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Fr Henry marks 40 years as East Anglian priest

People gathered from across the Diocese of East Anglia, the UK and Ireland to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ordination of Norfolk Catholic priest Fr Henry MacCarthy on Saturday July 1.


The Catholic church of St Cecilia's in the West Norfolk village of Dersingham was packed to capacity, including relatives of Fr Henry from Ireland and guests from the many parts of the Diocese of East Anglia where Fr Henry had served as Curate or Parish Priest during the last 40 years.

The celebrations began with Mass, which was celebrated by Fr Henry, assisted by nine other priests from East Anglia, and was followed by a lunch for everyone who attended.

Many tributes to Fr Henry and his work during the last four decades were delivered by family and friends and he was presented with a framed special map of the locations where he hadministered.

In response to these tributes, Fr Henry said that he was humbled but delighted that so many people had made the effort to attend and that he was now able to enjoy his retirement in his new home in Dersingham.

He thanked all those who had supported him over these last 40 years and the people of the Catholic Parish of Hunstanton who had welcomed him so generously and supportively since he came in 2013.

"I have never been so well looked after in my life," he said after cutting the cake made to mark the occasion.

Many cards and gifts were given to Fr Henry to mark the occasion and he said that all the monies given to him will be sent to one of his special charities,Mdecins Sans Fronti£res

Pictured top is Fr Henry (front row second right) with fellow priests and, above, Fr Henry with family members.

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