“Joy in the Lord because of the victory won by Christ’s confessors predominates over earthly sorrow at the grievousness of their suffering.”.
– Cardinal Allen
October 26th marked Allen Hall’s celebration of the Solemnity of the Blessed Martyrs of Douai College. This day witnessed the calling up of seminarians: Nathan King and Francis Ezeani to receive the Ministry of Candidacy, sealed by the sacrifice of Holy Mass. St John Paul II remarked that the Vocation to Priesthood was the Church’s gift to those who, she discerns, have a calling to share in Christ’s Priesthood. Along the way, seminarians are bestowed with the ministries of Candidacy, Lectorate, and Acolyte, holding true to Christ’s teaching of rising to his expectations in light of his blessings (Luke 12:48).
As the candidates came forward for the Diocese of Portsmouth, Bishop Philip Egan referred to them as the latest Martyrs in Douai’s legacy. With the Rite of Candidacy conferred on Nathan & Francis, our prayers only grow more fervent in the hope of configuring to Christ Jesus. Following Mass, the seminary community gathered to welcome all the guests, family and friends, whose support is invaluable.
The seminarians gathered for Solemn Vespers featuring the veneration of a relic of the Douai Martyrs, in the evening. The Rector, Canon John O’Leary, spoke of the new candidates as “trailblazers” for the next generation of priestly vocations, all of which are encompassed in the Body of the Church with Christ as the Head. The shadow of the Cross falls on both sides of our sanctuary every day. I’m reminded of the Book of Acts, where so many fell into the shadows of Jesus’ Apostles. Seeking and finding. The Douai Martyrs’ blood continues to testify to the reality of the Cross & Resurrection; in life, death, and eternity. May we never lose sight of their witness to Christ and be lifted by Grace from the shadows to the Truth.
Blessed Martyrs of Douai – Pray for us
