A local priest, conservationist and nature photographer is celebrating a milestone early next month.
In November, it will have been 50 years since Father Charles Brandt was ordained as a priest and consecrated to the hermit life.
To mark the milestone, there will be a banquet dinner on Saturday, Nov. 5 at St. Patrick’s Parish in Campbell River, with Bishop Gary Gordon of Victoria and Bishop Emeritis of Victoria Remi DeRoo in attendance to celebrate.
Brandt lives in a small hermitage just outside of Black Creek and is known for taking photos of the nature that surrounds him, such as the occasional cougar that winds up outside his back porch door.
Brandt, 93, lives as a hermit priest, living a solitary life of meditation, contemplation and prayer.
Brandt is also known for his environmental conservation work, as well as binding and restoring ancient books.
Anyone who would like to attend the banquet in Brandt’s honour can purchase tickets, for $35 each, through either the St. Patrick’s Parish office at 250-287-3498 or Rick Graebner at 250-286-0187.
Tickets are available until Oct. 31.