There was plenty of reason to celebrate at Holy Rosary parish at Aintree, as the community came together to celebrate the vocation of former parish priest Monsignor John Butchard, who celebrated his 60th anniversary of ordination.

Monsignor Butchard served as parish priest of Holy Rosary from 2000 to 2016, when he retired from active ministry. Before then, he also served as parish priest of St Joseph in Penketh, and spent 21 years at St Joseph’s seminary, Upholland.

He was also the Pilgrimage Director for the Archdiocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes from 1991 to 2016 and hasn’t missed a pilgrimage since 1968.

The Mass was attended by Archbishop John Sherrington, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, the Archbishop Emeritus of Liverpool, and clergy from across the archdiocese. A total of 60 priests were in attendance.

As well as that, 300 people packed out Holy Rosary church, with a further 320 joining in the celebration online.

After Mass, Mgr Butchard was presented with a gift on behalf of the parish – a three-night stay in a five-star hotel in the Lake District, with spending, food and taxi money included.

Following that, there was a celebration in the parish lounge, which is on the same site as the church.

Monsignor Philip Inch, who is the current parish priest at Holy Rosary having taken over the pastoral care in 2018, remarked in the parish newsletter: “It was wonderful that so many people came together to celebrate. Fr John was overwhelmed.

“Thank you to the great parish team who pulled together and made a wonderful, unforgettable celebration.

“It made me so proud to be your parish priest. We saw Holy Rosary and its parishioners at their best! Thank you.”