Ordination
I remember as though it was yesterday, my fellow ordinands and I assembling nervously in the undercroft of the cathedral.
The bishop, dean, senior clergy and vergers arrived and we moved, to glorious music in procession up the stairs and into the chancel.
I couldn’t believe it but sitting there on the front row of pews was an old friend and colleague of mine, who had travelled all the way from America to support me.
Stopping briefly to shake his hand as I passed, I glanced around and saw many more faces that I knew.
Whilst singing, my family smiled in my direction. I knew they were so proud of me and felt a rush of gratitude for all of their support.
We ordinands gathered around the altar, to be introduced to the congregation and my name was announced first.
My thought that I was therefore the most important was soon dashed when I realised the names were being called out in alphabetical order.
It wasn’t long before I was kneeling before the bishop, about to be ordained.
It was at that moment that I thought of my mother in heaven, who had so influenced me when I was young and inspired my calling.