Westminster ordains its first priest of 2010

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Westminster ordains its first priest of 2010

29 January 2010

Archbishop Vincent Nichols with Fr Gerard O'Brien

The archbishop of Westminster has ordained Gerard O'Brien to the priesthood.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols performed the ordination at St Paul the Apostle, Wood Green in north London, on Saturday January 16. Fr O'Brien's is the first priestly ordination in the Diocese of Westminster in 2010.

Before entering Allen Hall, the diocesan seminary, he worked as an NHS manager.

Fr_O'Brien said: "Unlike many others, who are called to the priesthood from a young age, my calling was fairly recent and sudden.

"No one was more surprised than me. After working 20 years in the public sector, I took a career break. This led me to make inquiries about the priesthood.

"After a period of spiritual direction I applied in 2005 and with the help of God was accepted. It is so true - God can call at anytime."

Fr O'Brien, who was baptised, received his First Holy Communion and was confirmed in Wood Green parish, described his ordination as "a complete fulfilment of God's calling".

He said: "I have never been happier, more fulfilled and more confident about the future.

"I would say to people that if you ask to do God's will then it will turn out right, you just have to have that complete trust in God.

"The staff and students at Allen Hall couldn't have been more supportive. The day has been perfect in every possible way." The Diocese of Westminster has congratulated Fr Gerard and his family, and wishes him all God's blessings in his ministry as a priest.