Laughter, music, memories: St Patrick’s celebrates Fr Herbert

By Jacqui-Theresa Leiba

Parishioner, St Patrick’s Newtown

Fr Herbert Charles CSSp celebrated his 80th birthday at the Assumption RC Church Parish Hall in Maraval on Sunday, May 25. Several brother priests, a few close friends, and various members of ministries of St Patrick’s RC Church Newtown, joined in the celebration.

Fr Herbert had been parish priest of St Patrick’s for ten years and had retired in early January 2024. The community has continued to keep a close relationship with him.

A large 80th birthday card, signed by parishioners of St Patrick’s and other well-wishers, stood near the entrance as guests poured in. The space was resplendently decorated in hues of white, blue, and gold.

The beautiful table centrepieces were made and colour scheme carefully chosen by Nicole Dumbell, with the support of community members. White represented Baptism and priestly ministry, blue spoke of devotion to Mary and gold, Christ’s presence and kingship and the traditional colour for 80th birthdays.

Despite his many health challenges in previous years and in more recent times, Father glowed and smiled with the warmth and charm of a super host as he greeted guests. He would later describe the event as “glorious.” It was.

Father had arrived well before the start time to greet guests. He sat in his wheelchair beaming with unbridled delight welcoming each one. The atmosphere was one of infectious and electrifying joy as persons warmly greeted each other in turn.

Master of Ceremonies and Chairman of St Patrick’s Pastoral Parish Council, Darren Bain, welcomed everyone and gave the opening remarks. He then invited Fr Bernardino Ejezie CSSp to begin the festivities with an opening prayer.

The birthday luncheon was a joy filled, noisy affair, taking on its own rhythm and drowning out the background music supplied by sacristan and DJ Antonio Gomes.

The gaiety of shared laughter from the many conversations happening all at once, wafted through the air and filled the room. An intoxicating air of celebratory excitement pervaded the atmosphere in anticipation of paying tribute to the man we had all grown to love and respect.

As appetites were gradually satiated with the sumptuous array of fine food, there was just enough clearing in the euphonious melody of the room to announce the start of the tributes. The sharp clinking of a fork and glass alerted everyone that the moment for tributes was about to begin.

Provincial Superior of the Holy Ghost Fathers, Fr Gregory Augustine CSSp was the first to speak. He recounted that he was a young boy attending Fatima College in the mid to late 1970s and first knew Fr Herbert as Dean of Form 6. He recounted that Fr Herbert treated the older boys with a certain respect, normally reserved for young men.

This in turn won their regard and deep respect, and to this day many remain in touch with him. He then raised his glass, and invited everyone to do the same, in a toast to Fr Herbert for his example, commitment and friendship over the years.

Several more tributes followed as persons shared treasured memories and the impact of Fr Herbert as friend, teacher, priest, and confidante. A few notables were St Patrick’s sacristan, Antonio Gomes, who brought the house down with an uproarious anecdote of what easily could have had a tragic outcome, if not for divine providence. The guests rolled with laughter. Any attempt by this writer to retell the story would simply not do it justice. Antonio alone can tell it, in his own inimitable style.

A poetic tribute entitled ‘Grit and Goodness—A tribute to Fr Herbert Charles and the Goodness of God,’ was written and read by Jacqui-Theresa Leiba. This was followed by the beautiful rhythms of the bass guitar by Michael Germain. Members of the choir accompanied him in singing several amusing vintage Calypsos as guests clapped along, joining in the symphony of voices. It was a delightful smorgasbord of community spirit.

The pièce de résistance was the large birthday cake brought into the room with the song ‘Jerusalema.’ Guests were on their feet as the music and sound of clapping hands filled the room.

Parish Pastoral Council Secretary, Maria Neilson and choir member Margaret Daniel, led the dancing musical procession as they gracefully and carefully carried the large cake.

Candles were lit, ‘Happy Birthday’ lustrously sung and there was nary a dry eye as the birthday boy blew out the candles.