Simon knew, that of the four friends, his would be the last ordination. But the four friends would be together each time for this momentous event in their lives. Julian was the first, joining a large group of ordainees in St. Mary’s Cathedral. A week later Eddie was ordained in Corpus Christi Cathedral, St. Ives and a further two weeks later Joe, in Sts. Michael & John Cathedral Bathurst.As deacons or newly ordained, they supported each other. Their hopes and dreams were reflected, not only in the official prayers of the Church, but, in particular, in their private communications with the God Whom they believed had led them to this moment.
At last Simon’s day arrived. His mother, beaming with joy, and father, disappointment vanished and hopeful for his son’s future, surrounded by an extended family, waited for the ceremony to begin.
The majestic peal from the organ, joined by the choir’s triumphant hymn of praise announced the entrance of bishop and celebrants.
As the ceremony proceeded, Simon’s prior apprehension was replaced by joy, even exhilaration. Julian, Eddie and Joe had all reported nervousness throughout. Yet, here am I, Simon thought, no nerves, no apprehension, just joy. The binding of hands, the prostration, the special symbols of the occasion, prior thoughts of which had worried him, now became immersed in the sheer joy he was experiencing. Even his mother’s assistance in robing, which he had so dreaded in advance, could not diminish his joy. At the conclusion he felt almost floating as he, with bishop and celebrants, processed down the main isle of the Cathedral to the choir’s stirring performance of Te Deum.
Even before he had reached the last steps, family and friends had surrounded him, congratulating and seeking blessings. He had witnessed similar events at the conclusion of each of his friends’ ordination, but was not prepared to be the centre of the celebrations himself. Now, there was so much on which to meditate, so much to take to himself, so much to resolve. He had experienced so much joy during the ceremony. Now, he felt swamped, almost smothered. With his mother hovering, introducing uncles, aunts, cousins he barely remembered from the distant past, the loneliness of so many years began to creep over him.
A sea of faces bobbed and rose before him.
“Simon!” His vision cleared. His attention now focused on the sound of a familiar voice.
“Simon! Congratulations!” Julian, Eddie and Joe chorused simultaneously.
He looked into the three smiling faces, as each vigorously shook his hands.
“Guys, it’s so good to see you! This is all a bit much!”
“Tell us about it!” Joe agreed. “Swamped in people! But they are so happy for you, Simon.
And so are we.”
“Now boys, I hope you don’t mind – more relations to catch up with Simon,” Marj Jackson interrupted.
“It’s okay.” Julian voiced the support from all three. “Simon, we’ll move on and let your other relatives and friends congratulate you. We’re not going away – see you at the reception.”
“Make sure you do!” Simon was adamant.