THE parish priest of Corpus Christi Church in Weston is celebrating 40 years in the priesthood with a special service. The parish pastoral council held a mass at the church on Tuesday in honour of Monsignor Gabriel Leyden's ruby jubilee. The Right Reveren

THE parish priest of Corpus Christi Church in Weston is celebrating 40 years in the priesthood with a special service.The parish pastoral council held a mass at the church on Tuesday in honour of Monsignor Gabriel Leyden's ruby jubilee.The Right Reverend Leyden said: "A ruby jubilee is an occasion for thanksgiving for the gift of priesthood and for the privilege of working with so many wonderful people. "The help, support and friendship of ordinary people makes the priesthood a fulfilling and happy life. "It is a wonderful time to be a priest with so many challenges in our world and society today."Rt Rev Leyden, aged 65, trained for the priesthood at Oscott College in Birmingham and was ordained in March 1967.He spent 15 years serving at churches in Bristol and Nailsea before being appointed as parish priest of Clifton Cathedral.Shortly afterwards he was made a prelate of honour to the Pope and given the title Reverend Monsignor.He moved to Corpus Christi Church in Weston in January 2000 and lives in Ellenborough Park South.The Bishop of Clifton, Rt Rev Declan Lang, and the retired Bishop of Clifton, Rt Rev Mervyn Alexander, attended the thanksgiving mass to honour Rt Rev Leyden's service to the church.