Matthew Francis McManus was ordained the Good Shepherd Cathedral, Ayr on 3 April 1965 when the photo below was taken.
The Golden Jubilee or fiftieth anniversary of Canon Matt's ordination was on Good Friday in 2015. Celebrations were postponed till 31 May when he concelebrated the Sunday Mass with Father Stephen Sharkey and Father Charles. The altar servers were Dylan Cassidy, Aidan Hughes, Eoghan Hughes, Aiden Morton, Ami Paterson, Matthew Paterson, George Poole, Kyle Rennie, Darren Thorpe and Peter John Walsh.
The music was led by Saint Peter's Choir, conducted by Margaret Swiercz and accompanied by Martin McLaughlin on the organ. The other choir members were Evelyne Agostini, Patricia Barry, Cathie Boyd, Jim Donnelly, Andrena Hughes, Catherine Kerr, Michael McCulloch, Cecilia Morman and Monica Taylor.
During the sermon, Canon Matt reflected on his fifty years of ministry.
Near the end of Mass, George Poole paid tribute to Canon Matt.
George then presented Canon Matt was presented with a Papal Blessing from Pope Francis and Julia Paterson, our oldest parishioner, presented him with a cheque.
Father Stephen Sharkey paid a humorous tribute to Canon Matt.
Canon Matt replied with equal humour.
Some of our younger parishioners helped Canon Matt to cut the cake.
