The time has come for me to retire. I will remain in the parish for a few more weeks, with my Farewell and Thanksgiving Mass scheduled for Sunday, 12th January, at 11:00 AM.
After 32 years of ministry, I am stepping back from active parish duties as a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Westminster. My journey has taken me to five parishes, including nearly five years in the Archdiocese of New York. However, my time at Sacred Heart Holloway—spanning nearly 22 years—has been the most cherished.
This journey has been profoundly rewarding. I’ve had the privilege of being part of your lives—baptizing your children, watching them grow, and celebrating their milestones. Together, we’ve shared joy, supported one another through loss, and faced life’s challenges. I am deeply grateful for the remarkable people I’ve met and for the privilege of serving this community.
As I step into this new chapter, I am looking forward to what lies ahead—opportunities for reflection, rest, and waking up with fewer responsibilities. While I’ll no longer be in full-time ministry, I plan to assist parishes when needed, helping priests take well-deserved breaks.
To the parishioners of Sacred Heart Holloway: thank you for the honour of allowing me to serve you for so many years. Together, we’ve accomplished much, and I feel truly blessed. I plan to remain in Central London, close to this wonderful community.
I am pleased to announce that my successor will be Fr. Francis Antwi-Darkwah. For the past six years, he has served as the parish priest of St. Bartholomew in St. Albans, and before that, as the parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes on Harrow Road for 16 years. Securing a priest to succeed me was no small feat—I worked hard to ensure that Sacred Heart Holloway remains independent and vibrant, avoiding clustering with another parish, as has unfortunately occurred in other communities.
Fr. Francis and I were classmates at Allen Hall Seminary over 33 years ago, and we were ordained in the same year. A Ghanaian-born priest, he brings a wealth of experience, boundless energy, and enthusiasm, even at 66 years old. During a recent visit, he was impressed by our beautiful church and the warmth of our community. I provided him with an overview of our parish’s financial situation, the state of our buildings, and how we navigated the challenges of the pandemic.
He also shared a heartfelt message, which I’d like to pass along:
“I want the people of Sacred Heart Church to know that I have tremendous respect for you and them as a community. I already know they are a vibrant Vatican II parish. I am coming to be part of the community, to listen and to learn. I look forward to getting to know them.”
I found his words, “to listen and to learn,” particularly moving. At 72, I can say with confidence that Fr. Francis’s fresh perspective and willingness to grow will enrich this parish. I know you will welcome him with the same warmth you’ve shown me.
Fr. Francis will officially join us on Monday, 13th January 2025.
May God bless you always.
Wishing you a peaceful and joyous Christmas season and a blessed New Year 2025!!
Fr. Gideon