"This is what the Lord asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God" Micah 6:8

Saturday 28th June 2008 - Sion Community celebrated the ordination to the priesthood of Simon Penhalagan, a long time member of the Community.

My ORDINATION - Fr. Simon Penhalagan

So, after six long years the day had finally dawned. June 28th 2008; the day I was to be ordained Priest. I felt ready. The ordination to the diaconate a year earlier had enabled me to find a greater peace and ability to surrender to God's will for my life, and the subsequent year as a Deacon had given me more confidence in my involvement in the liturgy, which was the main practical thing that I had found daunting during our training. I had been on retreat in Walsingham in the fortnight prior to the big day, so I felt as rested and as spiritually prepared as I could be. The music group had arrived on the Thursday, and the practices seemed to have gone OK. And finally, a friend in Northampton enabled me - and the Oscott lads - to escape the pandemonium of the Cathedral that morning, and have a very relaxed fry up and morning prayer. I was ready, as ready as I ever could be.

And then it began. I arrived back from breakfast about 10.45am, just prior to the praise and worship beginning , and I made a foolish move - I went into the Cathedral! I was immediately swamped by the many family members and friends who had already arrived. I hadn't foreseen that. I was rescued, as I was throughout the day, by the experienced Oscott crew, went upstairs to get changed and didn't come down again until the praise time had begun, and from there on in the day flowed beautifully.

It was amazing to be prayed with during that initial time of praise, and to feel the love in the Church. And then as I processed in I realised – a little belatedly perhaps – that I knew virtually everyone there, and that they were all there to support me. Amazing! And then the liturgy was so beautiful in every way.

I particularly remember the moment of the laying on of hands by the Bishop and Priests. I could have knelt there forever, feeling the touch of the Holy Spirit through each of them. Again, amazing!!!

And then it was all over and the memorable three hour blessing extravaganza began, but I didn't really notice the time. With water continually supplied, and an enforced food and speech break, I found it more a blessing on myself than anything, a truly humbling experience as people sought to encounter the Lord through me. I don't really understand the concept, but the faith in God of those who came forward was very powerful in its own right.

I could go on, but I won't. A fantastic day, never to be forgotten, in which my life changed forever, thank God. May the glory always go to Him!