Congratulations to Brother Michael Downie OSCO* who was ordained a deacon by Archbishop Cushley at Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw (near Haddington) on Friday.

He is a fully professed Cistercian monk and is due to be ordained a priest later this year. He is originally from Holytown in Motherwell Diocese.

From left: Brother Michael is pictured with Archbishop Cushley, Fr Mark Caira, the Abott of Nunraw and members of the Cistercian community.

*OSCO: Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. They live a contemplative monastic life with a focus of celebration of the liturgy throughout the day (and night). Find out more at https://nunraw-abbey.com/