On 4 July at Our Lady Immaculate, Bryn, parishioners, friends, priests and family of Canon John Gorman gathered to celebrate 25 years of his priestly ministry in the archdiocese.

Archbishop Malcolm presided at Holy Mass, together with Bishop Tom Neylon, Bishop Tom Williams and Canon Aidan Prescott, Vicar General. The packed church was filled with well-wishers and prayers for Canon Gorman, or Father John, as he is known to his parishioners.

Father Ron Johnson, vocations director, preached a homily in which he thanked God for Father John's ministry at the Metropolitan Cathedral, at Liverpool Royal University Hospital, and in the churches that make up Our Lady Immaculate, St Oswald and St Edmund Arrowsmith and St Wilfrid in Bryn and Ashton-in-Makerfield. “25 years of priestly service, 25 years of bringing Jesus Christ to God’s holy people,” he said.

Bishop Neylon recalled Father John's late parents Margaret and Joseph Gorman in the eucharistic prayer.

A number of presentations were made on behalf of the parish: a beautiful Our Father tapestry was given by Father John's family, and the spiritual bouquet was offered by the Legion of Mary.

There was a reception in the parish centre following when much joyful conversation, food and drink were enjoyed.

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