The Revd Peter Wolfenden: farewells in Málaga

On 24 October the people of St George’s parish in Málaga said farewell to their beloved priest, the Revd Peter Wolfenden. Fr Peter and his wife Elaine came to the difficult decision to return to England, rather sooner than they had anticipated. It seemed best for Elaine who has been receiving treatment for cancer in recent months. Fr Peter served the four congregations (Málaga, Torre del Mar, Cómpeta and Salinas) which make up the parish since May 2007. He came from a previous post in the diocese as chaplain in Malta and Gozo where he had special responsibility for Holy Trinity Sliema.

The parish is a joyous and welcoming one, made up largely of British expatriate residents and more recently many families and individuals from Africa. During Fr Peter’s time, with his wisdom, good humour and patience, he steered the parish through some turbulent moments caused by the activities of two unlicensed priests in the area. But through his strong leadership Fr Peter offered outstanding support for his parishioners and the congregations continued to flourish and grow.

Fr Peter has now taken up a house for duty post in Ovingdean in Chichester diocese, close to Brighton (where Elaine received her treatments). We continue to pray for Elaine health’s and wish them every blessing as they settle back into life in England. They are sorely missed in Málaga!

St George’s Church in Málaga, built in 1839, is the oldest of our church buildings in Spain. It is surrounded by a historic and beautiful English cemetery. The website of the parish gives much more information here.

Comments

  1. Anonymous27 November 2010 at 16:14

    Thank you for this tribute - we do miss them but are thankful that Peter can continue his ministry in Ovingdean, and Elaine can continue with her treatments. Praying that the new parish will love and cherish them! Anne, Chaplaincy Warden.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous28 November 2010 at 15:40

    Everyone in the St. George´s Malaga chaplaincy is praying for Elaine´s full recovery. We certainly will miss Fr. Peter´s leadership, unstinting enthusiasm and encouragement.
    Rosella, Chaplaincy Warden

    ReplyDelete

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