Archbishop Bernard Longley ordained two men to the priesthood at St Chad’s Cathedral on Saturday 7 July.

The cathedral was filled with parishioners, clergy, friends and family who gathered to witness this important moment and to wish the two new priests joy in their vocation.

The two candidates, Jason Mahoney, who was deacon at St Chad’s Cathedral and Robert Carey, who was deacon at St Dunstan’s, King’s Heath, were presented by Canon David Oakley, Rector of St Mary’s College, Oscott.

During the ordination rite, the candidates promise ‘to celebrate the mysteries of Christ, faithfully and religiously… for the glory of God and the sanctification of Christ’s people.’ 

In his homily, His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley said: “Today’s ordination is the clearest answer that God could give to our prayers for priestly vocations.

“It comes in the shape of two men who have been discerning our Lord’s call for many years, along the highways and the byways of their lives.”

The Archbishop noted the candidates followed in the footsteps of others who moved a distance to serve in the Midlands- St Chad, Blessed John Henry Newman and Blessed Dominic Barberi.

“Jason and Robert, you have been called from different backgrounds and experiences to share in the one priesthood of Jesus Christ. 

“Today a little bit of Yorkshire determination and a whisper of the Wirral enrich the presbyterate of the Archdiocese. 

“You have both come to appreciate what it means to belong to uproot yourselves and to serve where the Lord is sending you.  As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”

Newly ordained, Fr Jason Mahoney will be appointed as Curate at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Redditch and Fr Robert Carey will be appointed as Curate at The Immaculate Conception, Bicester

Please keep them in your prayers, along with all our other priests in this, the diocesan #YearforPriests

Open and read the full homily.

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