Ena Macdonald, parishioner of All Saints Notting Hill, gave her Tribute at Father Brownsell’s farewell Mass on the 28th January, 2018.
“Today we bid a sad farewell to our dedicated parish priest, Father Brownsell, who has worked hard here for over forty years!
Father, I have known you since I was a little girl. I have grown up with you in my life. You have been present at all my significant events, and that of many others, christenings, funerals, births, deaths and marriages - you have been there! I and many, many others will always be deeply grateful and humbled by the support you gave us when we needed it most. Just from my family we will always be eternally grateful for the way you were there for us when our mum was sick and died.
We thank God for the deep compassion, dedication and generosity you have shared with us for the last forty years. You leave behind a legacy of spiritual thoughtfulness, rooted in deep faith and commitment. Your leadership stems from your love for God. We thank you, Father Brownsell for your truth and your courage. You are a humble man, a friend to the sick and needy, but you stand like a rock on matters of principle and that is integrity.
Your leadership has never been about popularity. You allowed All Saints to live and breathe the Grace of God for all its wounded, imperfect parishioners. We shall never forget the love, kindness, support, tolerance and forgiveness we have received in this place. I am sure that Father Brownsell's work will still live on. We shall always remember his faithfulness, constancy and dedication to his priesthood. I am proud to say that Father Brownsell is our priest and friend. It is with sincere appreciation for your faithful service, your friendship and the difference you have made in the lives of so many. You will always be remembered."
Fr Brownsell has been with us in Winchester for the last six years, worshipping at Holy Trinity and at The Cathedral.
Father Brownsell's Requiem Mass is this Saturday, 2nd November,
12 noon at Holy Trinity Winchester.
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