RAPTUROUS applause and a fanfare of trumpets sounded for the ordination of the seventh Bishop of Middlesbrough. Delighted parishioners of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Middlesbrough celebrated the installation of Terrence Patrick Drainey, 58, who was ordained Saturday at St Mary’s Cathedral, by Archbishop of Liverpool Patrick Kelly.
Traffic cones sealed off roads and police patrols positioned outside as ecumenical guests including His Excellency Archbishop Faustino Sainz Munoz and 27 bishops, filed inside.
Many guests had come from all over the UK to see Bishop Drainey, who was born in Manchester and has served in Salford, Africa, Spain, Hexham and Newcastle, receive his ring and mitre.
Also present at the two-hour ceremony were representatives of the Methodist Church, Salvation Army, Baptist, United Reformed Church and Society of Friends.
Parishioners, including a headteacher and two pupils from every Catholic school in the diocese, which spans from the River Tees to the Humber, stood in deference as a procession of white-robed church representatives opened the ceremony.
They were followed by a procession of civil dignitaries which included Mayor Ray Mallon and led by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.
Highlights for many guests were the Laying of Hands where Bishop Drainey, a former Right Reverend Monsignor, kneeled before the Archbishop who placed his hands on Bishop Drainey’s head.
Father Derek Turnbull who is based at St Joseph’s, Stokesley, was amongst the clergy, he said: “It has been an excellent celebration - everything went like clockwork.
“There was a wonderful spirit present.
“A highlight for me was the considerable applause both when he was ordained and when he spoke at the end which showed a sense of unity.
“It was very prayerful and there was a huge sense of anticipation - it was a very uplifting worship.”
Bishop Drainey succeeds the Right Reverend John Crowley, sixth Bishop of Middlesbrough, who retired in May after 14 years in the role.
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