FOR the new priest of a Monmouthshire group of parishes it was a case of “welcome back”.

The Rev Heidi Prince was licensed as the new priest-in-charge of Llantilio Crossenny parishes last week by the Bishop of Monmouth, Rt Revd Richard Pain.

Mrs Prince was previously the priest-in-charge of the parishes until she left to become a hospital chaplain.

On her return, she said: “It’s great to be back.

“When Bishop Richard suggested that there might be an opportunity for me to return to my previous ‘patch’, I could not have been more delighted.”

“The warmth and friendliness of the welcome I have received has left me feeling very humbled and blessed. My appointment feels like something of a homecoming – though I’m no longer the ‘young’ vicar, I am now the ‘old’ vicar.”

She added: “During my time away from parish ministry I worked alongside some very gifted and dedicated people in the hospital chaplaincy team.

“I found this work immensely rewarding, and a real privilege – and I hope to use some of the ethos of chaplaincy in my role as a parish priest.”

The Bishop added: “It is so good to welcome Heidi back into parish ministry and it says a great deal that she is able to return to her former congregations and be so well received.”

“I wish her every blessing for the future.”