Fr David Bollo Retirement Party: A Life Dedicated to Serving His Flock

Almost 50 years after he was first ordained into the Priesthood, Fr David Bollo is retiring. And having spend much of the past two decades tending to his flock at St Mary of the People Parish and the surrounding community, that same community came together last Saturday, June 8th to wish him the very best and pay tribute to a man who answered God’s call to service.

The outpouring of love was limited only by the number of tables and chairs that could physically fit inside the parish hall.

Making the journey to celebrate the day was Father’s sister Rita Shamrock and her husband David. In addition, special guests included long time friends Val and Brian Finlay, as well as Shirley and Don McLeod.

Numerous members of the clergy were in attendance to give their remarks and pay tribute include Msgr John Pilkauskas and Msgr Jim Hannah, as well as Fr Laszlo Nagy of Holy Family Parish in Whitby, Fr. David Twaddle of St Joseph the Worker in Oshawa, Fr. Marijan Sisko of St Gregory the Great in Oshawa, Fr. Michael Hughes of St Gertrudes in Oshawa, Fr. Mounir El-Rassi of St Leo the Great in Brooklin, Fr. Marcin Dzilinski of St Hedwigs Parish in Oshawa, Fr. Derek Ali of St Francis de Sales in Ajax, Fr. Chris Lemieux of St Bernadettes in Ajax, Fr Kevin Adriano of St Bernadette’s in Ajax and Fr. Jorge Lopez of Notre-Dame in Oshawa.

In addition to many well-wishes from those mentioned above, speeches were made by Rita Jakym of the Catholic Women’s League, Colum Wood from the Knights of Columbus, Garry King on behalf of the parish, former CWL National President Margaret Ann Jacobs, Executive Director of Catholic Family Services of Durham Elizabeth Pierce, and Regional Councillor Chris Leahy.

Below is a selection of the art made by the classes of St. Christopher’s.

A tremendous thank you to all the members of the parish, Catholic Women’s League and Knights of Columbus to bring this event together and in particular to Paul Power.

Please also note that for anyone still wishing to give Fr Bollo their well-wishes, the parish will be hosting an open house in the parish hall following the 9 am mass on Sunday, June 23rd. Fr. will be there until the afternoon to accommodate those attending the 11 am mass. (11 am mass will be celebrated by Msgr Jim Hannah).

Also, Fr. Bollo’s last daily mass will be at 8:30 am on Wednesday June 26th. Let’s make an effort to pack the church for this very special occasion!

Photo Credits: Rita Jakym, Don Aiken & Colum Wood