More than 120 people sang ‘For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ for Canon Bill Madden, retiring parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes, Saltburn, after a farewell cheque was presented on the altar after Mass on Sunday 4th September.
Parishioner Liam Gardiner said ‘We have all been touched by your humility, kindness, sensitivity and sense of humour.’ He mentioned Canon Madden’s support for the Boro football team, watching them made Canon Madden ‘rejoice and suffer, mainly suffer.’
Canon Madden thanked parishioners for a cheque, plus private gifts, which will help him in his retirement in Ireland, starting on Sunday 12th September. ‘This is a beautiful parish and I thank you for your friendship and encouragement. We’ll keep each other in our prayers as we make our way to Our Father’s House’
Afterwards, parishioners enjoyed refreshments on the church grounds.
Michael Morrissey