Diocese welcomes three permanent deacons

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

The clergy of the Diocese of Kingstown has welcomed the addition to its numbers with the ordination of three permanent deacons. The celebration took place Friday, November 1, the Solemnity of All Saints, at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Kingstown.

Called to the Permanent Diaconate were Eustace Emmanuel Francis, a resident of Rillan Hill, married for 52 years and father of four children; Ancel Felix Knights, a resident of Golden Vale, who has been married for 53 years and is the father of three; and Eardley Austin Martin of Brighton, married for 23 years and father of two.

Searchlight, a mid-week paper published as an e-paper on Tuesdays and Fridays, said that the candidates would have had the dedicated support of their wives, who walked with them on the journey to the diaconate. The wives, children, other relatives, friends, ordained deacons and their wives, and members from all the parishes were part of the congregation witnessing the transition from candidate to permanent deacon.

Bishop Gerard County CSSp was chief celebrant at a packed Cathedral, assisted by other priests and deacons. Altar servers, choir, ushers, and those who prepared the church also did their part to make the event a joyful one. Celebrations continued with a social gathering and light refreshments after Mass.

The diocese also welcomed Fr Kevin Murray and Br Gerard St Hillaire, who have been assigned to the parish of St Benedict’s.