Fr Paul Hough celebrates his 90th birthday
Mass and celebration at St Ambrose Church
On Saturday 31 January, a special Mass and celebration was held at St Ambrose Church for Fr Paul Hough’s 90th birthday.
Fr Paul was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Southwark in 1962. At this time Southwark covered the area now known as Arundel and Brighton Diocese. His final parish as a parish priest was St Elphege's Wallington, which he was first a curate from 1965 to 1974. He returned there in 1986 and remained their parish priest until he retired in 2020.
Writing about the celebration, Father Paul said:
“I am delighted to say I have arrived at the great age of 90! We had a wonderful celebration with Mass at St Ambrose Church Warlingham where I have now lived since retiring in 2020 and continue to be looked after by Frederika who has almost completed 40 years with me! Mass was kindly led by Bishop Paul Hendricks whom I have known for many years and many priest friends who came to concelebrate I say thank you. Fr Dermott O’Gorman kindly preached and remembered how much I love football. Fr Dermott and his brother Fr Matthew were parishioners at St Elpheges Wallington and are now both Southwark Priests. Bishop Gerard Bradley gave a wonderful presentation of a papal Blessing to say thank you for the years I have been privileged with being a Trustee for the Southwark Arundel & Brighton Brethren CIO who support priests who are in need, retired or sick. Bishop Gerard is also a wonderful help and a Trustee with myself and Frederika.
“The highlight of the day was the music and singing of the Junior Legion of Mary from St Elphege's and St Elphege's school choir who did a wonderful performance and hope they continue to do this.
“I would like to thank all my family and many friends for a wonderful day and a thank you to all the ladies and gentleman of St Ambrose Church for all they did with beautiful flowers in the church and all the teas and coffee provided, with no washing up!”
Please pray for Fr Paul and give thanks to God for his lifetime of service to the Church.
This story was provided by Frederika Pizzoferro from the Southwark, Arundel & Brighton Brethren CIO. Fr Paul is a Trustee of the charity, which has been in existence for over 100 years and supports priests in many unexpected difficulties. If you would like to support their work, email them on southwark.a.bbrethren3@gmail.com
You can also support sick and retired priests in our Archdiocese via the Clergy Support Fund.
Photo credit: Andrew Dunsmore/pictures@picturepartnership.co.uk
