On the Feast of St Matthew the Apostle, Friday 21 September 2018, Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Great Barr celebrated the 80th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone and opening of the church.

Led by principal celebrant Archbishop Bernard Longley, parishioners and clergy joined together with joyful singing to celebrate the occasion.

New parish priest Fr Vincent Arulandhu SCJ, who has been in place for just a week, as Fr Alessandro Locatelli SJC returned to Italy to take up a new appointment within the Vicariate of Italy, gave a warm welcome and gave thanks to the community for their own welcome.

There was a party atmosphere in the parish rooms following the event, with a great spread of food to share, and two very impressive cakes for the parish’s birthday party.

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