A LARGE congregation gathered together for a joyful occasion at St Augustine’s Church when Canon Roger Williams celebrated the 40th anniversary of his Ordination as a Priest in the Church in Wales on September 20.

He was ordained on September 21, 1974, at Brecon Cathedral by Bishop John James Absalom Thomas, Bishop of Swansea and Brecon.

Apart from local parishioners, there were people from Canon Williams’s former parishes and many past and present clergy colleagues.

Among them were four former curates of Canon Williams and also Canon Michael Lewis who was a curate in the parish of Penarth and Llandough forty-five years ago and is now retired. Albert Primary School, where Canon Williams chaired the school governors for some years, was represented, and members of the local Rotary Club of which he is a member, were also present.

The Mass was celebrated by Canon Williams and the address given by the retired Bishop of Monmouth, the Rt Revd Dominic Walker.

Bishop Dominic spoke of Canon Williams’ commitment to his priestly duties and of the challenges that faced all the clergy nowadays.

He paid tribute to Prue Williams who had supported her husband tirelessly over the years.

After the service, lunch was provided by Ann Lush and her team in the Parish Hall. Canon Williams was presented with gifts from the parish and Prue was given flowers. Canon Williams spoke with great affection about the various parishes in which he had served, and the friendships he had made over the years. He thanked the congregation for their gifts and for making the occasion such a special one for him and his family.