The sad death of HM Queen Elizabeth II has seen everyone remember a woman of faith, service, and duty. She was a woman who served the people of our kingdom tirelessly for over seventy years. This devotion to duty is unprecedented.

The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth yesterday celebrated a Jubilarian Mass, to mark the Jubilees of ordination, led by Bishop Philip Egan, at St John’s Cathedral, for Priests who have devoted themselves to the Priesthood, both in the UK and some abroad, totalling over 535 years to God’s service.

The Jubilarians are:

75 Years – Fr Brian Coogan

Diamond Jubilee 60 years:

Rev David Quarmby

Golden Jubilee 50 years:

Rev David Forrester

Rev Paul Lyons

Rev Antony Pennicott

Ruby Jubilee 40 years:

Rev James Carling

Rev Dermot Fenlon

Rev Jamie McGrath

Rev Andrew Moore

Rev Patrick Tansey

Silver Jubilee 25 years:

Rev John Humphreys

Rev Bruce Barnes

Bishop Philip said, “My prayers and congratulations go to this cohort of Priests, who have made this personal commitment and sacrifice on accepting a life of Vocation. The obstacles that each of them has faced in their vocational journeys are an example to us all of resilience and perseverance. Ad multos annos! May they be blessed to see many more years to celebrate the Liturgy in all its many aspects!”