Town Honours Canon O’Brien

8 May 2009

Canon James O’Brien our dedicated Parish Priest in Chard is to be honoured by the town’s council next week.

Chard Town Council will bestow their Outstanding Service Award to the Parish Priest of the English Martyrs at a special ceremony on Wednesday (13 May).

The parchment Canon O’Brien will receive states:

“Recognition of outstanding service to the people of Chard.

“Whereas on 13 July 1982, the Chard Town Council resolved to recognise the long and outstanding service rendered to the people of chard by selected persons.

“It is hereby certified that the Town Council recognises the long and faithful service rendered to the people of Chard by Canon James Fanahan O’Brien.

“It is also hereby certified that such recognition and appreciation is recorded in the minutes of the annual town meeting.”

Canon O’Brien celebrated his 90th Birthday in January this and also celebrated 40 years as Parish Priest on 1 August last year.

He’s celebrating even more on 4 of June as that is the date of his 65 anniversary of ordination to the priesthood.

Chard parishioner Andrew O’Brien told cliftondiocese.com:  “What a record, few priests will achieve this record of service to God, and to the people of Chard - at English Martyrs), Crewkerne - at St Peter, and Ilminster - at St Joseph.  Yes!  That’s three churches!

“And to date nobody has heard the Canon utter the word retire; no he will carry on as long as he is fit and able!

“Sheila Theobald, Canon’s housekeeper plays a big part in Canon’s well being, and it’s due to Sheila that we have Canon James with us today.

“Thank God.”