Ordinations Bring Joy to the Diocese

The Diocese of East Anglia gave thanks to God with great joy on Saturday 4 July as the Revd Peter Ho and the Revd Anthony Reilly were ordained to the Sacred Priesthood during a solemn Mass at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich.

The Ordination Mass was celebrated by Bishop Peter Collins and attended by clergy from across the Diocese of East Anglia and beyond, together with family, friends and parishioners who had gathered to witness this significant moment in the life of the Church.

At the beginning of the Mass, Bishop Peter warmly welcomed all those present, paying particular tribute to the families and friends of Revd Peter and Revd Anthony. He thanked them for the love, encouragement and steadfast support they had offered throughout the vocations of both men, recognising the important role they had played in helping them reach this day.

The Liturgy of the Word reflected beautifully the vocation and mission of the priesthood. The first reading, from Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4–9), recalled God’s call to the prophet before he was born and His assurance: “Do not be afraid… I am with you.” It is a powerful reminder that every priestly vocation begins not with human ambition, but with God’s initiative and grace.

The second reading, from St Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 4:1–7, 11–13), called the faithful to live lives worthy of their calling and highlighted the different gifts Christ gives His Church, including pastors and teachers who are entrusted with building up the Body of Christ. The passage reflected the responsibility now placed upon the two ordinands to serve God’s people faithfully and to help lead them towards maturity in faith.

In the Gospel (Luke 22:14–20, 24–30), proclaimed during the celebration, Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper before teaching His disciples that true greatness is found in humble service. The reading lies at the very heart of priestly ministry, reminding the newly ordained that they are called to serve after the example of Christ, who gives Himself completely for His people.

Following the Liturgy of the Word, the Rite of Ordination began. Revd Peter and Revd Anthony were called forward before bowing before Bishop Peter. They were then formally presented to the Bishop by Canon Michael Dolman, Rector of St Mary’s College, Oscott, who testified that they had been found worthy to be ordained.

The Bishop then declared his election of the candidates, and the people gave their joyful consent, affirming their support with warm applause.

Bishop Peter then preached the homily before the Rite of Ordination continued with the Promise of the Elect. One by one, the candidates placed their joined hands into those of the Bishop, making their solemn promise of respect and obedience to him and to his successors.

One of the most moving moments of the liturgy followed during the Litany of Supplication. As the congregation knelt in prayer, Revd Peter and Revd Anthony lay prostrate before the altar, placing themselves completely in God’s hands while the Church invoked the prayers of the saints on their behalf.

The essential rite of ordination then took place through the laying on of hands by Bishop Peter, followed by the Prayer of Ordination. In silence, the ancient gesture handed on through the centuries expressed the apostolic succession of the priesthood before the solemn prayer consecrated the two men for their sacred ministry.

The newly ordained priests were then vested with the priestly stole and chasuble before Bishop Peter anointed their hands with Sacred Chrism, signifying that they were now consecrated to sanctify God’s people and to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. They received the bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist before exchanging the Kiss of Peace with the Bishop and then with each of the priests present, welcoming them into the diocesan presbyterate.

Following the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Mass concluded with the final blessing, during which the newly ordained priests stood before Bishop Peter as they prepared to begin their ministry.

In one of the most poignant moments of the day, before the Marian antiphon, Bishop Peter knelt before each of the new priests to receive their first priestly blessing, a powerful and deeply symbolic gesture marking the beginning of their ministry.

After the celebration, clergy gathered with the newly ordained priests for photographs and fellowship, while family members, friends and parishioners shared in the joy of this memorable occasion.

The ordination of two new priests is a moment of profound thanksgiving for the whole Diocese of East Anglia. It is a visible sign of God’s continuing call to serve His Church and a source of great hope for the future. For Revd Peter Ho and Revd Anthony Reilly, it marked the culmination of many years of discernment, formation and prayer. For their families, friends and all who have accompanied them on their journey, it was a day of immense pride and gratitude.

As they begin their priestly ministry, the Diocese holds them in prayer, giving thanks for their generous response to God’s call and asking the Lord to bless them with wisdom, holiness and joy in the years ahead.

Photographs from the day can be viewed here.

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