Today, Bishop Philip Egan, the Chapter of Canons and the Bishop’s Council today offered a Thanksgiving Mass at St John’s Cathedral Portsmouth, for Monsignor Paul Townsend and Canon Michael Dennehy in recognition of their years of service as Vicar Generals to the Lord’s Church and to the Diocese.
Monsignor Paul had been Vicar General, and Head of the Department for Clergy and Canon Michael was Vicar General and the Moderator for the Curia.
The occasion was a wonderful opportunity for all to express their heartfelt thanks to the Lord for their service and demanding work for the Diocese.
Both were eager to stress that they are not retiring, as Monsignor Paul will continue as a Parish Priest in Ringwood and Fordingbridge and Canon Michael is taking a well-deserved sabbatical for a year and will then return to the Diocese.
Two new Vicar Generals have been appointed, Canon David Hopgood and Father James McAuley. Father James will become Dean of the Cathedral and Moderator of the Curia.
Our prayers are with them as they start their new roles.
Photo shows from Left to right: Father James McAuley. Canon David Hopgood, Bishop Philip Egan, Monsignor Paul Townsend and Canon Michael Dennehy.
Recent Posts
Bournemouth Oratory Sacred Heart Church in the heart of the town centre serves a demographically diverse community with specific issues around poverty, homelessness and social isolation, which presents several distinct [...]
In last year’s Annual Report, we featured news of the creation of a Refugee Sanctuary Hub at St Peter’s Church, Winchester. The Hub was born out of parishioner response to [...]
Walking outdoors has proven long-term improvements for emotional and mental health, as well as bringing about a reduced risk of depression and higher levels of happiness and self-esteem. Coinciding with [...]
Across the Philippine archipelago, a tradition known as Flores de Mayo, a daily offering of flowers to Mary is observed throughout the month of May. Typically, the celebration culminates with [...]
