Ordination of Andrew Coy

On Thursday 25th March, the solemnity of the Annunciation, our diocese welcomed a new priest, Fr Andrew Coy.

Having studied at the Venerable English College in Rome, Fr Andrew returned to Northampton at the beginning of the pandemic believing it would be for just a couple of weeks. The weeks turned to months and it became clear that he would not be returning to study at the VEC.

Fr Andrew has been on placement as a deacon at Northampton Cathedral for the past 12 months alongside the dean, Canon Mark Floody. Canon Mark knows Andrew well as he was a priest in his parish when Andrew was growing up.

A beautiful ordination was broadcast live across the world to thousands of viewers, including Fr Andrews family in Italy and Spain who were unable to make the journey due to COVID restrictions.

Fr Andrew’s mother, Emanuela, his brother, Paul and sister, Naomi were able to be with him for this joyful celebration.

Bishop David Oakley, welcomed Fr Andrew as a brother priest saying

“Andrew, you come to this moment with many gifts of character, there will be times though when these natural gifts will not be enough. You will need the grace which is bestowed upon you through this sacramental encounter with the Lord”.

Following the ordination Mass, Bishop David announced that Fr Andrew will remain as an assistant priest in the Cathedral parish in Northampton.