At our Annual Meeting, just a couple of weeks ago, we reviewed the activities in the enormous and busy parish. We also said early farewells to Fr Ray, who leaves us on Sunday, after 3 magnificent years in the chaplaincy.

Palm Sunday and Holy Week followed, with traditional processions of the palms at the beginning of the week, and spiritual worship throughout. On Maundy Thursday we had two “Last Supper” Eucharists, at Denia and La Fustera. Good Friday saw solemn worship throughout the Chaplaincy, as we remembered the passion of our Lord.

On Easter Saturday we celebrated the Easter Vigil, with candle light, renewal of baptismal vows, and the first Eucharist of Easter. 

And on Easter Sunday all our congregations cried alleluia! As we glorified in the risen Christ.

In Calpe David Hernandez Mitchell was admitted to communion, a very special commitment of faith in a very special service. He was welcomed by the whole congregation, led by Senior Chaplain, Fr Marcus.

Fr Ray wore the beautiful all seasons stole that Chrissie Booker crafted so professionally, as a part of his leaving gift, when he shared communion in Albir and El Campello.

Fr Rodney and Fr Robin also both led services of celebration to congregations swelled by occasional visitors and families. And we welcomed children at several of our churches for the glorious celebration of wonder.

The congregation at La Fustera turned the cross of pain into a cross of glory, to mark the resurection of Jesus. Fr Jim blessed the colourful symbol of all that is renewed at Easter.

And the Easter weekend drew to a close as the beginning of the Easter season marked the arrival of our newest team member, Fr Don, who arrived with his wife Doreen on Monday evening, after a long drive through France and Spain.

As Fr Ray prepares to leave us on Sunday, so Fr Don prepares to join us from Monday. And we look forward with excitement to his licensing, by the Area Dean at 4pm, on Monday April 16th, in Albir church.

This parish is blessed.