Applause greeted Mgr John Heslin, a retired priest, when he celebrated the golden anniversary of his priestly ordination at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Saltburn, on Sunday 22nd February.
He thanked parish priest Canon Bill Madden and parishioners of both Saltburn and Brotton for their kindness since he retired to Saltburn from the Birmingham Archdiocese several years ago, giving him a ìnew lease of lifeî.
The Monsignor, who is known as Fr John, said he had had a ‘happy ministry’ serving parishes, schools, hospitals, prison and as a cruise liner chaplain.
He gave out cards featuring his 19th century ‘hero priest’ Fr Damien, who founded a leper colony on Molokai in Hawaii, which he has visited several times.
Mgr Heslin is well-known at local parishes where he celebrates Mass when priests are on holiday.
Michael Morrissey