Bishop Visits OLSD

On Sunday 19th October we had the joyful visitation of our Diocesan Pastor and Shepherd, Bishop Philip Egan. 

The 10:30am Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Philip, Fr Gerry Briody the Salesian Provincial (GBR) and Fr Anthony.  Also present were a Deacon Paul Evans and Deacon Craig Aburn. The church was full with several  hundred parishioners and we had the pleasure of attending a very uplifting and joyful Mass.  

The Mass included the blessing by Bishop Philip of the Catechists, of the RCIA, Confirmation, First Holy Communion and Children’s Liturgy. 

After Mass Bishop Philip met with parishioners, before attending lunch at the Salesian Community House. 

In the afternoon Bishop Philip met with the Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee and we discussed the activities and plans for our community and how this aligned with the  Diocesan Plan. 

Bishop Philip expressed his thanks for the warm welcome he received from the whole community and his sense that it was a vibrant and prayerful community, spreading the message of God in this area. 

Bishop Philip wrote about his experiences in our parish in  Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth e-news.  The article has been reproduced below:

Also below is a gallery of photos of the day.