Fr John McHugh with sons Shaun, Kieran and David. Photo courtesy of Farina FotoGraphics

Four years of study and sacrifice at Rome’s Pontifical Beda College was celebrated on 16 July as John McHugh became the first man this century to be ordained at Nicholas’ Catholic Church, Tamworth.

More than 700 family and friends, including his 92 year old father Leo, his three sons, David, Kieran and Shaun, 40 plus brother priests and Mgr Roderick Strange, the Rector of the Beda College, packed St Nicholas’ Church and a neighbouring marquee to celebrate this wonderful occasion with John.

Following the ceremony family, friends and parishioners continued the celebrations at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre.

John began his journey to priesthood some years after the death in 2003 of his beloved wife of 24 years, Julie. John has been appointed assistant priest at Sacred Heart Parish Inverell.