40 years ordained! Congratulations to Bishop Harold
Congratulations to Bishop Harold who, 40 years ago today (St John the Baptist Day) was ordained deacon for the curacy of St Nicholas.
Pictured here with a celebratory cake presented by the diocesan office, the bishop has spent 19 of those 40 years as Bishop of Down and Dromore.
Thank you Bishop Harold. We pray for you today in words from the Service of Ordination or Consecration of a Bishop (2) BCP 2004.
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon your servant Harold for the office and work of a bishop in your Church.
Give to this your servant grace and power which you gave to your apostles, to lead those committed to his charge in proclaiming the gospel of salvation.
Through him increase your Church, renew its ministry, and unite its members in a holy fellowship of truth and love.
Enable him as a true shepherd to feed and govern your flock, to be wise as a teacher, and steadfast as a guardian of the faith and sacraments of your Church.
Guide and direct him in presiding at the worship of your people. Give him humility, to use his authority to heal, not to hurt; to build up, not to destroy.
Defend him from all evil, that as a ruler over your household and an ambassador for Christ he may stand before you blameless, and finally, with all your servants, enter your eternal joy.
Accept our prayers, most merciful Father,
through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and your Holy Spirit,
belong glory and honour, worship and praise,
now and for ever.
Amen.