preparing for it over the past seven years. However, I believe that my time as a Transitional Deacon will be a crucial step in preparing for Priesthood.

"Throughout history, apprenticeships have proven effective in fostering the development of novice skills alongside the expertise of skilled workers. This analogy aptly describes the period of time to be spent as a Transitional Deacon. I will collaborate and learn from the Priests in the parish where I am assigned to serve.

"While I eagerly anticipate Priestly ordination, I recognise the importance of the parish experience as a Transitional Deacon. Seminary formation provides theological and theoretical knowledge, but practical application is gained through parish ministry.

"I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the future, but I also acknowledge the significance of the time spent as a Transitional Deacon as a period of profound learning and growth in my vocation bestowed upon me by God. I humbly request your prayers for myself and my fellow newly ordained brothers.” 

A large congregation made up of family and friends of the new deacons, as well as the seminary community, filled the historic chapel. Alongside Archbishop Bernard were Bishop Richard Walker and Bishop Timothy Menezes, as well as Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell and Bishop Francis Dougan of Galloway, who was previously parish priest of one of the new deacons. For the community at Oscott, the ordination marks a joyful climax to the calendar year and a culmination of the work of the seminary.

In his homily, Archbishop Bernard said:

"Today’s celebration during the hope-filled season of Advent and on the feast of St John of the Cross also marks a pause in the Seminary’s year.  It offers a moment to stop and to give thanks for all that has been accomplished.  

"We should offer our greatest thanks to the Holy Spirit who makes all the Seminary’s work complete and fruitful through the Sacrament of Orders.  

"This is the sacrament for which our five friends have been patiently and diligently preparing and as deacons they will now prepare for their priestly ordination as they begin their new parish ministries."

Read full homily

The new deacons will carry out their diaconal ministry in the coming months, preaching, celebrating baptisms, weddings and funerals, and engaging in charitable service. In due course each will be ordained to the priesthood in their home dioceses. 

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