Jubilee celebration for Catholic priest

The diamond jubilee of Monsignor David Forde as a Catholic priest was held in the impressive new Our Lady Community Centre, in Brooklyn Road, Bulwell, following a service at the adjoining Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church.

Those taking part included the Bishop of Nottingham, Patrick McKinney, and Our Lady parish priest Father Gerry Murphy.

During the service, Msgr Forde was described as ‘a perfect example of dedication, loyalty, compassion, tolerance, understanding, mercy and love’.

Msgr Forde, who originates from Ireland, was ordained on June 17, 1956, and was accepted to work in the Diocese of Nottingham.

His first appointment was to St Peter’s, Leicester, after which he moved between parishes, including Our Lady’s, Bulwell.

Although now retired, he still helps out in local parishes.

Work on the new centre took nine months to complete and cost just over £500,000.