Ruby Jubilee for Wootton Bassett Priest

A truly ecumenical celebration was held in Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire when Father John Reville, the parish priest of Sacred Hearts celebrated 40 years of priesthood.

Besides clergy from other denominations, the local Church of England Primary, St Bartholomew's, brought their school choir to sing at the celebratory Mass. Over fifty clergy from the Clifton Diocese were joined by many of his parishioners with Bishop Declan Lang presiding.

Ordained in 1965 at his home church of Sacred Hearts, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, Father John has served in a number of parishes in the diocese.

He undertook catechetical studies at Corpus Christi College in London followed by a teacher training course at Strawberry Hill. An Open University degree followed in History and Philosophy.

For 20 years he was School Chaplain and Head of Religious Educations at St Joseph’s Catholic School in Swindon.

An avid supporter of Bristol Rovers all his life, Father John has a sister, Mary, who teaches at St Ethelbert’s, Slough whilst his brother, Nick, is a lecturer in law in Leicester.

In addition to his pastoral duties at Sacred Hearts, Wootton Bassett, Father John is also Director of Ministry to Priests in the Clifton Diocese.

David Burke