46 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2023 Celebration of Service 2023 JUBILARIANS “To love God and to love God’s people is at the very centre of a priest’s existence. To live that out in prayer and service, is the way that priests make sense of their life and find meaning.” Most Rev. Leslie Tomlinson 1963 Diamond Jubilarians Monsignor Peter Jeffrey and Fr John Ryan On 25 July 2023 St Patrick’s, Wangaratta was abuzz with people who had come from far and wide to celebrate the diamond jubilees of Monsignor Peter Jeffrey and Fr John Ryan. Both priests were ordained on the same day sixty years ago (27 July 1963) by Bishop Francis Thomas, who laid his hands on Mons. Jeffrey at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo, then travelled to Wangaratta to ordain Fr Ryan. Fortunately, Bishop Thomas, the Bishop of Geraldton at the time, knew the roads well, having been a Sandhurst priest for 32 years before being ordained a Bishop. “Peter and John, two fine priests who have served the Church and people with distinction in those varied fields wherever the Spirit led them. Always Spirit lifters, not Spirit crushers. No matter where they roamed, they always called Sandhurst home. Many of us gathered today would not have experienced these two men in full flight. Articulate, spiritual, hardworking, and respectful of their congregations. Each has contributed significantly to the Big Church and assisted in the development of our wonderful Diocese. We thank them for their long years of fruitful service.” Monsignor Frank Marriot Monsignor Peter Jeffrey Fr John Ryan
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