Church dignitaries are all set to celebrate the silver jubilee of a Benfleet priest.

Father Michael Galloway of St Mary the Virgin church in the High Road, was ordained as a priest 25 years ago and tomorrow he will be celebrating his anniversary in style.

Bishop Edwin Barnes of Richborough will be leading a service celebrating all Father Michael's hard work over the last quarter of a century and around 15 other priests will also be helping in the mass.

Father Michael said: "It will be a very splendid occasion. It is quite a celebration really and I am delighted the bishop will be there to lead the Mass. Ministers from other churches are also coming so the church should be fairly full but everyone is invited to come along. It is for members of the public after all."

Grateful parishioners gave the priest a mid 19th century Chasuble, a vestment worn by a priest when he says mass, and an inscribed lead crystal bowl.

Father Michael said: "They were wonderful presents. The Chasuble is made out of cloth of gold and is absolutely beautiful. It was very generous of the congregation."

Special Mass- Father Michael Galloway will celebrate his 25 years service as a priest tomorrow and will wear a 19th century Chasuble, which was donated by grateful parishioners.

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

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