<span style="font-size: 1rem;">Having been a deacon for just over a year, we are delighted that Rev Bryony Franklin was ordained as a priest by the Rt Revd Pete Broadbent, Bishop of Willesden, on Friday 25 September. This should have taken place at the beginning of July, but was postponed due to the pandemic. It went ahead in a small service in St John’s Church in Southall, and was a very special occasion in spite of the required infection control precautions. The service was streamed online and remains available to watch here: https://www.facebook.com/stjohnsouthallgreen/videos/805208563588397/. The ordination service includes the laying on of hands by the bishop. Following this, the newly ordained priest adjusts their stole (representing the towel that Jesus used when washing his disciples’ feet) from wearing it diagonally across their body, to instead wear it hanging straight down.</span>

As with all ordained clergy, Rev Bryony remains a deacon as well as now being a priest. The deacon’s role emphasises loving service to others, whereas a priest’s also includes administering the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism, and declaring the absolution and forgiveness of sins in Christ’s name, as well as a greater focus on leadership. Both priests and deacons seek to proclaim the word of the Lord, to teach, and to nurture others in their faith.

Rev Bryony says, “I am passionate about the importance of community, and wanting others to experience God’s love. I am delighted to now be able to assist the Vicar of St Martins, Rev Julia, as a priest, while continuing to serve St Martins and the wider local community.” She also continues in her paid roles at UCL School of Pharmacy and at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

The photos show Rev Bryony in St Martins church after having celebrated Holy Communion for the first time as a priest.