Father Denis Blackledge SJ, Parish Priest of St Francis Xavier church in Everton, received an Honorary Senior Fellowship of Liverpool Hope University at the University’s Foundation Day Service.

Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus adjoins SFX church and during his seven years as Parish Priest Father Denis has worked closely with staff and students.  He has also supported the Whitechapel homeless charity and Faith Church of England and Catholic Primary School in the parish.

The 79 year old, who also works closely with the University’s chaplains, has been a valued friend, neighbour and supporter of Hope, whilst also establishing himself as a key pillar in the Everton community with his commitment to ecumenism, working closely with Rev Henry Corbett who until his recent retirement served as Vicar of St Peter’s, Everton.

Father Denis said, ‘I was flabbergasted because I never expected to have a Senior Fellowship from Hope.  I have been at SFX for seven years and I have been thrilled to be parish priest there.  It has been absolutely wonderful because of all the ecumenical work.  These last seven years have been perfect because they have been some of the best years of my pastoral life and some of the best years of my ecumenical life.’

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