We were delighted to welcome so many of our Polish parishioners to both our churches for the traditional blessing of Easter Baskets. This is an important event in our parish calendar
On the evening of Saturday 24th January Fr Neil offered the Vigil Mass at Holy Family Church for the intentions of parishioners Patrick and Margaret Dooley, who were celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on January 29th. Fr Neil was joined at the altar by Canon John Nunan, a long-standing friend of the Dooley family.
In his homily, Father Neil said, “Patrick and Margaret remind us that the light Isaiah speaks of does not shine only in extraordinary moments, but also in ordinary, faithful love – in keeping promises, in walking together through life, and in trusting God in all seasons. Their witness is a gift to our parish and an encouragement to us all”.
At the end of Mass Father Neil presented them with a Papal Blessing from Pope Leo XIV, which had been sent from Rome for the occasion by Cardinal Arthur Roche. This adds to the greetings they had already received from King Charles and Queen Camilla. Then he revealed that Bishop Marcus had awarded the couple the Gold Medal of the Diocese of Leeds, ‘for prayerful and devoted service’ to the diocese, which they have served in various ways at parish and diocesan level for over forty years.
Many congratulations to them both!
