On Monday 31st March 2003, the exact anniversary, friends gathered with Father David Russell at St John the Baptist Chapel, Brighton, to celebrate his 25 years as a priest.
A late vocation, David studied at the Beda College in Rome before his ordination, 25 years ago, in this very church. He then served in Farnham, Walton-on-Thames, Eastbourne, Worthing and St Leonard's-on-Sea before taking up his current ministry, travelling around the diocese on supply work, relieving parish clergy.
And, of course, Father David has been Chaplain to our walking pilgrimage for several years.
The celebration consisted of Mass with many concelebrants (including Fr Andy Ollard and Deacon John Lamb) followed by refreshments in the parish hall.
Here's Fr David with some of his pilgrim friends.
And here he's cutting the cake (made by Frances Dean, who else?)
