Nigel Thomas ordained deacon in St George's Madrid


Nigel Thomas hears the assent of the congregation to his ordination as deacon.  
A sultry Madrid morning (38C) did not stifle the congregation which filled St George's Church on Saturday, 2 July, which cried out  "It is!" to the question in the ordination service, "Is it now your will that Nigel should be ordained?". Thus the ordination of Nigel Thomas as a deacon in the Church of God proceeded with the enthusiastic support of the parish.

The ordinand in prayer during the Veni Creator and solemn litany


Deacon Nigel will serve as Assistant Curate in St George's, under the supervision of the Revd Canon Ian Hutchinson-Cervantes, the chaplain. The Area Dean of Gibraltar, the Revd Canon Hugh Broad was the preacher, with the Archdeacon of Gibraltar, the Venerable David Sutch, present for the legal formalities. Readings and hymns were in Spanish and English. A special setting of the Veni Creator Spiritus the ancient hymn invoking the Holy Spirit, sung before the laying on of hands, was composed by the organist and choir director of St George's.

Ecumenical guests were present from the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, the Charismatic Episcopal Church, and the International Ecumenical Fellowship. A joyful spirit flowed over into very Spanish reception of tapas and refreshments, served in the shady courtyard of the Church.

St George's was consecrated in 1925, but Church of England services have been held in Madrid since at least 1864. as we know it today, was consecrated in March 1925, but as long ago as 1864 
Canon Hugh Broad, Deacon Nigel Thomas, and Churchwarden Celia Paterson

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