Ordination

Finally we reach the reason for our trip. We arrived at Little Flower church after the car had had 2 knocks in the heavy traffic to find large banners featuring Xavier and the bishop. Secured seats in front row of seating in nave. Went to wash room and met Fr Gracious who gave me tea and introduced me to lots of priests who because of my cross called me Father. Liz went over too. Everyone so friendly and smiling. When the Archbishop and Xavier arrived there was a marching band, fire crackers, first communion kids and lots of priests. Church filled rapidly with many on the floor. Xavier’s brother Anthony had welcomed us and later we met his uncle. A Carmelite nun loked after us. The sermon was too long. The whole service was in Mangalam. Couple from Germany and their son and a couple from Brixton parish plus Fr Michael Kirwan SJ from Heythrop on the altar. Xavier had a stunning chasuble. Liked the psalm and litany and the bishop sings well. We carried baskets of vegetables and fruit in the offertory procession. The flowers were magnificent. After photos there were first blessings with people kissing his hands. Into the hall for more speeches and giving of presents and then upstairs into a room on the roof for nice food. At 7 Chandan took us to Anthony’s lovely home where we had a delicious meal and a lovely chat. Very kind of them to invite us. A memorable day indeed.