On this solemn and joyful Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest, clergy and faithful from across the Diocese of Northampton gathered at the Cathedral today to honour priests celebrating significant jubilees of ordination. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop David Oakley, who gave thanks for the dedicated service of these priests and the faithful who support them.
In a visible sign of unity and affection, parishioners travelled from the farthest corners of the diocese to be present, joining in a spirit of gratitude and celebration. The Jubilarians Mass has become an important annual event in the diocesan calendar, offering a moment to reflect on the priestly vocation and to recognise decades of faithful ministry.
In his homily, Bishop David reflected on the meaning of today’s feast and the heart of the priesthood, both common and ministerial. “Christ’s high priesthood lies at the centre of the life and witness of the Body of Christ,” he said. “We discover the true meaning of the priesthood we received in baptism and the sacramental priesthood as we ponder the testimony of Jesus as High Priest.”
Drawing on the words of Pope Pius XII and the witness of the saints, including St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Bishop David reminded all present that the priest is not ordained for himself, but to serve — in sacrifice, in love, and in prayer. “Perhaps above all, we offer this priestly service within an interior life of sacrifice, offering adoration, honour, praise and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father,” he said.
He reflected poetically, too, quoting from Gerard Manley Hopkins’ God’s Grandeur to evoke the majesty of God revealed in a weary world and the need for priest-prophets today — men rooted in prayer, wonder, and holiness, whose vision is shaped by the grandeur of God, and whose hearts echo the psalmist’s cry: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”
To his brother priests — especially the jubilarians — Bishop David offered a heartfelt exhortation: “Please make prayer the heart of your day. This is the only way your daily tasks can be consecrated to the Father’s will.”
In a world often distracted and weary, the Bishop’s words served as a timely reminder that the priesthood is not a profession, but a consecration — a call to intimacy with Christ, the Eternal High Priest, whose life was one of continual self-offering to the Father on behalf of the world.
The Diocese of Northampton gives thanks today for its jubilarians and for all priests who, in faithfulness and joy, continue to lay down their lives in service to God’s people.
Listen to Bishop David’s homily here
