RC Diocese of Argyll & the Isles

On a perfect July afternoon Angus John, Canon MacQueen, concelebrated Mass with the Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, Bishop Joseph Toal and was joined by  fellow priests and a large congregation in the beautiful grotto at St Barr’s Church in Northbay, Barra to commemorate his Diamond Jubilee as a priest.

 Ordained in Oban on 22nd July 1951, the Canon was for  40 years serving in parishes in Castlebay, Dunoon, Eriskay and Morar and Mallaig before returning to Barra for the second time in 1991.

Exactly 60 years to the day, the 87-year-old Canon, who was born in South Uist, celebrated his achievement and was presented with a  framed Papal Blessing with a message of congratulations from Pope Benedict XVI.

Led by the choir, the music for the service was exceptionally beautiful, then, following the service, all were treated to tea in St Barr’s Hall with an evening of entertainment to follow.

The work and organisation that went into the special day for the Canon, from the service to the music, from the home baking to the entertainment, from the grass cutting to the floral displays, all contributed to make the day, a day to remember for all who participated.

Thanks to Maggie Dewar for photos.