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Flin Flon’s Father Paul marks priesthood milestone

Wednesday, May 27 was a day of celebration at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church as Father Paul Bringleson celebrated 15 years as an ordained priest.
Father Paul Bringleson
Father Paul Bringleson cuts the cake that helped mark his 15 years as an ordained priest.

Wednesday, May 27 was a day of celebration at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church as Father Paul Bringleson celebrated 15 years as an ordained priest.

Father Paul gave thanks to his parents, Fred and Laura, brothers Gary and Peter, and the “people of God in many parishes in many countries who have shaped my understanding of faith.”

He expressed gratitude to his Diocese Archbishop, Peter Sutton, and Archdiocese Murray Chatlain, who “tolerate my unconventional approach to preaching the Gospel.”

Father Paul had kind words for Pope Francis, a man who “challenges all of us to simplify our lives and love genuinely in the real world” and to “turn our hearts outward and make our neighbour’s suffering a concern for everyone.”

He further thanked the faithful of St. Ann’s and the churches he serves in Cranberry Portage and Snow Lake.

“I am so grateful for you,” he said. “You accept the worst in me while challenging me to become the very best.”

Turning philosophical, Father Paul offered his thoughts on finding joy.

“We have the sense today that joy / happiness is only present in the world in the absence of pain and suffering,” he said. “I argue that it is precisely [in] a life that knows suffering and pain-filled love [that] we can find lasting joy.”

Members of St. Ann’s thanked Father Paul, wishing him many more years of service.

Since his arrival in Flin Flon several years ago, Father Paul has become a respected member of the region’s faith community.

Many revere him for his elegant, thought-provoking sermons. He has also been guest speaker at the Remembrance Banquet hosted by the Flin Flon branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

– With files from Gail Baker

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