Cardinal Nichols leads parish centenary celebration

Fr Jim Duffy with Cardinal Vincent Nichols. Image: Eddie Tulasiewicz

A Mass marking the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the parish of Sts Peter and Paul, Northfields, in Ealing, west London was celebrated by Cardinal Vincent Nichols on Sunday 21st June, 2026.

The parish was originally based In a metal and wood hall which opened in July 1922 after two years of preparation thanks to Fr Donlevy, parish priest of Hanwell parish, and was run as a Chapel of Ease from Hanwell for four years.

Northfields became am independent parish of its own in 1926 under Fr Francis Arts. Fr John Sydney Cohen was responsible for the building of the present church, which was opened within a few days of the feast of Sts Peter and Paul in 1932 by Cardinal Bourne. A second part of the church was completed in 1956, when Fr Cohen was still the parish priest.

In recent years, the church has seen the installation of new stained glass windows, designed by Celia Moore and Sophie D'Souza. An energy project, in response to the effects of climate change, has seen the installation of solar panels in 2026 on the roof of the parish hall. These help to power the hall, presbytery and church.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: "The centenary of the parish of St Peter and St Paul is a moment for great thanksgiving and joy. We seek God's blessing for every single person who has contributed to this history, to our faith, in every way. We also seek God's blessing for the next hundred years."

"I give thanks especially to all the priests who have served faithfully and generously in this parish. In particular I thank Fr Jim Duffy, your dedicated parish priest, for all his generous service to you all."

Fr Jim Duffy, parish priest since 2008, said: "We give thanks and praise to God as we celebrate 100 years since the foundation of the parish of Sts Peter and St Paul's, Northfields. So much has been achieved in worship and liturgy, in pastoral care, in social and community life, in Sacramental preparation, in care for those in need, and in making sure that people of all ages have a full part to play in the life of the parish."

"May God continue to bless us in this Centenary year, and give us the strength, courage and hope as we go forward, to be a vibrant community of faith following in the footsteps or our Patron Saints, Peter and Paul."

On Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June 2026, the parish will be holding a flower festival which will include music, mediation and a history display. All are welcome.