In the London Province a CSsR Bishop Ordains a CSsR Priest
It was a day of joy and celebration on the 24th August 2021 (the Feast of St Bartholomew) when Redemptorists from across England and Scotland congregated at Bishop Eton Monastery Liverpool for the ordination of one of their own Mike Taylor. Bishop Ralph Heskett CSsR – a fellow Redemptorist presided at this twice postponed event due to COVID, and it took place a year to the day that he had taken his perpetual vows, and just a day short of the one year anniversary of his diaconal ordination.
Fr Mike was a late vocation to the priesthood spending many years in the banking industry. This experience has been an invaluable preparation for his role as director of the Ace of Clubs – a homeless outreach project in Clapham, London. This project is a perfect example of ministering “to the needs of the poor and most abandoned” which is what St Alphonsus founded the Redemptorists (Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer) to do.
Fr Mike studied under the supervision of the Redemptorists’ Prefect of studies Fr Charles Corrigan CSsR and at Allen Hall seminary and Heythrop College.
In his homily immediately before the ordination rite, Bishop Ralph said: “Today Mike we send you out to be an instrument of God’s plentiful redemption, to nourish the people of God with the truth of the Gospel and the Sacraments of the Church. To imitate His humble service, to proclaim that it is only in Jesus will our joy be complete. In doing so we pray that you will both enrich the people you serve, and continue to be enriched by their love for you. “
First Mass of Thanksgiving
Fr Mike’s First Mass took place on the 25th August – at St Mary’s Woolton – which is currently under the pastoral care of the Redemptorists. St Mary’s holds a special place in Fr Michael’s heart as his parents were married there. In addition, he was baptised there and spent his early life in the parish. The 25th August is the Feast Day of the Redemptorist martyr Blessed Methodius Trčka.
In his first homily as a priest, Fr Michael said “
John’s gospel tells us :
“You did not choose me, no, I chose you.”
And I say this in all humility. He chose me as His priest to bear fruit – fruit that will last :
To go where He leads…
To be for His people…
To celebrate His presence.
He has consecrated me to a life of dedication and holiness. He has called me, even in the particularity of my personality, circumstances and context …..
I am going to be a priest forever, with an indelible mark of priesthood on my soul for all eternity. That’s quite something to live up to. But I will give it my best shot.
Thanks be to God. The full homily along with information on the Redemptorists can be found at www.redemptorists.co.uk
by Fr Richarch Reid, CSsR
