Open-air Mass in heart of Canterbury

Crowds gathered round Mass on the bandstand

For the first time since 1953, on Sunday July 3rd, Saint Thomas' Parish in Canterbury celebrated Mass in the city centre park, Dane John Gardens. As in the past, the sanctuary was installed on the bandstand, resplendent in its new paint. Parish priest Canon Anthony Charlton presided with Frs Valentine Erhahon and Binoy Thomas.

The community gathered around the altar included Catholic Christians from many countries and cultures across Europe and the wider world, reflected in the ten languages used to lead the prayers of the faithful.

In his homily Fr Anthony reminded the congregation that we are all like the 72 disciples, sent to the towns where Jesus was to visit. We have to prepare the way for him, and we do not work alone, but in community; just as the disciples who went two by two, in community. Although we were celebrating the Sunday Mass, it was the feast of one of Jesus's disciples, Thomas, who had evangelised India, where Fr Binoy and other members of the community came from; a direct link to today's reading. The event came about through the hard work of some 180 people, led by Fr Valentine.