Hi,

With grateful hearts, we are blessed to share that Deacon Chris Colaco will be ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on 20 June 2026 at The Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate and St Thomas of Canterbury, Northampton.

This is a very special moment for Jesus Youth UK. Chris will be the first Jesus Youth priest from the UK and the sixth Jesus Youth priest internationally. He will be ordained for the Jesus Youth Movement and incardinated into the Catholic Diocese of Northampton.

Chris’ journey has been one of grace, faith and God’s gentle calling. Born in Mangalore, raised in Dubai and later in the UK, Chris drifted from faith during his teenage years as faith did not make much sense to him.

Life brought him many challenges, including difficult friendships, the loss of his best friend to gang violence, and seeing many young people around him drawn into harmful influences. During this time, music production, sound engineering and DJing became a big part of his life.

At 17, through what he later recognised as God’s providence, Chris was invited to a Jesus Youth gathering. A year later, during a retreat, he had a deep encounter with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. This became a turning point in his life. He began attending prayer meetings, growing in faith, and becoming more involved in Jesus Youth.

Over the years, through his involvement in the Jesus Youth movement he grew steadily in faith . He was send on a missionary exposure to Uganda and Haiti, which was formative and shaped his life rooted in mission. During his years in the movement Chris slowly came to understand and accept God’s call to the priesthood.

Now, after 7 years of formation and discernment, in the seminary, we joyfully prepare for his ordination.

We are expecting around 550 people to attend in person, with many more joining online through livestream. We want this day to be prayerful, solemn and memorable for Chris, his family, Jesus Youth UK, the diocese of Northampton and everyone joining us in thanksgiving.

The funds raised will help cover the costs of the ordination ceremony, including venue-related arrangements, liturgy, livestreaming, hospitality and other essential expenses.

Any excess funds will be used only to support Fr Chris in his priestly mission.

We warmly invite you to support this special occasion in any way you can. Your prayers, generosity and encouragement mean a lot to us.

Thank you for being part of this beautiful moment in the life of Jesus Youth UK and the Church.

With gratitude,

Jesus Youth UK