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Sixty Years of Priesthood
On Saturday 31st January 2004, the Feast of Saint John Bosco, Fr John Bennett SDB celebrated his sixty years of Salesian priesthood. He volunteered for the Missions as a 17-year-old novice and was sent to the north east of India to complete his studies and work among the people of the hill tribes. He was ordained in Tiruppattur on 30th January 1944, far from home, with none of his relatives able to be present
Sixty years later at Thornleigh Salesian House, Bolton, surrounded by members of his family, Fr John cuts his jubilee cake. Now resident in the St Joseph’s community, he continues to support the missionary work in India by corresponding with benefactors and forwarding donations.
Fr John with Bro Donald MacDonald and Flight Lieutenant Philip Williams.
When he was at Aberdour in Scotland, Fr John introduced the (occasional) wearing of the kilt for the boys in the children’s home there. At first reluctant, they grew very proud of their new attire. Bro Donald sported his MacDonald tartan in honour of the event. Flt Lt Philip, Fr John’s nephew, is a helicopter pilot in the RAF. He has served in many parts of the world and is now involved in search and rescue operations. |
