Joyful Celebration as 2 Men Ordained to the Diaconate

The Diocese of East Anglia joyfully welcomed two new permanent deacons on Saturday 19 July, as Jonathan Callejo and Jonathan Wright were ordained during a solemn Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Collins at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich.

The cathedral was filled with family, friends, clergy, and parishioners from across the diocese, all gathered in prayerful support of the two men as they took this significant step in their journey of faith and service.

The Rite of Ordination began after the proclamation of the Gospel. As Bishop Peter, wearing the mitre, sat at the chair before the altar, the candidates were called forward by a deacon. At the sound of their names, each man responded and approached the Bishop with a sign of reverence. They were formally presented to the Bishop, who then examined them publicly, affirming their readiness to be ordained.

The candidates then knelt before Bishop Peter, placing their hands between his in a traditional gesture of obedience and making their promises to faithfully serve the Church. This was followed by an invitation to prayer and the solemn chanting of the Litany of the Saints, during which Jonathan Callejo and Jonathan Wright prostrated themselves before the altar in a powerful sign of humility and surrender to God’s will.

The Bishop then laid his hands on each candidate in silence – a moment marking the calling down of the Holy Spirit – followed by the prayer of consecration. The newly ordained were vested with the stole and dalmatic, signs of the diaconal ministry, and were presented with the Book of the Gospels, symbolising their role in proclaiming the Word. They received the kiss of peace from Bishop Peter and from their brother deacons, signifying their full incorporation into the diaconal order.

Jonathan Callejo and Jonathan Wright then joined Bishop Peter at the altar for the remainder of the Mass, fulfilling their new liturgical role for the first time.

In his homily, Bishop Peter Collins spoke of the vital ministry of the permanent diaconate and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the wives and families of both men, acknowledging the support and sacrifices made throughout their formation. He also offered thanks to all those who had supported Jonathan C and Jonathan W on their vocational journey, including clergy, formators, and fellow parishioners.

The occasion was one of great joy and spiritual significance for the diocese, as the Church continues to grow in its mission through the dedication and witness of its ordained ministers. Please keep Deacons Jonathan Callejo and Jonathan Wright in your prayers as they begin their ministry of service, charity, and proclamation of the Gospel.

Photographs from the ordination Mass can be viewed here. 

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