FATHER Bernard Caszo, 70, who has been credited with strengthening the Roman Catholic congregation in the Devizes area, is leaving after nearly 15 years.

He was born and grew up in India, and worked on the Indian Railways as a driver of steam engines.

At the age of 24 he entered the seminary at Nagpur and decided to join the Missionaries of St Francis of Sales. He was ordained in Switzerland in March 1967.

During Father Bernard's period in office there have been two major building works a parish hall, or Narthex, has been added to the Church of the Immaculate Conception in St Joseph's Walk and the church itself has been renovated.

A thanksgiving mass will be held in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at 10.30am on January 25 at 7pm.

The service will be followed by a reception in the school hall.