London: Mass of Thanksgiving for Paralympics

A special Mass of Thanksgiving for the achievements, inspiration and blessings of the Paralympic Games took place on Saturday, 8 September, at St George's Cathedral, Southwark.

Archbishop Peter Smith presided and was joined by the other 'London' bishops: the Most Rev Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and Bishop Thomas McMahon of Brentwood. About 20 clergy and several hundred people from across London and beyond also attended.

The Dockhead Choir, who sang at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games, sang at the Mass dressed in the costumes they had worn at the Opening Ceremony. The Choir is made up of 40 children and teenagers from the church choirs of The Most Holy Trinity Parish, Dockhead, and St William of York Parish, Forest Hill.

Speaking before the Mass, Canon Alan McLean, parish priest of The Most Holy Trinity, Dockhead, said: "The young people - and their parents - are both delighted and honoured to be taking part in this special liturgy. Being a part of the Mass in thanksgiving for the Paralympic Games is equally as great an honour for us all as being the first voices to be heard at the opening of the 30th Olympiad. Singing in worship of God is what the choir does best."

Source: Southwark Diocese