A priest has celebrated 60 years of service to the Catholic Church.
St Mary’s Parish Ipswich hosted Diamond Jubilee celebrations for Canon Michael Hazell on Friday, July 13, when Ipswich deanery clergy joined a full church of parishioners, family and friends for a Concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving for his 60 years of priesthood.
The chief concelebrant and Dean, Fr John Barnes, paid a warm and amusing tribute to Canon Michael.
Over the years, he has held many key posts of responsibility but Canon Michael’s pastoral work was at the heart of his priesthood.
His dedication to his people and the development of their faith through example was his life’s work.
In 1995 he officially retired to Kesgrave in the Parish of St Mary’s Ipswich.
In reality he did not really retire - he became so generous with his time that his ministry developed, towards parishioners and also seafarers in nearby Felixstowe docks.
Following the Mass of Thanksgiving, a large crowd joined Fr Michael in the parish hall for a party and presentation.
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