Fr Len Black with Archdeacon Martin Williams

The Reverend Wayne Michael Timothy Vianney Coughlin of the Rectorial Benefice of Neath and the Reverend Jeffrey Williams of the Parish of St Mary the Virgin and St Stephen with Ss Dyfig and Samson, with St Paul, Cardiff, were ordained priest in St Mary’s Priory Church in Abergavenny. The Priory Church as packed to capacity with more than 50 priest lining the procession.

The preacher at the Mass was the Dean of of Moray, Ross and Caithness, the Very Revd Len Black SSC, who is also the Forward in Faith Regional Dean for Scotland.  He spoke about the many similarities faced by traditionalists in Wales and in Scotland. In his homily, he spoke about the nature of the priesthood as being "for ever" and of the priest as representing Christ Himself to the world.

Despite the threat of stormy weather, the sun shone on Fr Wayne and Fr Jeff as they emerged from the Priory Church to be faced with queues of priests and people seeking a blessing form the new priests. It was a most joyous occasion and one which brought traditionalists together from the length and breadth of Wales.

Fr Jeff Williams, Bishop David Thomas and Fr Wayne Coughlin

After the Ordination, Bishop David Thomas said: "The great thing about seeing all these people together and in such good spirit is that it gives us all courage and hope for the future."

"We live in very uncertain times in a church which is so confused about its future. We live by faith and are enormously strengthened by a great occasion like this. We all are. It is a wonderful way to support and encourage each other."

"I find it particularly significant that all the talk one hears of numerical decline seems to apply less to our constituency that it does elsewhere."

"New priests and deacons being organised is itself a hopeful sign for the future. It is our prayer that those being ordained will be sustained in their ministry by the prayers of all so that they will remain faithful to their calling in the times ahead."

Bishop David explained that the legislation passed by the Church in Wales in September 1996 stated that there would be a continuing place for those of differing opinions within the Church, and that it was in that anomalously situation that the process of appointing Assistant Bishops was extended, and he was appointed to be Assistant Bishop in all six Dioceses.

He explained that he also held the position of Liaison Bishop between the Liturgical Commission and the Bench of Bishops as well as holding the educational brief in the Church in Wales.

He said: "I am well aware of the differences between myself as Provincial Assistant Bishop and the Provincial Episcopal Visitors in England. There are advantages and disadvantages. We do not have the option in Wales for parishes to pass resolutions as many parishes in the Church of England are able to do. One advantage, however, is that traditionalists in Wales are much more involved in the total life of the Church in Wales and that is having positive effects. We are here, and we are here to stay."

After the excitement was over and the crowds were beginning to disperse Fr Jeff Williams said, "It was an amazing experience. When Bishop David laid his hands on me, I really felt a wonderful power coming over me. It was unbelievable." Fr Wayne Coughlin’s commented, "I just cannot describe how I feel ... I am quite overwhelmed."

More pictures from the Ordination will be found on the Forward in Faith Wales website.