Donation in memory of Mary touches priest from Malawi

Fr Charles Chinula from the Karonga Diocese in Malawi has had a special friendship with St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Portrush for many years.

Every Sunday after 11am Mass, some of the ladies of the parish provide tea and coffee for the congregation with any donations being collected up over the year for Fr Charles’ parish.

One of the central figures in the fundraising was the late Mary Thompson who was always ready with a cup of tea, a smile and a warm welcome for everyone after morning Mass.

When Mary sadly died earlier this year, her daughters Marian, Joan and Brenda organised a fundraising breakfast for Fr Charles in the parish hall on the occasion of Mary’s month’s mind Mass.

On Sunday, Fr Charles visited Portrush and after celebrating the weekend masses, he was welcomed to St Patrick’s Hall where one of Mary’s daughters Marian McClelland presented Fr Charles with a cheque for £2,000 - the proceeds of the breakfast and the year’s refreshments collections.

Marian also told the gathered visitors that, thanks to very generous donations that day, the parish was able to present Fr Charles with the grand total of £3,042.50.

Mary’s daughters were joined in making the presentation by some of the ladies who provide the refreshments.

Fr Charles thanked the parish for their generosity and for their prayers.

“Thank you for your continuing love and support - both physical and spiritual,” he said.

He spoke fondly of the late Mary Thompson and the warm welcome he always received from her.

To mark the occasion of Fr Charles’ latest visit and the cheque presentation, parishioners were treated to a delicious afternoon tea provided by Mary’s daughters and the ladies of the parish.