Father Phil Ackerman poses with members of the Padre Pedal Pushers outside St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Langdon. Ackerman started the cycling group during his time as pastor, and the friendships formed through the rides remain among his favorite memories of his years in the community. Submitted photo
Father Phil Ackerman holds a handmade 'Loved' sign given to him by parishioners from St. Alphonsus Parish in Langdon. The keepsake is one of many reminders of the friendships he formed during his years serving the community. Submitted photo
Father Phil Ackerman keeps a collection of mementos from his years in Langdon on display at the Holy Cross rectory in West Fargo. The display, affectionately dubbed his 'Langdon shrine,' reminds him daily of the friendships and memories he made while serving St. Alphonsus Parish.
Although Father Phil Ackerman retired from active ministry June 24 after 48 years as a priest, the friendships he built during his years serving St. Alphonsus Parish in Langdon remain as strong as ever. He'll reunite with many of those friends on Sunday, July 26, when he returns to celebrate the annual outdoor Mass at Mt. Carmel Dam, a tradition he says has become one of his favorite gatherings ea…