Carmelite Friar dies
Fr Martin Sankey, O.Carm. died suddenly on Friday 13th February in his 29th year of religious profession. Francis Sankey was born in Preston, Lancashire in 1933. After a career of some 20 years in the RAF he joined the Order of Carmelites in 1974 making his novitiate at The Friars, Aylesford and taking the name Martin. Following simple profession in 1975 he was sent to Rome where he completed the ordination course at the Beda College. He was ordained priest in 1979 at The Friars. After ordination Martin worked for four years as shrine director at The Friars, before being appointed national spiritual director for Lay Carmelites in Britain - this task that he fulfilled with great energy and commitment for 20 years - travelling an average of 24,000 miles each year visiting the different groups. As Martin's health began to weaken he was appointed in 2002 as Chaplain to Nazareth House, Cheltenham. Funeral details: Reception of remains and Evening Prayer at 6.30pm on Wednesday 18 February at The Friars, Aylesford. Requiem Mass at 11.30pm Thursday 19 February at The Friars, Aylesford, followed by burial in the community cemetery.