Friends and family gathered to mark the 40th anniversary of the ordination of Fr Paul Chavasse.

The recent celebration was marked by an anniversary Mass, celebrated by Bishop Robert Byrne, followed by a party at Our Lady of the Assumption in Swynnerton.

Fr Paul has met many people, and seen many places, over his last 40 years and is now settled in the rural Staffordshire countryside.

From 1972 to 1979 he trained for the priesthood at the English College in Rome, and was ordained on 22nd July 1978. He was ordained a Priest in Shrewsbury Cathedral by Bishop John Brewer, for the Diocese of Shrewsbury.

In 1978/79 he finished his Licence (STL) in Dogmatic Theology in Rome, then became Curate at Our Lady and St Edward in Birkenhead 1979/80.

In September 1980 Fr Paul entered the Congregation of the Oratory in Birmingham, where he held a number of positions:
1992 - 2010: Provost of the Birmingham Oratory
2000 - 2012: Postulator-General (for Causes of Saints) for the world-wide Confederation of the Oratory
2002 - 2010: Postulator for the Cause of Cardinal Newman
2004 - to date: Chaplain of Magistral Grace, Sovereign Military Order of Malta

In 2013 he became the Parochial Administrator at Our Lady of the Assumption in Swynnerton.

"It was a great joy to celebrate my 40th anniversary with family, friends and the parish,” said Fr Paul.

“Many things have changed, many things have remained the same, over the course of four decades.

“I hope that what is unchanging is my love for God, His Church and His people.

“I give thanks for whatever little I have been able to do to advance the coming of God's Kingdom."