Licensing of Revd Nicholas Gill

Welcome to Revd Nicholas Gill who has been licensed as Associate Priest, Benefice of Lower Islwyn and the Benefice of Upper Islwyn.

The service was held at St Mary's Risca (Tuesday 8th June), where Nicholas was supported by a 'socially distanced' congregation including his wife and daughters.

Speaking after the service, he said: "It has been a decade since I first began exploring my vocation to priestly ministry. Over the course of all those years there have been many milestones reached. I have now arrived at yet another significant point in my own journey of Christian discipleship and calling. I, Georgina and our girls, are excited to be joining God's people in this beautiful part of God's creation. I have no doubt that God has called me to minister both alongside, and to the people of the Islwyn ministry area. So far, we have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome and generosity that has been extended to us. It is with anticipation, joy and excitement that I will be licensed and begin this new chapter of my sacremental ministry within the diocese if Monmouth. I look forward to where God will lead us as we prayerfully and faithfully discern his will and purpose for us in the part of his kingdom."

Born and raised in rural Shropshire, Revd Nicholas has lived in Wales since the age of 19 and has been ministering in the Rectorial Benefice of Whitchurch, North Cardiff for the last three years.

The Rt Revd Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth, said: "Nicholas Gill joins us having served his curacy in Llandaff Diocese and will be working alongside Fr Mark Owen as an Associate Priest in the Upper and Lower Islwyn Churches. His licensing service at St Mary’s Risca was full of joy and optimism as Nicholas and his family were welcomed to by a congregation as big as it could be with the necessary distancing in place."

"We look forward to working with Nicholas and assure him of our prayers and support as he begins his ministry in the Monmouth Diocese."