On Friday, it will be 40 years since Bishop Patrick was ordained priest. Yesterday we celebrated this great milestone - his Ruby Jubilee - in a packed Cathedral. Other priests of the diocese who are celebrating Jubilees this year joined the Bishop on the sanctuary. In his homily, Canon Ned Carey (who is also celebrating 40 years as a priest) spoke of the Bishop's commitment to working with the poor and the young, and his passion for the spread of the Gospel. The Bishop was presented with a cheque, the result of a collection taken by the priests and people of the diocese in gratitude for all his work. Ad multos annos!After Mass, the Cathedral parishioners performed the amazing feat of feeding a few hundred people in the Cathedral Social Centre and a marquee set up for the day.
Above, the marquee; below, the inevitable cake-cutting...
...the icing read, "Bishop Patrick: the first 40 years"! Below, the Bishop picks himself out on an old school photo, part of a display showing pictures from his life.
And here are some of the helpers: a remarkable team who've given up endless hours over the last few days. Great job!
