East Anglia Diocese trio instituted as Lectors in Rome

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East Anglia Diocese trio instituted as Lectors in Rome

Three first year seminary students from the Diocese of East Anglia were instituted as Lectors at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome on Wednesday May 11.


Michael Brookes, Alan Hodgson and Paul Spellman received the first of the Lay Ministries, which are part of the path towards ordination as priests, at a Mass celebrated by Canon Philip Gillespie, the Rector of the College.

LectorPaulSpellman600At their institution they knelt to receive a copy of the Holy Scriptures, entrusted with the mission of handing on the Word of God with the words: "Take this book of Holy Scriptures and be faithful in handing on the Word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of His people."

Fr Gerry Quigley and Canon Mark Hackeson from Bury St Edmunds were present for the occasion along with East Anglia fourth seminary student in Rome, Piotr Wygnanski, who is just completing his second year at the Venerable English College.

The joy of the Mass spilled over into an excellent celebratory dinner in the College Refectory. Both Fr Gerry and Fr Mark were impressed by the joyful commitment of the new Lectors as they move to the end of their first year of formal studies for the priesthood.

Pictured at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome are (left to right) Canon Mark Hackeson, Paul Spellman, Michael Brookes, Alan Hodgson, Piotr Wygnanski, with Fr Gerry Quigley, seated. Also Paul Spellman receiving the Holy Scriptures.

Click here to see a full picture gallery of the occasion.

 

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