A PARISH priest’s half century in office has been celebrated recently.

Last weekend saw clergy and parishioners descend on the Church of the Holy Spirit in Bovey Tracey to celebrate 50 years since the Rev Canon Pat Costello was ordained.

Grateful parishioners had a cake baked and clubbed together to present him with a selection of gifts. Fr Costello was once a member of Glasgow Celtic supporters’ club, but admitted living so far away made that difficult – so among his presents he would no doubt have been pleased to receive a personalised history of his beloved club.

Born near Cumbernauld 77 years ago, Fr Costello entered the priesthood on August 8, 1972 when he was ordained at St Michael’s Church in Moodiesburn, Glasgow.

Straight away he headed to the South West where he had been working in school camps.

Since his ordination he remained here, serving as curate, priest, Dean, Canon and Provost in Plymouth, Poole in Dorset, Torbay, Teignmouth and St Joseph’s in Newton Abbot. Eventually he became the parish priest for Bovey and Chudleigh in 2017 until 2021, when he retired to become priest in residence.

Although officially retired, he still celebrates mass every day.

A two-day celebration marked his golden achievement. On Sunday he was joined by the Bishop Emeritus Christopher Budd who celebrated mass with him, and presented him with a Papal blessing congratulating him on his golden jubilee. Parishioners joined him in the church garden afterward for a joyful celebration.

Monday was 50 years later to the day, and a second, special mass was held at the Holy Spirit. Once again Bishop Budd attended. This time Fr Pat was met by 31 colleagues from across the diocese, including the former Abbot of Buckfast Abbey and Dean Mark Skelton from Teignmouth.

Also there was Fr Tony Pennicott, who studied with Pat, at St John’s seminary in Wonersh, Guildford, and Canon Paul Cummins, the acting diocesan administrator. Canon Paul decided to become a priest after attending a retreat where he met and was greatly influenced by Fr Costello.

Father Pat said: ‘I invited people I have worked with and my family – they’ve all been a part of my life.’

After the mass he was applauded on leaving the church, a gesture which moved him greatly.

A team comprising Michael Bovill, social secretary Angela Tibbs, parish secretary Angie Hill and secretary of the finance committee David Smith had organised a formal party for Father Pat.

David said: ‘Sunday’s celebration was for the parish as a whole. The second one was a more formal affair in the church hall.

‘Father Costello has been a fantastic priest in every parish he has served. In fact when he arrived in Bovey Tracey several parishioners followed him here.

‘He listens to people and never judges or criticises. He has a way about him and takes everything in his stride.’

Father Pat, who include folk music and playing the guitar among his pursuits, has no plans to return to the place of his birth.

He is content to remain living in Bovey Tracey. ‘It’s a lovely place and the people are so friendly,’ he said.

David summed up the impact Fr Costello has had on the parish: ‘We’re lucky to have him,’ he said. ‘He has a warmth and gentleness unlike that I’ve seen in every other priest I’ve known.’