It was a time of thanksgiving and celebration this weekend (17th-18th March) in Aquitaine. Bishop Robert has been in Bordeaux for the ordination of Charlotte Sullivan on Saturday and a confirmation service in Bertric-Burée on Sunday.

Prior to the service, Charlotte spent her pre-ordination retreat at the peaceful Abbaye de l’Echourgnac convent in the company of  Carolyn Cook, the Diocesan Advisor on Women’s Ministry.

Aquitaine includes 14 Anglican worship centres. Charlotte is to be based in Bordeaux itself, which is a major city and rather different in character from the smaller towns and villages in which the other worship centres are located.

The ordination service opened with a confident rendition of ‘My Jesus, My Saviour’ by the children’s choir. The music for the rest of the service was supported by a very good adult choir. Amongst other items, they sang John Ireland’s ‘Greater Love’, an anthem which sets out the message of the gospel clearly and powerfully, and finished with a spirited rendition of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.

Charlotte’s ordination as a priest is a cause of huge thanksgiving for the Aquitaine chaplaincy, where she is much loved and respected. She was supported by family and friends and many chaplaincy members in a full church.

Later in the service, Tony Lomas was commissioned as Area Dean. He will look after the clergy and congregations of South Western France. Distances are big in this part of the diocese, and Tony will work to support and encourage fellow clergy working in isolated circumstances.

The following day, 7 adults and 2 young people were welcomed into the Church with confirmations in Bertric-Burée, in a church full to capacity. Celebrations continued after the service with a fine hot lunch provided by members of the chaplaincy.

You can read more about the both events on Bishop Robert's blog here.