Final door opens for the ‘Plenary Deacon’

Eden is congratulated as clergy and seminarians gathered in St Christopher’s Cathedral piazza

It was a time of celebration and solemn vows for Eden Langlands when he was ordained to the Order of Deacons at St Christopher’s Cathedral last Friday.

After six years of study, the seminarian from the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn enters the last phase of his transition to the priesthood.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse was chief celebrant for the ordination, concelebrated by Bishop Pat Power (retd) and more than 40 fellow clergy, including Deacon Langlands’ classmates from the Good Shepherd Seminary in Sydney.  

The Archbishop noted Eden’s ordination was taking place at an historic time during the first and second assemblies of the Australian Plenary Council.

Eden’s family gather in St Christopher’s Cathedral

He evoked a chuckle from the large congregation when he suggested that Catholic historians might look back in 50 years and say, “Oh, yes, Eden John Langlands… he was the Plenary Council Deacon!”

Archbishop Prowse said he had received many reports from parishioners at St Bernard’s Batemans Bay of the “spark of God’s spirit” they saw in him during his pastoral placement.

“You have a spiritual gift in you, Eden, there’s no doubt about it.”

40 clergy and Deacon Langlands’ classmates from the Good Shepherd Seminary in Sydney attended the Mass on Friday 

During the Rite of Ordination, Eden promised to accept and discharge the office of Deacon, including through commitments to faith and evangelisation, to celibacy, to prayer, to a Christ-like way of life, and to obedience.

After growing up in Cowra and living and working in Young, Deacon Langlands said his journey towards ordination had not been easy. He thanked the many who had helped and supported him, including his parents and large family, most of whom were present for the celebration.

Deacon Langlands has ended his time at the Good Shepherd Seminary and will return to St Bernard’s parish for the final year of his journey to the priesthood.

“I’ve been studying now for six years, so to be ordained and to join the Order of Deacons is a big step for me,” Deacon Langlands told the Catholic Voice.

“I’m very much looking forward to the beginning of my pastoral ministry here in the Archdiocese.”