This weekend sees the retirement of Canon Ronnie Nesbitt as Rector of Bangor Abbey. He and his wife Carol have been firm and generous friends to both me since 2009 and to the parish of St Comgall during his term of office.
Whether it was in relation to St Columbanus celebrations in which he participated fully or in ecumenical co-operation he gave of himself with typical humour and warmth.
I know that he is hugely respected and loved in his parish and he has been a wonderful exponent of the friendship promised in the very name of St Comgall “the friend of the stranger”.
May he go from strength to strength as he begins his retirement and may it be as long and fruitful as his ministry in the Abbey where he personified the words of St Comgall – Sancti Venite – Draw nigh and take the body of the Lord.
On behalf of the Catholic Parish of Bangor, Canon Whyte, Deacon James and Sr Maura I wish God’s blessing on Canon Ronnie and Carol and every joy for the future.
Canon J. Gunn PP