Lionel Pelloquin
Year 4
St. Marie, Rugby

My name is Lionel Pelloquin - French by birth, British by marriage. As part of my engineering degree 25 years ago, I came on a work placement to Birmingham where I fell in love with both my wife-to-be, Lindsay, and the British people. I really like these Islands and soon after our wedding, we decided to settle in Rugby (the eastern part of the Archdiocese) to bring up our 3 children: Bethanie, Grace-Marie and Daniel. I am currently working in the automotive industry as a quality manager. I like being out in the world, although being one of Christ’s ambassadors can be challenging at times. Lindsay works as the Lead Chaplain for a local charity (The Gift of Years Rugby) looking after the spiritual care of the elderly in nursing and care-homes. God has brought us together; our faith in Jesus is very important to us and I really value her support.
 
Before I got married, I did contemplate the permanent diaconate and now that the children have almost all left home, it is appropriate to take up this additional vocation. Although I have always been active in the Church with various ministries including leading prayer groups, running children’s liturgy, visiting the sick to give them Holy Communion, helping with my local homeless shelter during the winter months, I look forward to carrying on my church activities in a new way as an ordained minister.
 
I consider myself privileged to have studied at Oscott College and the training we received put the emphasis on the four strands of the formation to the permanent diaconate (intellectual, pastoral, spiritual and human). Looking back, I can see how much I have matured over the last five years…a bit like a good French wine! I really encourage other men to discern whether or not they are called to such a vocation. I am happy to speak with anyone discerning a vocation to the permanent diaconate.

Want to know more!
A blast from the past! Take a look at this unique behind the scenes access to a seminary where men train for the priesthood.