Parishioners of St Mary’s Parish Guildford turned out in large numbers last month to farewell their popular priest, Father Blasco.
Fr Blasco, who has been transferred to Manning parish, has been the parish priest at St Mary’s Guildford for four years.
In that time, he has transformed the small parish into a tight-knit community that has benefited greatly from his leadership and guidance.
A number of parishioners presented farewell speeches, drawing attention to the many changes to parish life brought about by Fr Blasco in his four years’ stay.
A greater emphasis on the liturgy has been particularly noticeable with many parishioners thanking Fr Blasco for the increased sense of community and spirituality which he has brought to the parish and its parishioners.
Parishioners also gained a greater knowledge of their faith by attending a number of presentations by the Maranatha Institute and visiting speakers over the years. Church repairs necessitating regular fundraising served to enhanced social life in that time.
During the four years, Fr Blasco also encouraged parishioners to adopt an evangelical spirit to bring others back into the Church.
The parishioners made a number of presentations to Fr Blasco and, in wishing him well in his new appointment, promised to keep him in their prayers.