The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth has celebrated a Jubilarian Mass, to mark the Jubilees of ordination for Priests who have devoted themselves to the Priesthood, both in the UK and some abroad, totalling over 535 years to God’s service.
The service, led by Bishop Philip Egan, was held at St John’s Cathedral in Portsmouth on Tuesday.
Among the Jubilarians are Father Brian Coogan (pictured), who celebrates 75 years of ordination. He was Parish priest at St David’s Church in East Cowes for 27 years. A celebration was held for him at Christ the King College in Newport back in July.
Father Brian is a Mill Hill missionary who lived in Borneo for 9 years. He will be 99 years old in February is currently in residence at Sandown.
Reverend David Quarmby, who celebrates 60 years of ordination, served in Newport here on the Island, as well as in Reading, Gosport, Abingdon, Southampton, Hedge End, Cove, Yateley and Highcliffe.
Other Juilarians include:
Golden Jubilee – 50 years:
Rev David Forrester
Rev Paul Lyons
Rev Antony Pennicott
Ruby Jubilee – 40 years:
Rev James Carling
Rev Dermot Fenlon
Rev Jamie McGrath
Rev Andrew Moore
Rev Patrick Tansey
Silver Jubilee – 25 years:
Rev John Humphreys
Rev Bruce Barnes
Bishop Philip has said:
“My prayers and congratulations go to this cohort of Priests, who have made this personal commitment and sacrifice on accepting a life of Vocation.
“The obstacles that each of them has faced in their vocational journeys are an example to us all of resilience and perseverance. Ad multos annos! May they be blessed to see many more years to celebrate the Liturgy in all its many aspects!”
The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth comprises 91 parishes, 76 schools across Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire (except Slough), South Oxfordshire, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands. Formed in 1882 by the division of the Diocese of Southwark, the Diocese of Portsmouth has a presence in every community and can offer ministry and mission to all, with a total population of 3.2million people.
More tea vicar bird bird I bird is the word