Congratulations to Peter Ross, Martin Fyles and James Finnegan who were all ordained into the diaconate in the same week as part of their journey into the priesthood.

Peter Ross, from St Margaret Mary’s parish was ordained as a deacon by Archbishop Bernard Longely at St Mary’s College, Oscott on Sunday 2 July.

Martin Fyles from Our Lady of Lourdes & St. Joseph, Southport, and James Finnegan also from St Margaret Mary’s parish wereordained at the Palazzola in Rome on Wednesday 5 July.  

Peter said: “The ordination was a beautiful occasion, and I was delighted to be joined by my family, some priests from the archdiocese and also six parishioners from my home parish who have been a really big support to me.

“The moment I loved most about the day is walking into the chapel and hearing the entrance hymn Come Down O Love Divine which ismy favourite hymn. I also felt very moved by the Ordination Rite.

“Another special moment was when Archbishop Longley mentioned in his homily that the pulpit at Oscott is one that John Henry Newman has previously preached from.”

Since his ordination, Peter has been back in Liverpool for the summer. He added: “I’ve been helping with Masses at S Margaret Mary’s as well as doing funerals and benediction. I’ve been preaching too which I absolutely love.

“I’ve also travelled to Lourdes with coach 5 as part of the archdiocesan pilgrimage. It was brilliant to be there as part of the centenary year celebrations.”

After the summer, Peter will return to Oscott to complete his final year of seminary which will include working at a parish in Maryvale at weekends.

Fr Ron Johnson, vocations director at the Archdiocese of Liverpool said: “It was wonderful to join Peter, Martin and James at their ordinations and it was particularly special that they happened in the same week.

“The occasions were filled with joy and everyone came together to rejoice in all the Lord has been doing in their lives to bring them to this point.

“I would like to thank Peter, Martin and James for their hard work and dedication getting them to this point, but also to thank their families, the seminaries, their home parishes and the parishes where they have been on placement who have all played a key role in supporting and encouraging them to get to this point.”