Fifteen priests in the Middlesbrough diocese marked ordination jubilees of their ordination and ten of them took part in the annual celebration of priesthood Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, Middlesbrough, on Sunday 17th June. About 700 people attended the Mass for which the main concelebrant was Mgr Ray Charlton of Stokesley, celebrating his Golden Jubilee. Fr Colman Ryan of Thirsk preached.

Jubilarians, who joined a total of 27 priests all dressed in white vestments on the altar, were: Fr Tony Barry, 60th anniversary; Mgr Ray Charlton, Frs Dan McIver and Michael O’Connor, 50th; Frs Dermot Nunan, Colman Ryan and William Ryan, 40th;Canon Eddie Gubbins, Mgr Gerry Dasey and Fr Pat Cope, 25th. Those unable to attend were Canon Louis Collingwood, 60th anniversary; Frs Pat Bluett, Dan O’Neill and Kevin Trehy, 40th; and Fr David Grant, 25th.

Mgr Dasey said Bishop John sent his blessings to participants. He thanked all who had taken part in the Mass.

Michael Morrissey