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On Monday, June 8th, 2009, Canon Sylvester O’Donnell celebrated the 40th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood at Our Lady of Margam Church, Port Talbot Concelebrating with him were Bishop Tom Burns, Bishop Emeritus Daniel Mullins, Monsignori Bottrill and Kinrade, together with a large number of brother priests from the diocese. Also sharing in the concelebration were life long friend, Fr. Danny MacDonald who had jetted in from Ireland, and Fr. Conleth O’Hara, C.P. who had arrived from London. Canon was obviously delighted to welcome close family members and all were touched to hear that his 91 year old Mother was with them in spirit as she was sadly unable to be at Margam in person. Canon’s father, Anthony, who has gone before us to his Eternal Reward, was also remembered in a special way. Members of other denominations were represented by Father Colin Amos, Father Wayne Coughlin, (C. in W.), Rev. S. Sinnathamby and colleague from the Wesleyan Chapel, to whom Canon Sylvester extended a heartfelt welcome. The church was filled with parishioners and by personal guests from the Diocese and beyond. The mass was a joyful and happy occasion. Mgr. Bottrill gave the address which was a synopsis of Canon Sylvester’s journey from St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny, where he was ordained on June 8th, 1969, via the Diocese of Leeds, his then acceptance by Bishop Langton Fox to serve in the Wrexham Diocese and then finally to serve in the New Menevia after Wales was reordered
into a three diocese Province. Canon served in Llandeilo, Ammanford and at Carmarthen before being sent to Swansea where he supervised the reordering of Saint Joseph’s Cathedral. When Mgr. Bottrill’s proffered retirement was accepted by Bishop Mullins the good news was that he was to stay in Margam but pass the reins to a new P.P - Canon O’Donnell. They have modelled good team work in the ensuing years.
During his Margam years, Canon Sylvester has become a well loved and respected parish priest. He has served the parish of Cymer faithfully, supported Marriage Care and made himself available to all who need his time and counsel. Also in his address, Monsignor hoped that all had noticed the ??? which reflect the passion and skill that the Canon has for gardening. He also
commented that his initial anxiety when he learned that the Canon was to take over the cooking in the presbytery had been alleviated and he assured all present that he had been extremely well fed and thoroughly spoilt ever since!
After a photo call following the Mass all joined the Canon in the hall where the celebrations continued. Everyone toasted the Canon’s health when the traditional ‘Ad Multos Annos’ was proposed by Mgr. Bottrill. A cheque was presented on behalf of the parish by Jack and Thyra James which reflected the
high esteem in which Canon Sylvester is held. Marriage Care also made a presentation and there were numerous personal gifts and cards from friends and well wishers. A magnificent buffet was then enjoyed by all and we would like to echo the sentiments expressed by all - gratitude for his ministry, and the assurance of our prayers and good wishes, hopefully for many year to come.
Sadly a few weeks after this celebration the Margam parishioners, and all in the diocese and beyond, sadly learned that Canon had been admitted into hospital
and is now receiving cancer therapy - we all pray that this will be successful and that he will soon be restored to health and back amongst us.
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