Priests celebrate anniversary with mass

Thirty years ago they were mandated to “Go out into the world and proclaim”, today they are being reminded that “The journey now start.”

Vincentians from all walks of life and different denominations this week turned out to congratulate and celebrate with two Anglican priests, who commemorated the 30th anniversary of their ordination into the priesthood with a Eucharistic celebration.{{more}}

The Reverend Father Eustan Ulric Commissiong-Jones and the Very Reverend Patrick Ezekiel McIntosh returned to the church of their ordination, the St. Georges Cathedral in Kingstown, for a moving ceremony, which saw well-wishers visiting from far and near for the occasion.



Father Jones, who last week retired from the St. James The Less Episcopal Church in Jamaica, Queens New York after 12 years, described the day as a moving one which was as memorable as his ordination.

The priest, who also served in Bequia, Marriaqua and the Bahamas thanked all who turned out to celebrate with him and encouraged him over the years, including his family, parishioners and Father McIntosh.

Father Jones, in his brief address said that God had been gracious and merciful to him.

He came in for high praise from Father McIntosh, who he said he could turn to him for inspiration at times.

Father McIntosh, who is Dean of St. George’s Cathedral thanked his former parishioners in Georgetown and said expects to be serving for years to come.

The two priests were called on to reflect on the 30 years that have passed, and reminded that despite all the changes, the challenge for the ministry remains the same.

This call was made by Reverend Canon Christian E Glasgow, Rector of St. George’s Church in Grenada.

Glasgow, who delivered the sermon, asked the ministers to remind themselves what their duties are.

He noted that the lines of right and wrong seemed to be blurred and that makes it difficult to minister the word of God.

Jones and McIntosh are two of five priests who were ordained at the St. George’s Cathedral on August 7th 1977.(JJ)