Father Liam O'Connor has been the parish priest at English Martyrs Catholic Church in Goring for the past 20 years. Around 250 members of the congregation joined in the celebrations for his 60 years as a priest.
There was a special Mass in the church, famous for its reproduction of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling, and a buffet in the barn, which served as the first church until 1970.
Anne Niven, parish secretary, said it was a joyful day, including a presentation and fun and games for the children on the Priest House lawn.
Father Liam was ordained at St John’s College, Waterford, Eire, on June 12, 1966. Although expecting to be appointed to parishes in the Southwark Diocese, Father Liam quickly found himself attached to the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, which had been formed the year before, in 1965.
He was appointed to the parish of St Barnabas, East Molesey, in Surrey, where he served until 1970.
Over the following 36 years, Father Liam found himself for various periods at five different parishes, until, in 2006, he was sent to English Martyrs.
The church reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, which attracts visitors from far and wide, was painted more than 30 years ago by Gary Bevans.
1. Father Liam
Father Liam O'Connor with fellow priests and deacons at his 60th anniversary celebrations Photo: Anne Niven
2. Father Liam
Father Liam O'Connor was ordained at St John’s College, Waterford, Eire, on June 12, 1966 Photo: Anne Niven
3. Father Liam
Father Liam O'Connor, with his nieces and nephews, who all flew in from Ireland for the celebrations Photo: Anne Niven