Ordination to the Priesthood
of Dom Andrew Berry

24th June 2010

On 24th June Dom Andrew was ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Tom Burns of Menevia. It was a truly joyful celebration for the Belmont Community and the many guests that were present, including more than fifty priests from Belmont and other monasteries as well as from various dioceses of England and Wales.

The community were particulary pleased to welcome the Rector and many of the staff and students of St Mary's College, Oscott. The students sang during the Mass. Father Andrew had just completed his studies at the College although he had also studied theology before joining the monastery.

Dom Andrew is a native of Bolton, Lancashire, and a convert to the Catholic Church. He was joined for the occasion by members of his family, most notably his grandmother of 87, and many friends and parishioners.

Dom Andrew celebrated his First Mass the following day at Belmont. In addition to Dom Andrew there are seven other young Benedictines of Belmont in various stages of formation and five more at Belmont's foundation in Peru.

Abbot Paul Stonham said, "While congratulating Fr Andrew on his Ordination, we also give thanks to God for his generosity in bringing so many vocations to Belmont, where they will serve both the monastic community and the wider Church."