TWO reverends from the Launceston area were among a group of six deacons from across Cornwall who were ordained as priests at a ceremony at Truro Cathedral on Saturday, June 24.

Both Rev Jess Lancaster and Rev Antony Naylor serve as curates in the Benefice of Launceston.

Rev Lancaster also serves the Benefice of The Moorland and Egloskerry, including Davidstow, Laneast, Tremaine, Trewen, St Clether and North Petherwin.

Rev Naylor also serves the Benefice of the Three Rivers, which includes Altarnon with Bolventor, South Petherwin, Lawhitton, Lewannick and Lezant.

This year’s ordination ceremonies were conducted by the Right Reverend Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro, and the Right Reverend Hugh Nelson, Bishop of St Germans.

The Bishop of Truro said: “It’s always a joy, and a highlight of my year, to ordain people, either as deacons or priests.

“What is wonderful is to see just how God continues to raise people up into this ministry, from all sorts of different places and backgrounds. It gives me real hope for the future of the Church, and I thank God for them all.”

“I’m so grateful for our faithful ordinands who have given so much of themselves to follow God’s call on their lives,” added the Bishop of St Germans. ”We are blessed by them and their example to us all.”

Following their ordination, Rev Lancaster emphasised how moved she was by the ordination ceremony.

“I felt held by so much prayer, and lifted and strength by the Holy Spirit,” she said, “I’m still floating a bit now!”