On 22nd September 2001 a new spiritual venture was launched in Preston. The Carmelite Fathers opened a Retreat Centre on Sharoe Green Lane in this Parish.
For some years they had been running the Parish of St. Ignatius in the town, and it was probably out of that parish ministry that the idea (need) for Tabor arose. The gestation period of prayer and reflection to discern the will of God; of seeking out opinions of viability etc and of actually alighting upon suitable property took its course until, as stated above, the venture was launched.
On 22nd September 2011 a celebratory gathering was had at Tabor. It was a dual celebration: thanksgiving for ten years in the service of God, and thanksgiving also for Fr Eugene's ministry (9 out of the 10 years) as he was relocating to Dublin.
The first part of the celebration was a hybrid of prayer, song, scripture and reflection; the second was a soirée. Many who had been associated with Tabor over the years were present. Fr Lakeland, the former Parish Priest who was present at the opening of Tabor, made the effort to be there. Saying farewell to Fr Eugene were the three Carmelite Fathers presently on the staff of Tabor: Fr Philip, Fr Frank & Fr Robert.
To all: Ad multos annos!