On Sunday 15th June 2008 Br Christopher Gorton SDB celebrated his 100th birthday. He is the first member of the GBR province to reach this significant milestone.

l to r: Fr Michael Winstanley, Br Christopher Gorton, Fr Michael O'Meara and Br Michael Delmer.

Salesians, family and friends assembled in the chapel of Thornleigh College, Bolton, ready for the arrival of Br Chris from the Willows Nursing Home where he now a resident. Still in excellent physical health Br Chris joined in the prayers and hymns of the concelebrated Mass, led by Fr Michael Winstanley, our Provincial.

Fr Tony Bailey, Rector of the Bolton Community, preached the homily which included the reading of a birthday card, prepared in advance by Bro Tom Caulfield RIP, who as a four year old had been welcomed to his first school by Chris, then fourteen. Bro Tom died just over a month ago. Fr Bailey also read Br Chris's letter of application to the novitiate, written when he was 24 years old. Br Chris speaks of his great longing to be admitted into the Salesian Congregation and promises to do his 'very best to give satisfaction, and become a 100% Salesian'.

At the end of the Mass Fr Winstanley read the Papal Blessing from Pope Benedict XVI and a wonderfully personal letter and blessing from our Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chavez. Br Chris was visibly moved and delighted by these honours. At the festive meal which followed Br Chris was presented with a telegram, in a beautiful folder, from Queen Elizabeth II. Encouraged by his good friend and fellow tailor, Fr Michael O'Meara, Br Chris responded by joining in the singing of some of his favourite songs, including Ad Multos Annos and Keep right on to the end of the road.

"Christopher Gorton, tailor of taste: out at the shoulders, in at the waist."

Br Chris has certainly achieved his aim of becoming a 100% Salesian. We wish him peace and deep joy in his remaining years.