This afternoon Hayley, Jemima and myself took great pleasure in visiting the parish of S. Thomas of Canterbury, Brentwood where I served my title as curate. The occasion was the emotional farewell Mass for Fr. Bob – who is retiring after many happy years as parish priest. Solemn Mass of the Holy Archangels was offered by Fr. Bob and concelebrated by priests of the SSC. An excellent sermon was preached by +Kieth Newton, the Bishop of Richborough, who reminded us of our call to serve the Lord calmly in an often hostile world. He also reminded the parish that the greatest gift they could leave Father Bob – was to prove his ministry effective by continuing to uphold the Catholic faith, confess, pray and read their bibles- long after he has left! As ever the music was fantastic and really aided the devotions…reminder to self to invite them back to S. Barnabas in the very near future!
After Mass Fr. Bob was showered with gifts and good wishes – all richly deserved. I wish him every happiness in his retirement. My curacy was a happy and fruitful time- and that was thanks to him. He was not only my training incumbent- but became a dear friend.
I know that he will prove a real asset to the Church of S. Mary the Virgin, Hockley where he is now to make his spiritual home. So i guess in some ways it is ‘ the king is dead- long live the king’! May he and Rosemary enjoy their future together.
