Philip Johnson Ordained in Raleigh, North Carolina

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We are very happy indeed to report that Deacon Philip Johnson of the Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina, has just been ordained to the priesthood today. I am sure that a great many of our readers have heard Philip’s story, which has been reported on many Catholic blogs, asking for prayers on his behalf. While serving in the Navy, he was diagnosed at the age of only 24 with an inoperable brain tumor, of a kind which even in the best of circumstances would normally have taken his life in less than two years. After his discharge from the service, and medical treatment aimed at delaying the tumor’s progress, rather than curing it, he was accepted as a seminarian, and having completing his studies, has now been ordained. His cancer has been “on hold” for about a decade at this point, a beautiful miracle; please offer a prayer that this will remain the case, and that he will be able to serve the Church as a priest for many, many years. Please also offer a prayer for His Excellency Michael Burbidge, the Bishop of Raleigh, who has supported Fr Philip in his vocation. To them both, to Fr Philip’s family, and to the faithful of the Diocese of Raleigh, we offer our heartiest congratulations – ad multos annos!

Photos nicked from mutual friends on Facebook – I hope nobody minds!