It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Father Peter Chappell. Father Chappell died on Saturday 31st December 2022 in Gozo, Malta, where he had been living in retirement since 2009. He had cancer.
Peter was born on 4th August 1939 in Edmonton, London, to Edward and Eileen Chappell. He attended St Joseph’s Primary School, Waltham Cross, Herts, and then St Ignatius College, Tottenham. He transferred to St Edmund’s College Junior Seminary, Ware, and then the English College, Lisbon. He was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on 23rd May 1964, for the Archdiocese of Westminster. He was incardinated into Lancaster Diocese on 9th April 1980.
Appointments.
Assistant Priest
St Mary’s, Morecambe 1975 (6 months)
English Martyrs, Preston 1975 – 1978
St Anthony’s, Preston 1978 – 1979
Our Lady and St Edward’s, Preston 1979 – 1981
St Clare’s, Preston 1981 – 1982
St Mary’s, Cleator 1982 – 1986
Parish Priest
Our Lady and St Bernard’s, Preston 1986 – 1990
Our Lady and St James, Millom 1990 – 1992
St Catherine’s, Penrith 2002 – 2004
Appleby/Kirkby Stephen 2004 – 2009
Other Appointments
Prison Service 1992 – 2002
My condolences and prayers go out to Father Peter’s extended family, and to his devoted housekeeper, Janice Hodgson. Janice has been caring faithfully for Father Peter especially during these recent years when he has suffered cancer.
Father Peter’s Requiem Mass and funeral took place on Monday 2nd January 2023 at St Joseph’s, Qala, Gozo. The Requiem was presided at by Bishop Tuema of Gozo. I am grateful to Bishop Tuema and to the Catholic community on Gozo for their pastoral and spiritual care of Father Peter. May he now rest in the peace of Christ.
At a date yet to be decided I will celebrate a Requiem Mass at St Catherine’s, Penrith, for the repose of his soul. Details will be sent to the parishes.
Fraternally, in Christ,
+ Paul
Rt Rev Paul Swarbrick
Bishop of Lancaster