Two major celebrations in Coventry

Choir at Chapel of Unity service

There were two major celebrations in Coventry yesterday. Coventry Cathedral, Chapel of Unity celebrated its Golden Jubilee with an ecumenical service and St Mary's Catholic Church marked its 80th year with a special Mass.

All the major Christian denominations were represented by their leaders at the Coventry Cathedral celebrations. Archbishop Bernard Longley and Bishop Philip Pargetter and many priests from the various parishes in Coventry were there to represent Catholics. The service was opened by the Very Reverend John Irvine, Dean of CoventryThe address was given by Mary Elizabeth Tanner Co-President of the World Council of Churches.

Parishioners at St Mary's church gathered for the celebration of the consecration of their church on Sunday. The church was built in 1893 and is the second oldest Catholic church in Coventry. The main celebrants was Archbishop Bernard Longley with Fr Jimmy Lutwana and other priests from the Archdiocese. Over 50 nationalities were represented.

During the Mass Archbishop presented Bob Haddock with a medal from the Vatican for 51 years of service. The oldest parishioner Celia Wilkinson (100) was not at the Mass but Fr Jimmy was visiting her later in the day. After the service there was a buffet lunch with food from many nations in the parish hall.

For more information and pictures see: www.coventry-catholicdeanery.org.uk/