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On a Sunday morning that was already hot and humid at 9.30 am, hundreds of people of all ages, colours and nationalities were pouring into the relative cool of Gloucester Cathedral to take their places for the ordination of eight candidates – five women and three men – into the office of Deacon, the first stage on their journey to being priested in twelve months time. There was a tangible atmosphere of joy, happiness and excitement as the children in particular caught sight of their mother, father, aunt, uncle or someone they know from their church, who was to take their oath of allegiance to the King and the oath of canonical obedience to their Bishop. Bishop Rachael then 
performed the solemn action of placing her hands upon the head of each candidate, blessing them, and conferring upon them the title of Deacon. As the eight turned to face the congregation, who in answer to Bishop Rachael’s questions, had loudly and clearly declared their willingness to support them on their journey, the Cathedral was filled with the sound of spontaneous applause and cheering. We could all see that they were visibly moved, as were their mentor parish priests, sitting directly behind them, and ourselves. It was a moment of huge commitment to a life of service – a journey of growing in faith, of teaching and lifelong learning; of developing the ability to be beside others at moments of great joy and hope, deep grief and sorrow, despair and fear of the future, and at the end of life.
Following the Eucharist, at the end of the service, a symbolic copy of the New Testament was handed to each Deacon by a member of the parish they would be joining, and I was very privileged to have been asked to do this on behalf of you all. 
It was a very special moment as Vicky, holding her daughter Phoebe in one arm held the New Testament with the other, as did I, and we all declared:
‘Receive this book as a sign of the authority given to you this day to speak God’s word to all people. May it be a lantern to your feet, a light upon your path and the strength of your life’.
After they had processed from the Cathedral – to more clapping and cheering – along with the Bishops of Gloucester and Tewksbury, the Dean, Precentor and Canons of the cathedral, 
The Revd Mogard from our partner diocese of Vasterass in Sweden, the priests of the parishes to which they will be attached, and many clergy from the Diocese, there was time for photographs, congratulations and much celebration.
It was a service that I will remember for a long time to come as being filled with joy, hope for the future and the beginning of a journey of faith and fulfilment in a life of service to the people of the parishes into which they will be called over the coming years. We are very fortunate to have Vicky coming to work amongst us. It is up to each one of us to pray for her and her family and to welcome and support her as she begins to fulfil her calling.
Meg Ralph
[I was fortunate to be sitting next to a member of the Cathedral staff who was taking photographs to record the event. She very kindly shared the few from inside the Cathedral with me.]