A group of 33 priests celebrating significant ministry anniversaries gathered in Rome for a special programme of prayer, fraternity and thanksgiving — including four jubilarians from the archdiocese, who travelled with Archbishop John Sherrington.

On Monday 24 November, the group was welcomed to the Beda College for Evening Prayer, followed by a celebratory dinner. Seminarian Dominic Redcliffe, who is currently studying in Rome, said: “It was a joy to welcome the priests to the Beda. The evening brought together 33 jubilarians, including our four from the archdiocese.”

The Archdiocesan jubilarians taking part were:

• Fr Bill Murphy – Golden Jubilee

• Fr Tony Slingo (Parish Priest of St Teresa of the Child Jesus) – Ruby Jubilee

• Fr Graeme Dunne EV VF (Parish Priest of St Oswald, Coppull, and St Gregory, Chorley; Episcopal Vicar for Finance) – Ruby Jubilee

• Fr Joseph Bibby (Parish Priest of St Mary, Leyland) – Ruby Jubilee

During the visit, the priests also spent time at the Venerable English College, where they met archdiocesan priest Fr James Finnegan.

On the Wednesday, the jubilarians attended the Papal Audience, where they received a personal greeting from the Holy Father. Describing the moment, Fr Joe Bibby said: “It’s been a great trip. Pope Leo mentioned the Jubilarians and congratulated us all. Then he came and greeted us, spoke to each one, and shook our hands… It was a wonderful occasion to meet the Holy Father as we celebrate our special anniversaries.”