On the 15th July the Parish celebrated the 25th anniversary of Fr. Paul’s Ordination to the Priesthood.

Fr. Paul was ordained a priest in his home parish of Immaculate Conception, Idle, Bradford, on the 13th July 1991, by Bishop David Konstant.

The Jubilee Mass was attended by about 35 fellow priests who concelebrated the Mass with Fr. Paul. Fr. Paul’s family and friends also joined us for the Mass, along with parishioners from his home parish and from his former parish placements of St. Joseph’s, Pontefract and St. Joseph’s, Batley Carr. Some of his former colleagues and students from Ushaw College, where he had taught for seven years, were also with us. A former teacher from Fr. Paul’s secondary school was also present; a person we need to thank, as he was one of the people who sowed the seed of priesthood in Fr. Paul’s heart.

It was a lovely Mass after which we all gathered in the hall to enjoy a fabulous faith supper. During the evening Fr. Paul was presented with a cheque from the parish as well as a Papal Blessing and many cards and gifts. His older brother, Anthony, also gave an amusing speech about what it was like having a brother as a priest.

MG