Golden Jubilee Celebrations for Father Alan Blackford
Celebrations were held in the parish of the Holy Ghost at Yeovil for
Father Alan Blackford MSFS as he enjoyed his golden jubilee of
ordination to the priesthood.
A large number of parishioners and friends gathered and filled the Church for a Mass of thanksgiving. Bishop Declan had kindly agreed to be present and preached. He spoke about priestly vocations and the importance of the example set by those who persevere, at a time when the Church is faced with many problems. After mentioning the various places in which Father Alan had served during his fifty years as a priest, he thanked him for his work in the Clifton Diocese.
Bishop Declan went on to speak about his own visits to Yeovil. On his first visit he discovered that Father Alan was an accomplished painter in water colour. On subsequent visits he discovered that he had worked at the coal face in the Welsh mines. He wondered if Father Alan’s vocation to priesthood had stemmed from the seeds sown at that time.
After the Mass most were able to gather in the parish hall for a buffet lunch. This proved to be a happy event, and provided Parishioners with the opportunity to present Father Alan with several generous gifts. He was clearly overwhelmed and moved by such kindness. After speeches of appreciation an embarrassed Father Alan thanked everyone for coming especially those who had made a real effort, or had travelled a distance to be present.
He was grateful for the special blessing from Pope Benedict, for the many Masses that had been offered, and for the promise of so many prayers. This day will long be remembered in our parish. We pray that the good Father will be granted many more years of faithful and fruitful ministry.
Father Sunny Paul MSFS
A large number of parishioners and friends gathered and filled the Church for a Mass of thanksgiving. Bishop Declan had kindly agreed to be present and preached. He spoke about priestly vocations and the importance of the example set by those who persevere, at a time when the Church is faced with many problems. After mentioning the various places in which Father Alan had served during his fifty years as a priest, he thanked him for his work in the Clifton Diocese.
Bishop Declan went on to speak about his own visits to Yeovil. On his first visit he discovered that Father Alan was an accomplished painter in water colour. On subsequent visits he discovered that he had worked at the coal face in the Welsh mines. He wondered if Father Alan’s vocation to priesthood had stemmed from the seeds sown at that time.
After the Mass most were able to gather in the parish hall for a buffet lunch. This proved to be a happy event, and provided Parishioners with the opportunity to present Father Alan with several generous gifts. He was clearly overwhelmed and moved by such kindness. After speeches of appreciation an embarrassed Father Alan thanked everyone for coming especially those who had made a real effort, or had travelled a distance to be present.
He was grateful for the special blessing from Pope Benedict, for the many Masses that had been offered, and for the promise of so many prayers. This day will long be remembered in our parish. We pray that the good Father will be granted many more years of faithful and fruitful ministry.
Father Sunny Paul MSFS
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