Liskeard Parish bids farewell to their Parish Priest and welcomes their new Priest

On Sunday afternoon 21st July at 15:00, an Open-Air Mass was held in the grounds of Sclerder Abbey under a Marquee, to bid farewell to Father Gilmour McDermott, who will be retiring in September after having spent almost 10 years in the parish of Our Lady and St Neot Liskeard. The Church of Our Lady of Light, Sclerder Abbey, Looe, is just one of the four churches under Father Gilmour’s ministry. Along with Our Lady of the Angels, Bishops Close, Saltash, and St Joan of Arc, Moor View, Torpoint.

Father Gilmour last year celebrated at Our Lady and St Neot, Liskeard on 14th July 2023 his 50th anniversary of priesthood, having been ordained at St John’s Seminary, Wonersh on 14th July 1973. It was lovely to see Deacon Peter assist Father Gilmour with the Mass, Dean Peter who himself has not been at all well, make a return to Sclerder Abbey. After the beautifully sung Mass, the Chemin Neuf Community who lease Sclerder Abbey now, provided along with the parishioners, some wonderful refreshments and wine afterwards. Many thanks to them and all who helped to make this afternoon a celebration to remember and say a big thank you to Father Gilmour – a gem among the priests who have served Sclerder Abbey in the past.

Father Cyriacus Uzochukwu has been appointed as our Parish Priest to succeed Father Gilmour when he retires from parish ministry in September. Father Cyriacus’ first Masses as Parish Priest will be on 21st /22nd September. He recently visited the parish and is looking forward to living in Liskeard. At present he is caring for Tavistock and Yelverton and will be replaced when he comes to our parish. We look forward to welcoming him into our four-church family. We offer up our prayers for Father Cyriacus and his new apostolic ministry at Liskeard. Also, we pray for a new Bishop to guide us in our Diocese. Quoting Mother Teresa “Everything starts from Prayer”.