Faithful Gather for Trinity Mass & May Crowning
June 1, 2026
Diamond Jubilee Celebration for Fr Peter Brett
June 3, 2026
Priests from around the Diocese of East Anglia gathered recently in Merville, France, for a retreat led by Fr Philip Caldwell of the Diocese of Salford. Having worked for a number of years in parish ministry, Fr Philip is soon to take up a new role as Spiritual Director at Allen Hall Seminary in London.
Drawing on the theme of the call to holiness, Fr Philip encouraged the priests to reflect deeply on sanctity in the ordinary circumstances of priestly life and ministry. Throughout the retreat, he shared personal reflections on the saints who had shaped and inspired his own vocation, including St Francis Xavier, St Philip Neri, St Thérèse of Lisieux, and St Jane Frances de Chantal.
Blending humour with spiritual insight, Fr Philip recounted memorable stories from his years in priestly ministry, offering moments of warmth and encouragement to those gathered. He also spoke movingly about occasions in which, amid profound personal and pastoral challenges, he experienced the sustaining consolation of divine grace.
A recurring theme throughout the retreat was the importance of fraternity in the priesthood. Fr Philip reminded the priests that “we never minister alone,” but always as part of a presbyterium, a brotherhood of priests, and always within and with the support of the wider family of God’s faithful people.
He concluded by reflecting on the words of the Letter to the Hebrews, reminding those present that they are supported and accompanied by “so great a cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1), whose prayers and example continue to strengthen the Church’s mission today.
The retreat offered participants an opportunity for prayer, renewal, and deeper fraternity as they continue their ministry in service of Christ and His Church.
