Seminarian Ordained Deacon in Rome

Diocese of Leeds seminarian Philip Thornley was ordained to the Diaconate on Monday 12 June 2024 at St Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome by the Right Reverend Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen. Deacon Philip was very grateful for so many things (as well as the cake!)...

RIP Sr Anne Hammersley CP

On Friday 26 July, we learned with great sadness of the death in St Gemma’s Hospice of Sr Anne Hammersley CP.  May she rest in peace. For many years Sr Anne was the Retreat Director of The Briery Retreat Centre in Ilkley. During the course of her religious life and...

Ordination of Two New Permanent Deacons!

Congratulations to our two new Permanent Deacons, Martin Fenlon and Nicholas Stoddart, and to the parishes in which they serve! Martin and Nicholas were ordained by Bishop Marcus on Saturday 25 November 2023 at Leeds Cathedral; Martin is in the Parish of St Wilfrid,...

Bradford Returns to the Beda

During the summer one of our current seminarians undertook a four-week pastoral placement in the parish of Mary Mother of God, Bradford. Philip Thornley is studying for the priesthood at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome, and has recently returned there for the...

From Beda to Bradford

Philip Thornley is currently studying for the priesthood at the Beda College in Rome. Earlier this year he was admitted to the ministry of Acolyte as he continues his journey towards ordination for the Diocese of Leeds. Our picture shows Philip at the ceremony in the...