Ordained at St Patrick's Collyhurst on Saturday 26th June, Fr Anthony Sudlow outlines the story of his vocation.

Early Life

I was born on 14th June 1941, and am the youngest of four sons of John and Kathleen Sudlow, of Miles Platting Manchester, in the parish of Corpus Christi, now closed.

I followed my three brothers into the primary school and also on to the altar. I remember being ‘tested’ by the parish priest Fr Cross, and learning how to say the ‘Confiteor’ in Latin in order to be allowed to serve. I think I was about seven at the time,or younger, and had been trained by my brothers!

I have many memories of my altar service time, all good, and no doubt some seeds of vocation were sown at that time, observing and helping the good Fathers of the Norbertine Community then in residence.

Aged 11, I managed to pass my 11+ exam and, resplendent in new uniform and cap, plus school bag, went to Xaverian College in Rusholme for the next 5 years.

I left there in 1957, after O levels, to go to the Juniorate of the Norbertines in Storrington, Sussex, having responded to the leanings to priestly vocation, being encouraged in this by family, school and the Church.

I sometimes wonder how Mum and Dad managed to find the additional funds needed for all the extra expense in those days.