On Saturday 23 July, surrounded by family and friends, two new priests were ordained at St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham.

Steven Fleming and Toby Duckworth were ordained to the Sacred Priesthood by Archbishop Bernard Longley.

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, Archbishop Bernard said:

“The ordination of a priest for the service of the local church is a very special day in the life of every diocese. It is a sign of the abiding love of Jesus Christ, our great high priest, for the people of God as He continues to gather and lead us on our pilgrimage through life.

“As we journey together along along the Synodal pathway we shall now have two new pastors to accompany and guide us and to listen to the insights and the concerns of all God’s children

“The ordination of two priests to pick up the baton of service in this Archdiocese is a moment for thanksgiving and joy; it evokes our gratitude to God for providing us with this help and it strengthens our hope for the future of the Church’s Mission.”

Ordinations 2022 – recorded at St Chad’s Cathedral

Visit Fr Steven Fleming’s YouTube channel Catholic Kickstarter, which seeks to support people to discover what the Catholic faith teaches, by presenting the truth and beauty of the Catholic Faith through the form of media.

Catholic Kickstarter