Congratulations to Canon Vincent Burrowes, who celebrated 70 years since his ordination into the priesthood on Tuesday 30 May.

Fr Vincent, who is currently the archdiocese’s longest serving priest, was joined by Bishop John Rawsthorne, Bishop Tom Williams, several priests and many friends and family members, for a celebration Mass to mark the milestone.

At the end of the Mass, Fr Vincent was presented with a blessing from Pope Francis, in thanks and appreciation for his years of faithful service.

‍

He was very appreciative of the kindness shown to him by the parish of St Austin’s St Helens, in helping him to mark his special anniversary.

Fr Vincent was baptised at St Matthew’s, Clubmoor, where his family lived. He was one of seven children and, subsequently, a fond uncle and great uncle to many!

He was educated at Notre Dame Demonstration School, St Matthew’s and St Edward’s College.  After that, he was ordained at Upholland on30 May 1953, though his ecclesiastical studies were interrupted by three years of national service in the army.

During his time in the priesthood, Vincent has served in eight parishes in the archdiocese.  He also spent nearly ten years based at the Cathedral, working in the Curia Office and was Episcopal Vicar of Finance and Development for the archdiocese for fifteen years. 

He is particularly fond of the many, happy years he spent as Parish Priest at St Paul’s, West Derby where he developed many long lasting, valued friendships.

On retiring from his final parish, St Lewis’s, Croft, he moved to a retirement flat in the parish of St Marie’s, Southport and is now living at Brownedge House in Thatto Heath, St Helens.

‍