Fr. Basden was born in Cairo, Egypt, educated at Salesian College in Beirut, and studied for the priesthood in Wonersh Seminary, U.K.

He was ordained by the Most Rev William Barden, OP, Archbishop of Isphahan of the Latins on December 15, 1979, at Jesuit Church in Wimbledon.

He is currently the Rector of St. Augustine's Shrine in Ramsgate.