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Saturday the 19th
September, a day to remember. I know many of you like
me, have encouraged Julie Howell, “Our Julie”, on her
path to ordination. Julie was ordained deacon last year,
and Saturday saw her being ordained priest. Because of
Covid19, proceedings were a little strange, with a very
empty Reading Minster, lots of hand sanitizing, and
masks everywhere, in all shapes, sizes, colours and
effectiveness. Nevertheless, a beautiful and moving
occasion, and “our Julie” read the Gospel. Nobody
tripped over their cassock or dropped their hassock
(which had to carried around for kneeling upon). Three
of us accompanying priests laid hands on Julie from a
safe distance of 10 yards when Bishop Olivia did the
same. We felt our hands invisibly joining with Olivia’s
episcopal fingers.
“Our Julie’s” road has been strewn with hurdles, fences
and obstacles which would have deterred everyone but the
most determined. Few will have had to contend with so
much, and she is to be commended and taken to your
hearts for her perseverance in the face of adversity. I
know that she will be in our prayers and remembered for
her time among us.
Now of course, “Our Julie” is someone else’s Julie, and
she is caring for another flock, and no doubt being
loved in return. A new life, and another road, upon
which others will travel. We will not forget “Our
Julie”, and I am quite certain, that Sulhamstead and her
people will always be very special for her.
Well done Julie, you will yourself be very special to
many people to come, and we all wish you a happy and
fulfilled ministry. |
