Friday 16th September was a joyous
day for Buckfast Abbey and for the Community of St Greogry the Great as we welcomed monks and priests from around the world to celebrate the ordination of two monks, Dom Andrew Prickett and Dom John George, to the priesthood.
Celebrating the ordination of two new priests
With the last ordination in the Buckfast community taking place nearly three decades ago, we were delighted that Archbishop George Stack (Archbishop Emeritus of Cardiff) celebrated the beautiful Mass of Ordination.
More than 200 guests travelled to attend the Mass, including fellow priests and monks from Abbeys across the globe, including: Ndanda Abbey in Tanzania, Africa; Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas, USA; St Meinrad Abbey in Indiana, USA; Glenstal Abbey in Murroe, Ireland; Douai Abbey in Reading, UK; Belmont Abbey in Herefordshire, UK; and Ampleforth Abbey in York, UK.
The monastic communities of the two priests and their superiors, Abbot David Charlesworth and Abbot Nicholas Wetz, were present, alongside friends and relatives from Manchester, Malvern, London, and members of the Buckfast Abbey and St Gregory the Great congregations.
Commenting on the ordination, Abbot Nicholas Wetz of St Gregory the Great, said: “The ordination of both these men celebrated the culmination of what has been many years of study and selfless service. Having started his formation at the Pontifical University of Sant Anselmo in Rome, we wish Fr John every blessing as he returns to study for a license in monastic studies.”
Abbot David Charlesworth of Buckfast Abbey, commented: “Following seven years of service as a monk in the Buckfast community, and his formation to the priesthood at Blackfriars, Oxford, we are pleased that Fr Andrew will remain at Buckfast Abbey, undertaking priestly duties for the benefit of our community.
“We rejoice that these two men have chosen to make this commitment to the pastoral mission which is so revered by the English Benedictine Congregation. We wish them a long and fruitful ministry.”
