Message from Father Kenyon following the safe return to Canada of he and the other pilgrims
Dear Father,
A bit of a belated message, I'll grant you, but it is no less full of my deep appreciation and thanks for the kind welcome and abundant hospitality offered to me and my small, happy band of pilgrims on our visit to Gainford on the 22nd September. It was a wonderful day, full of lasting memories, and gave us all a renewed sense of the joy of being Catholic! It was an absolute treat to be able to share with you and your people in an extended way over a reception and then a luxurious luncheon at Snow Hall. You laid out the red carpet and showed us the true quality of that fellowship which you so richly enjoy at St Osmund's.
We returned a week ago on Thursday, tired and rather jet-lagged after our eighteen day cultural and religious marathon. I'm pleased to say that it didn't dampen the affection my people have towards the mother country, and many are now asking when we can repeat it!
Again, thank you, thank you! It was a privilege to concelebrate and preach, and the music you laid on was sublime! You are a blessed community, and the fruits of your coming to full communion are much in evidence! Mass was offered for your community here last Wednesday and we presented our congregation with the photo yesterday, which led to a big applause! It will now find a home in our parish hall. Thanks again!
Please find attached a great photo, taken by Bruce Travis, our Churchwarden. It so expresses the mood of the day!
In Christ,
Fr Kenyon