On the eve of the Feast of St Paulinus, St Michael’s Church was filled with family, friends, and colleagues of Father Paul Smith, gathered to give thanks for his 25 years of ordained ministry and to wish him well in retirement.

The preacher, Revd Patrick Taylor – who studied with Paul at Cuddesdon Theological College – explained that Paulinus was a nickname from those days, one that Paul still uses to sign his paintings. St Paulinus was both a missionary and companion, and Revd Taylor drew a parallel with Paul’s own gift for companionship and encouragement.

In a farewell message in this month’s Round & About magazine, Father Paul wrote that he is leaving Abingdon after living and ministering here since 2010 as Team Vicar of St Michael’s, Park Road, and St Nicolas’, in the Market Place. His journey to ordination was shaped by living with cerebral palsy and using a wheelchair. He has been described as a trailblazer in the Church. It has sometimes been ‘relentless, exhausting and lonely.’

Father Paul expressed deep gratitude for the people of Abingdon and for the privilege of sharing in their joys and sorrows. Abingdon and its people will always have a special place in my heart.

(Photographs by Revd David Bevington. With thanks to Rob Rutherford. In the first picture are Revd Patrick Taylor, Revd Dr A. K. M. Adam, Revd Paul Smith, and Revd Jennifer Brown.)