There was great joy at St Mary’s Church, Leyland, on Saturday 27 September, as parishioners gathered to celebrate the Ruby Jubilee of Fr Joe Bibby, marking 40 years since his ordination to the priesthood.

 

The Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving was a special occasion, with Fr Joe Bibby himself presiding, many other priests of the archdiocese concelebrating, and Archbishop John Sherrington in choir during his first visit to the parish. The celebration was followed by a warm, welcoming parish reception. Parishioners shared cards and good wishes with Fr Joe, expressing their gratitude for his many years of devoted service.

 

“It was a great honour and privilege to be able to celebrate 40 years of priesthood surrounded by so many parishioners of St Mary’s Leyland, family and friends,” Fr Joe commented. “They say time flies when you’re having fun - I must have been having a lot of fun over the past 40 years!”

 

The parish also marked another significant milestone this autumn. On Sunday 12 October, St Mary’s celebrated the 75th anniversary of its Altar Servers’ Guild of St Stephen, founded in 1950. The event was attended by the Guild’s National President, Paul Briers, along with two members of the Liverpool Archdiocesan committee. Six new altar servers were enrolled, five received bronze medals, and one was presented with a silver medal – a fitting tribute to decades of faith and service at St Mary’s.

 

In honour of this special occasion, Pope Leo XIV granted Fr Joe Bibby and the members of the Guild of St Stephen at St Mary’s, Leyland, an Apostolic Blessing, recognising their faithful service and dedication over seventy-five years – a fitting conclusion to a season of joyful celebration in the parish.