On Saturday 20 July we celebrated the ordination to the sacred priesthood of Fr David Bench.

Clergy, family and friends gathered for the Mass, which was held at St Chad’s Cathedral, celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley and concelebrated by Bishops David Evans and Timothy Menezes.

I lay down my life for my sheep

In his homily, Archbishop Bernard referred to John 10:15: I lay down my life for my sheep.

He said: “We are witnessing the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the life of our brother and friend Dave Bench.”

Archbishop Bernard added:

“In the Sacrament of Order we believe that Christ brings about a personal change within each person at the deepest level of his being – and the Church sometimes describe this as the conferring of a sacramental character.  

“We dispose ourselves in love towards a radical re-orientation of our lives - obedient to the will of Christ - so that we find our true bearings in life in relation to him.”

Read full homily

Fr David, 37, from Coventry, was vested by Mgr Mark Crisp, whom Fr David has described as: “a great figure in my learning.” Fr David says he “has always believed in God but dropped off the wagon” of going to Mass when he first went to university. 

When he was around 25, Fr David says: “I was feeling I needed to give God space in my life, I went back to Mass and I had a strong sense that I was on the wrong side of the altar, I felt the pull of the sacrifice of offering the Mass.”

Fr David went on to complete a Masters in transpersonal psychology, but after that he still felt the pull, and approached the Vocations Director, who advised him to go and experience the day-to-day life of a priest. Fr David went to Wolverhampton, becoming attached to the parish of St Peter and St Paul and shadowing Mgr Mark Crisp. 

“This confirmed pastorally that I could actually live that life,” says Fr David, “it was there that I decided to go to seminary.”

Initially Fr David had thought he might become a counsellor: “I always wanted to be involved in the helping professions, I’m quite happy spending time with people one to one, professionally or in a pastoral setting. 

“God is always moving me in the right direction.”

Asked for his advice to any man considering the same path, Fr David said: “If this is something that a young man is craving, it will niggle at you like crazy, so you need to take the plunge and go to seminary to find out.

“I have had so many blessed encounters at seminary. I believe that God rewards an openness of heart. You will grow in that experience even if you don’t finish the course.”

Fr David trained for the priesthood at the Venerable English College, Rome and is currently halfway through a post graduate licence in Dogma and Fundamental Theology so will return to Rome for another year to complete the course.

He says: “It’s incredible being at the heart of the church (Rome). I have served for Pope Francis twice, and a real benefit has been going out to universities and meeting all kinds of people there. 

“I come back to England at Christmas and Easter and for the summer placements in the diocese.”

He added that: “In our Archdiocese we are good at looking out for each other. The Birmingham fraternity has been a great support. 

“I am looking forward to coming home and ministering along with these friends of mine. Friendship is so important in priesthood, and at seminary I've made friends for life, since the experience is so formative.

“I have a great desire to share God's word with people, since it is the truth that sets us free. I've loved preaching, as a deacon, and studying Scripture at the Angelicum in Rome, and helping others to break open God's word will be one of the primary rewards of my ministry, I'm sure.”

Fr David is interested in theatre and the performing arts as well as film and psychology.

Download the Mass Booklet

Photo Gallery - ordination of Fr David Bench