The church was filled to capacity with the congregation overflowing into the yard. It was Sunday, June 24 at the St Anthony’s church, Petit Valley where the parishioners had gathered to celebrate both the 50th anniversary of the parish and the 40th anniversary of the parish priest Fr Leo Donovan.

 For this once-in-a-lifetime ceremony the chief celebrant was Fr Leo himself and concelebrating were Fr Knolly Knox, former parish priest and Fr David Oliveire assistant parish priest.

It was a very moving liturgy with the choir in full musical force and the enthusiastic congregation, comprising not only members of the three churches of the parish, but also friends of Fr Leo from parishes where he had served, all joining in with lusty singing.

Fr Leo and St Anthony parishioners

After the Mass there was a brunch, accompanied by cultural entertainment provided by three of the church choirs and other talented musicians of the parish, culminating with the melodious sounds of the Valley Harps steelband.

There were moments of memories of the 50 years of parish activity. A few were able to recall when they threw stones from the river which runs behind the church, onto the bank to help prepare the foundation of the building.

Then all present were given bookmarks, which bore the names of the priests who served the parish from its inception. History tells us that the first parish priest was Fr John English, he was followed by Frs Cyril Ward, Knolly Knox, Canice O’Riordan, Thomas Lawson, Stephen Doyle, Bobby Jubel, Vincent Travers, Joseph Harris, George Pritchett, David Oliveire, and Fr Leo Donovan.

Fr Leo who was celebrating his 40th anniversary of priestly ordination was inundated with gifts, for apart from what he received officially from the parish he was invited to dip into a brand tub where he discovered more presents than he expected. He enjoyed it all. This undoubtedly gave him an idea of how he is well loved by his parishioners.

When the Valley Harps sounded the first pan note for the final performance of the day you could have felt deep within your heart the atmosphere of togetherness that had reigned throughout the morning.

The organising committee were very happy that their months of hard work had reaped a great success, and as the parish continues to mature, with one heart and voice we all wish Fr Leo God’s blessings on his every endeavour and we pray that the parish will continue being the nursing ground for the prolific proclamation of the work of the Father.