Advent Ordinations at Manchester Cathedral

On Saturday, 13th December, two new priests were ordained at Manchester Cathedral to serve in our diocese.

The Revd Krystyna Halina Kwarciak was ordained to serve at Ashton-under-Lyne, The Good Shepherd, alongside the Revd Dr Paul Monk (pictured below left). The Revd Irene Thirkell was ordained to serve in the benefice of Radcliffe with Revd Marie Pattison (pictured right).

The ordaining bishop was The Rt Revd Mark Davies, while The Rt Revd Dr David Walker presided over the service. In a symbolic moment, each candidate knelt before the ordaining bishop for the laying on of hands, as Archdeacon Rachel Mann read their names aloud from the lectern. This ancient act signifies the continuity of ministry and the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

Bishop Matthew then anointed each candidate on the head immediately before the laying on of hands – a gesture of blessing and consecration. Surrounding them were bishops and priests, joining in prayer and support.

The Cathedral was filled with friends, family, and supporters, all gathered to witness and celebrate this special occasion. After the service, there was plenty of time for photographs and fellowship, capturing the joy of the day.

As Krystyna and Irene step into their new roles, they carry with them the prayers and encouragement of the wider diocesan family.

Pictured above from left: The Revd Marie Pattison, The Revd Dr Daniel Mullaney, Head of Clergy Development, The Revd Irene Thirkell, The Rt Revd Mark Davies, The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, The Rt Revd Dr Matthew Porter, The Revd Krystyna Halina Kwarciak, The Revd Paul Monk, The Revd Canon Rachel Watts, Director of Vocations.

Photos by Timothy Paul Bradley.