Flame at the Ordination

Flame trip to St. George’s Cathedral (Ordination Mass)

On the 19th of July 2025, some of the Flame youth had the privilege of attending a Mass of Ordination to the Priesthood, located at St George’s Cathedral in Southwark, South London. From Maidstone East (directly opposite St. Francis church) we took the train up to Waterloo station. Once we had taken a short walk to the Cathedral, we had plenty of time to look around and admire the beautiful architecture and stained glass. Securing great seats towards the front, a priest brought out the Blessed Sacrament for Adoration.

The Cathedral began to fill up with more people, and we met Deacon Stephen Trafford, who was the one to be ordained. The Mass started with a remarkable procession of over 70 priests and deacons, 2 bishops, and Archbishop John Wilson. During this procession and throughout the whole Mass, the choir sung so beautifully, lifting our hearts to God.

When it came to the Rite of Ordination —something many of us were witnessing for the first time— the candidate to be ordained stepped up, Deacon Stephen. The part which stood out for most of us, was the laying of hands, where Archbishop John Wilson lays his hands on Deacon Stephen’s head in silence. Following, each priest stepped up to perform the same action, a remarkable sight. The newly ordained priest was vested, and the mass continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist. As the Flame youth, we were incredibly fortunate to receive first blessings from Father Stephen after Mass had ended, a truly graceful experience. We were particularly excited to find out that Father Stephen would become the assistant priest at our parish, St. Francis. This was awesome, especially since we had seen his Ordination.

We then joined Father Stephen, alongside other priests and people, for refreshments and lunch in Amigo Hall. We had time after to go off in groups, with some looking around the Imperial War Museum, which sits opposite the Cathedral. Many of us were still marvelling at how awesome it was to witness an Ordination.

It then came to dinner, when we walked up to an Italian pizza restaurant. The food was very tasty, and we had a great time chatting at the table. We had such a fun time as a group, but also an unforgettable experience, of which we are fortunate to have. On the train home, some of us were playing cards, and many enjoyed talking about their day and experience.

We now have the great privilege of welcoming Father Stephen into our parish.

(Photos courtesy of RC Archdiocese of Southwark)