North London: Hundreds gather to say farewell to popular priest

Mayor Jenny Headlam-Wells with Fr Tom

There was standing room only at a north London church on Sunday, during a farewell Mass for much-loved parish priest, Jo Siedlecka writes in Camden New Journal.

Father Tom Forde, who is retiring soon, has served at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Kentish Town for 15 years. After the Mass hundreds of parishioners and friends crowded into the parish hall for a reception.

"Fr Tom didn't want a party or presents, but we couldn't see him go without letting him know how much we love him," parishioner Marvin Roberts said in a speech.

One of the VIP guests, Mayor Jenny Headlam-Wells, said she has had long links with Fr Tom in her role as ward councillor involved with parish initiatives such as the welfare project SanKTus, the Sunday Club, which offers guests meals, showers and clothes, and the Winter Rough Sleepers project, in collaboration with other churches in the area.

To read on see: http://camdennewjournal.com/article/farewell-father-tom-hundreds-turn-up-to-say-goodbye-to-popular-priest