May Day in Costa Blanca


This year, May Day in the parish of the Holy Spirit, Costa Blanca, was a very special occasion. One of the Churchwardens, Mr Andrew Johnson reported on the day:

Two priests were licensed at a special service which took place in the Ermita de San Josep, La Fustera. The beautiful chapel was packed to overflowing. The service was led by the Archdeacon of Gibraltar, the Venerable Geoff Johnston, in the presence of over 150 members of the parish an several local clergy, including 3 Roman Catholic priests as well as Evangelical and Baptist minisers.

Fr Marcus, Archdeacon Geoff, Fr Ray
The Revd Marcus Ronchetti was installed as the new Senior Chaplain, in succession to the Revd Canon Peter Edwards who retired recently after twelve years of service to the community. Fr Marcus now has the overall responsibility for a parish which includes churches in Gandia, Denia, Javea, La Fustera, Calpe, Albir and El Campello - a parish of over 7500 square kilometres.

The Revd Ray Andrews was also licensed as a Chaplain (team vicar) in the parish, with particular responsibility for the churches of Albir and El Campello.


A Fiesta was also held that day, with stalls offering treats typical of Spain, England, Wales, Scotland and the USA, as well as a silent auction, book and card stalls, white elephant, a huge raffle and a cake stall offering more buns than even Billy Bunter could scoff! There was even dancing around a Maypole.


As a result of the generosity of the visitors, over two thousand euros were raised for Chaplaincy funds and the Diocesan Ordination Candidates' fund and for local charities. (As with other churches in the Diocese the Chaplaincy must be entirely self-sufficient).

If you would like more information about the activities and services of the Church of England in this part of Spain, visit the parish website.  


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