On Wednesday 17 May, St Patrick’s Church in Coventry celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a very special Mass.

The multicultural Mass represented the parish family and the English parish choir was also joined by choirs from Cardinal Wiseman School, the Indian community, Congolese community, Nigerian community and Philippine community.

The readings and bidding prayers were in different languages. David Sammin, chair of the Jubilee Committee said:

“This church endeavours to support everyone in a life together in Christ.  But it is the members of this church who come and celebrate Mass together that makes it what it is.  

“That’s why this Multicultural Mass has been the focal point of these celebrations as it highlights the wonderful place that you make this church, and this is what makes it such a special place.”

Archbishop Bernard celebrated the Mass and introduced the special occasion with a few words:

“This building, dedicated to St Patrick, has been the place where the Catholic community in this area of Coventry has gathered over the past 50 years to meet and worship God; to listen to His Word and to receive Him sacramentally through the body and blood of his Son, Jesus Christ.

“We believe that when we gather to celebrate Mass, we are united in the Lord and with one another in a unique and special way.

“This building stands as an image of the Church, not solely made up of bricks and mortar but of ‘living stones’ of faith, priests and people who have gathered faithfully to serve the Lord and witness to the Gospel for each succeeding generation.

“During this significant anniversary year for your parish, inspired by the faith and witness of your own patron saint, I particularly wish to give thanks to God for those whose faithful presence has encouraged and enriched the Catholic community of St Patrick’s.

“Recalling and celebrating what has gone before us helps us to appreciate the present and to prepare for the challenges ahead.

“I assure you of my prayers and kindest wishes and I do encourage you in your continued witness of faith, especially in the wider community, which we are all called to serve after the example of Christ himself.

“May the prayers of Our Lady and St Patrick bring many blessings upon you, on your homes and on your parish mission in the years ahead.”

Fr George Bennett, Parish Priest of St Patrick’s said:

“Today we celebrate 70 years as a community of faith, of prayer, of mutual support in Wood End; with 50 of those years being in this building. 

“Here we have participated in so many different moments of celebration; we have supported those who grieve; encouraged the young as they have been initiated into our community; welcomed new members and said farewell to those who have moved on and who have left their mark on our hearts and on our community.

“We have been encouraged and nourished to be sent into the wider community to bring the hope and the spirit of the Gospel to all we encounter.  We give thanks for the great gift of our diversity and the way God’s Spirit unites us in Christ as God’s family in this part of the world. 

“Today we re-commit ourselves to sharing our faith, gifts, wisdom and experience with one another and our world.”

Download the Mass booklet, which features many quotes and comments from parishioners as well as the parish’s feeder schools.

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