Last weekend, family, friends and SDBs from all over the country gathered at Bolton to give thanks and celebrate 25 years of the priesthood of Fr Kieran Anderson SDB. 

 

Fr Kieran is Provincial Secretary and Director of the GBR Mission Office, and in his time as a Salesian, he has served in many locations, including Glasgow, Battersea and Liberia.

Mass was celebrated in the chapel at Thornleigh, where Fr Kieran was ordained on 6th June, 1992. Fr Michael Winstanley SDB, Rector of the Thornleigh community, gave the homily, which centred on Jesus as a model of priesthood, bringing us the love of the Father, and leaving his Apostles with the instruction to 'Feed my sheep'.

 

The music at Mass contributed to the already joyful atmosphere, and in keeping with the beautiful words of blessing we had heard from the Book of Numbers, 'May the Lord let his face shine upon you,' the congregation emerged from the chapel into glorious sunshine, to continue the celebrations in Thornleigh House.

 

 

After the cutting of a splendid cake with a motif of the Good Shepherd, Provincial Fr Gerry Briody SDB, paid tribute to Fr Kieran's talents and spiritual gifts, and Fr Kieran thanked his confreres, family and friends for their support over the years. Both also shared some highly entertaining stories which filled the dining room with gales of laughter.

 

Congratulations and many blessings for the next 25, Fr Kieran!