Last week marked an historic occasion, as the Friars in Pantasaph bid farewell to the local community after over 150 years. 

St David's Church, located just outside Holywell was opened in 1852. The Capuchins have been housed there since just after the opening. 

Father Francis, one of the fathers at the Friary, said goodbye to the community last weekend after he decided it was time to move on. 

A Mass service was held before a second service, honouring the Friars was held at the Church. 

Much to his delight, the Friary has been bought by Vincentians, who will continue to run the Church. 

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He said: "They have taken on a mammoth task, but I am confident with their enthusiasm and the help of their volunteers they will achieve great things. I would have hated it to have been left unsold and go to rack and ruin or be sold to some business or housing enterprise."

Sunday was an emotional day for the Priest who has given plenty of time and money to the church in Pantasaph, adding: "I could not believe the people who turned up to say farewell to me when I was leaving Pantasaph. I was so surprised. 

The Leader: It was an emotional day in PantasaphIt was an emotional day in Pantasaph

"I was blown away that when it came for me to say my farewell and thanks all I could do was to sob.  I tried to control my emotions but they got the better of me. 

"Everyone was so kind, I am going to miss them all."

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When asked about the role the Friars have played in the community, Father Francis said: "I would say a very important one.  If it hadn't been for the friars there would have been no Catholic Church in Flint, Chester, Blacon in Chester, and as far away as Abergavenny and Pontypool. They founded all these churches.

The Leader: The community came to say goodbye to the friarsThe community came to say goodbye to the friars

"The friars leave behind the National Padre Pio Peace Centre.  People from all over the north and especially Ireland visit this centre because of their great devotion to Padre Pio.

"For the last 40 years it has been a Retreat Centre where people all over Britain would come to make retreats, a day, weekends and weekly retreats."