at the Concert on 19th December 2008

Fr David, Hon Mayor of Driffield, Invited Guests, Fellow Parishioners,

In his autobiography the artist Eric Gill considered his life’s work was, in essence, an attempt to make a cell of good living in the chaos of the world. If we reflect upon that view, we can see how it is also applicable to Fr David Hynes, for in the now almost 15 years he has been our parish priest in Driffield, he has endeavoured to make the parish into a cell of good living amidst the changing world in which we all have had to live. In doing this, he has ensured that truth and love should always coincide as the indelible marks of his leadership and pastoral endeavour.

And what a record of leadership it has been! In the absence of a Catholic school in the area, he encouraged the growth of children’s catechist groups, and children’s sacramental preparation, so that today we have a very visible young congregation with regular sacramental preparation for First Holy Communions and Confirmations, as well as an increasing Church attendance.

Lay participation in the running of the parish became a top priority, not only in the development of eucharistic ministry and ministry of the Word but also in the introduction of the parish choir, in the encouragement of boy and girl altar-servers, in pilgrimages to Lourdes and elsewhere and in wider ecumenical engagements stemming from his own involvement in the ‘Churches Together’ association and his great love for the town and people of Driffield and its surrounding areas. Parish organisations such as the local branch of the Catholic Women’s League and the Parish and Social Committee have thrived under his support and a variety of parishioners have become actively involved in parish, diocesan and extra-diocesan work.

I am sure when parishioners meet with Father socially this evening, many will also be able to recount stories of his regular home visiting and hospital ministry as well as other aspects of his generous outreach. There may even be some among us who will be able to explain why our gentle Fr David had a reputation as a fast and fearless footballer, as a gracious and gregarious golfer, and as a creditable but somewhat bashful baritone.

So it is particularly opportune that the splendid music and singing, selected this evening in Father’s honour by The Southwold Singers, have been characterised by an upbeat air of happiness, joy and celebration, underscoring a life well-fulfilled and generously pursued. This evening, therefore, is not a sad but a happy occasion, presenting an opportunity for the parish and its wider community to thank Fr David for all his hard work, for his encouragement, for his kindness, his humanity, his humility, his generosity and for his characteristic good spirits.

On behalf of the parish of Our Lady and St Edward, Father, it gives me great pleasure to present to you a personal gift of a cheque as a token of our love and esteem and also to present to you a special blessing from His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

Ad multos annos!