By Miriam Cunliffe

St Ambrose Catholic Church in Kidderminster had a very special visitor on Sunday 12 July, His Grace Archbishop Bernard Longley. 

The Archbishop was presenting Ubi Caritas awards to four parishioners who have gone above and beyond to help refurbish the church over the last 18 months. 

Mark and Abigail Farmer, along with Jan Stachewicz and Dale Minaker, received their awards. Dale's mother accepted it on his behalf as he was away on holiday, which had been booked before he knew of the nomination.

The Ubi Caritas award is a prestigious diocesan medal awarded by the Catholic Church. Deriving its name from the ancient Latin hymn phrase Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est ("where there is love and kindness, God is there"), it honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to charitable work, parish life and Catholic education.

The church was packed, ladies wore hats and the men wore bright colourful ties. People also wore their national dress. 

After the service everyone was invited into the hall, lounge and gardens to enjoy food from the different nationalities of the parish. A thoroughly good time was had by all, the sun was out but not too warm.

Archbishop Bernard congratulated the award winners for their hard work and the parish as a whole for showing such a good example of a community coming together to celebrate.

As well as the church being painted and redecorated, the church now has a new chapel in honour of Saint Pious the tenth, under whose patronage the Habberley community met for 40 years which was blessed by His Grace. 

Photo Gallery