Centenary celebrations at west London parish

A West London parish begin their centenary celebrations tomorrow night, with a reception and recital by harpist Cecilia Sultana De Maria, in the Palladian Villa at Chiswick House. The parish of Our Lady of Grace and St Edward in Chiswick was founded in 1852. The present building was consecrated in 1904. Although he was not a Catholic, the owner of nearby Chiswick House, the Duke of Devonshire at the time, contributed to the building of the church. Later the Marquis of Bute, who was Catholic, occupied the house and also became a great benefactor of the parish. At just 14 years of age, Cecilia Sultana De Maria, is a rising star in the world of harp music. All money raised from the concert will go towards the restoration of the cross on the front of the Church. Parish Priest Mgr Jim Curry told ICN the parish are planning a number of other events to celebrate their anniversary. On 10 July they are having a parish fair. On 6 October there will be an Ecumenical Solemn Vespers, and on 24 October Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor will come to celebrate Mass. In October, the parish are taking part in an ecumenical pilgrimage with St Nicholas Old Church, to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace at Netuno in Italy. The mediaeval statue of Our Lady there, which was originally in Ipswich, is said to have been brought to Italy by English sailors during the Reformation.