Welcoming Deacon Patrick Tifu

Saturday 5th July 2025

Today, hundreds of people gathered together for a vibrant celebration of faith and fraternity with the ordination of a new permanent deacon.

Patrick Tifu was ordained into the permanent diaconate today during a joyful ceremony celebrated by Bishop John and attended by his brother deacons, priests and religious of the diocese, and hundreds of delighted family, friends, and parishioners.

We were also delighted to welcome our cathedral choir, as well as a traditional Cameroonian choir, to bring a flavour of vibrant celebration to this solemn occasion.

Deacon Patrick becomes the seventh permanent deacon to enter into active ministry in our diocese, serving the people of God through the three diaconal pillars of charity, word, and liturgy.

Reflecting on the ministry of the permanent diaconate in his homily, Bishop John brought to mind the vision that Pope Leo brings to our Church today.

Recalling that first message from the newly-elected pontiff, Bishop John echoed words of peace, dialogue and unity, and building bridges, challenging Patrick to join his brother deacons in embodying these values through his unique combination of family, work, and ministerial life.

He closed with words of gratitude for his service, both as a future minister of the Church and after years of dedication as a member of the laity, saying: “I commend you for your willingness to offer yourself to the Church and for all you have already given to your parish community.”

The Rite of Ordination continued with the Examination of the Candidate and the Promise of Obedience, before the entire congregation of St Patrick’s called upon the prayers of all holy men and women through the Litany of the Saints.

Bishop John then proceeded with the Laying on of Hands and Prayer of Consecration, during which the grace of Holy Orders is both requested and conferred through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Deacon Patrick was then vested with the diaconate vestments of the stole and dalmatic and presented with the Book of the Gospels with the words, “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are.”

Deacons then followed Bishop John in greeting Deacon Patrick with the Kiss of Peace before Mass continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

As he begins his new life of ministry, Deacon Patrick will return to his parish – the Cathedral Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Joseph – to live out his diaconal call of charity, liturgy and word.

Please join us in wishing Deacon Patrick the very best as he begins his ministry and by keeping him, all our permanent deacons, and this growing ministry in our prayers.

To find out more about the permanent diaconate in our diocese, or to speak to the Director of the Permanent Diaconate in our diocese, please click here

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Tagged | Bishop John | Catholic Church | Diocese | Permanent Diaconate | Vocations


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