Cardinal Vincent was the principal celebrant at the Mass of Thanksgiving to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the present church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Marylebone, on Sunday 15 June. Also concelebrating were parish priest Fr Michael Johnston and Fr Austin Garvey, a retired priest in residence in the parish.
At the front of the church was a photo of Cardinal Heenan at its opening in 1964; Cardinal Vincent stood on the same spot to give his homily, reflecting on the beautiful building which had come about from hard work, commitment and sacrifices made by so many people in years gone by. He reminded the congregation that the church is the people who have built up the parish community over the 159 years since its founding in Marylebone.
After the celebration the Cardinal greeted the congregation composed of people from all over the world who worship at the parish. Although once an Irish immigrant area, Marylebone has become a multinational reflection of London’s diversity and the church frequently welcomes visitors to the capital who are staying in one of the 120 hotels within the parish boundary.
Fr Michael said: ‘I am delighted that the parish has reached this 50-year milestone and I thank God for the many blessings that have been given to priests and people in the last 50 years. I look forward to a strong and vibrant parish in the years to come here in Marylebone.’
