This morning we gave thanks to God for the life and work of Fr Donald Pharaoh. Fr Pharaoh came to St John’s as a deacon and here he was ordained priest. Here also he met his wife Betty and in this church they celebrated their marriage. After a full priestly life Fr Pharaoh retired to St John’s in the 70’s and stayed here till he died.
David Ashenden gave a very moving speech about Fr Pharaoh and unveiled the plaque in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. For the occasion, our Parish Administrator prepared a well-researched exhibition on Fr Donald.
Three relatives of Fr Donald were present for Mass and met friends of Fr Donald over coffee in the hall.
After Mass it was over for a get-together of the Holy Land pilgrims, kindly hosted by Mr & Mrs Williams. We enjoyed sharing experiences and watching photographs of the event.
Home communion to Fr Dawson followed by communions in the hospital led to Rosary at 5pm which brought this Sunday to a conclusion.
Fr Pharaoh is remembered with much affection by the people of St John. I never had the privilege to meet him but from what I hear this was a man of prayer, a priest with a pastoral heart and a mind uplifted in prayer and in him the people of this Parish glimpsed the light of Christ. It is no coincidence that the statue of St John Mary Vianney, Patron of Priests, was given in his memory.
David Ashenden gave a very moving speech about Fr Pharaoh and unveiled the plaque in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. For the occasion, our Parish Administrator prepared a well-researched exhibition on Fr Donald.
Three relatives of Fr Donald were present for Mass and met friends of Fr Donald over coffee in the hall.
After Mass it was over for a get-together of the Holy Land pilgrims, kindly hosted by Mr & Mrs Williams. We enjoyed sharing experiences and watching photographs of the event.
Home communion to Fr Dawson followed by communions in the hospital led to Rosary at 5pm which brought this Sunday to a conclusion.
Fr Pharaoh is remembered with much affection by the people of St John. I never had the privilege to meet him but from what I hear this was a man of prayer, a priest with a pastoral heart and a mind uplifted in prayer and in him the people of this Parish glimpsed the light of Christ. It is no coincidence that the statue of St John Mary Vianney, Patron of Priests, was given in his memory.
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