Christopher Brolly, a British Jesuit in formation, was ordained to the diaconate on Saturday, 20 September, at St Ignatius Church on the Boston College campus.

The ceremony was celebrated by the Faber Jesuit Community (international community of Jesuits living in Boston) and attended by faculty, staff, and students from the School of Theology and Ministry (STM). Christopher was one of nine STM students ordained during the Mass which you can watch here.

Christopher entered the Jesuit formation programme in 2015. He completed his two-year novitiate at Manresa House in Birmingham, making his First Vows to the Society of Jesus on 2 September 2017. He then studied for a degree in philosophy at the Jesuit Faculty at Centre Sèvres in Paris. Before pursuing theological studies in Boston in 2022, he undertook a Regency placement at St Ignatius College in Enfield, London, where he spent two years teaching (you can watch a short film about that experience here).

At the ordination ceremony, Archbishop Richard G. Henning laid hands on Christopher and the 8 others being ordained (6 from the US, 1 from Australia, and 1 from France), entrusting them with the responsibilities of the diaconate. As a deacon, Christopher is authorised to preach, assist at the altar, and perform other duties in service to the Church. The assembled Jesuit community, along with family and friends, celebrated this milestone in his journey towards priesthood.

Ordination to the diaconate is a canonical step preceding priesthood. Christopher will continue gaining pastoral experience, before undertaking a year-long period called Tertianship where he will deepen his spiritual life through prayer, reflection, and the Spiritual Exercises, before taking Final Vows.

Christopher's journey highlights the Jesuit commitment to education, service, and spiritual growth, and draws upon the varied experiences he has accumulated during formation.

Considering a Jesuit vocation?

For those interested in exploring a vocation to the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits in Britain offer resources and guidance. Visit jesuitvocations.uk to learn more about the discernment process, formation, and the life of a Jesuit.

Photos courtesy of the USA East Province of Jesuits