Father Thomas W. Keller (center) leads the opening prayer at a Mass to celebrate his 50th anniversary at St. Rose of Lima Church in Carlisle May 18.
Concelebrants were Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert, diocesan administrator (right); and retired priests Msgr. John O’Donnell, homilist, and Father John Oswald, both of St. John Manor in Little Rock; and fellow golden jubilarian Father Raymond Rossi of Hot Springs. Deacon Bill Cunningham (left), of Carlisle, served as minister of the Word.
In addition to parishioners from St. Rose of Lima and Holy Trinity Church in England, many of Father Keller’s former parishioners packed the church. Choked up by the turnout, he said, "I can’t believe you’re all here."
A Mass to honor all priests in Arkansas celebrating 25, 50 and 60 years of priesthood was celebrated at Christ the King Church in Little Rock on May 22. The other jubilarians are Bishop Andrew J. McDonald, 60 years; Father Gregory Mallya, CSSp, 25 years; and Benedictine Fathers Hugh Assenmacher, 50 years; and Brendan Miller, 25 years.
