A Mass marking the 50th anniversary of the ordination of Fr Peter Carwille was held at St Mary’s Church in Dregish, County Tyrone, on Friday evening.

The Dregish-born priest was ordained on June 27, 1976, by Bishop Edward Daly at the same church. Fr Carwille’s family, local parishioners, and priests from across the Derry Diocese and the Society for African Missions attended the golden jubilee celebration.

After completing his studies at Omagh CBS in 1967, Fr Carwille served as a missionary in Nigeria for more than 34 years. He began his overseas work in October 1976 and was later recalled to Ireland in 1989 to edit the SMA publication The African Missionary in Cork, before returning to Nigeria in 2000.

His missionary career was cut short by a stroke in February 2022. Since then, he has carried out pastoral ministry in parishes within the Archdiocese of Armagh and the dioceses of Derry and Clogher.

During the Mass, items representing his life were brought to the altar, including a Gaelic football and a family photograph. Priests present acknowledged his service, with Fr Paul Fraser and Fr Kevin McElhennon among those offering praise.

Refreshments were served in the community hall after the service.