October saw Bishop Terry Drainey celebrate Mass in thanks for Bernard (Barney) Connelly’s sixty years as a brother of the Catenian Association.

Barney’s immense contribution to the Catholic life of our diocese and of our country was acknowledged several years ago by Pope John Paul II who graciously granted Barney the Knighthood of St Gregory. He had earlier been awarded an OBE.

Last month on behalf of the Catenian Association David Taylor, Grand President of the Catenians and fellow papal knight, honoured Barney for his sixty years as a brother of the Association; Barney Ord presented Mr Connelly with a ceremonial sword.

The photo, courtesy of Les Clark, shows Bernard with most of his immediate family – (from left to right) Roland, Christy, Barbara and her husband Eugene (McCoy), Kevin, Bernard, Jerome, grand-daughter Helen and eldest son Bob.

The webmaster would like to add his voice to those of so many in our diocese in offering Barney our heartfelt congratulations.