The Franciscans of the Immaculate have moved from the Archdiocese of Southwark to the Archdiocese of Birmingham where they have been given the parish of St Joseph's, Burslem, in Stoke on Trent. The Church is a fine, listed Italianate Church and I am sure that the Friars will make the most of it. I'm sorry that I cannot be at the opening Mass for the Marian Friary next Sunday (9 August) at 4.30pm, at which Bishop David McGough will preside.Locally, we will miss Fr Agnellus, Bro Bernard and the various Friars who have visited from time to time but I am sure we will see them regularly at the excellent Day with Mary events.
12 comments:
Fr Tim, It's Burslem.
x
I would like to get to the opening Mass , with Bishop McGough. You say Sunday 8th Aug, but is it Sun 9th or Sat 8th?
The church looks really impressive with its two non-matching towers. It is also superb inside, and has benefitted from a recent refurbishment.
Sorry - I did correct the spelling of the town but reverted! And it is Sunday 9 August.
Post corrected now.
Let us hope that this is a more successful venture than the failed attempt to set up a traditionalist parish at St. Vincent de Paul in Liverpool. However there is much reason to hope!
Anyone who has met the Friars knows how vital it is they are given a 'proper' platform, from which to launch their great mission!
I was fortunate enough to meet them recently, and am seriously discerning whether or not I have a vocation to live like them!
Ave Maria!
I understand that the Archdiocese of Birmingham has been very positive and welcoming to the Friars.
Burslem is a 10 minute walk from my home, your loss is our gain!
Oh, and just a tid bit of info... Stoke on Trent is actually a collection of 5 main towns known as 'the Potteries', Hanley nowadays being the shopping epicentre of the city.
Fr. Do Fr. Agnellus and the Friars have a website? I'd love to learn more about them and maybe even go to the Mass on Sunday!
p.s. Fr, Ukok here again....here is a link that might be of interest:
Firstly - and so sorry to appear pedantic, but readers who live outside Stoke-on-Trent should be informed that the Friars are not moving to Stoke (which, like Burslem, is just one of the six towns of the City of Stoke-on-Trent). Despite the name of the city, Burslem is considered to be the 'mother town', while the 'city centre' is Hanley. The other towns - no less important - are Longton, Fenton and Tunstall.
Secondly, I was interested (and a little surprised, I must confess) to read here that there be an opening Mass for the Marian Friary next Sunday 9th August at 4.30pm. So far as I am aware none of the clergy of North Staffordshire - including myself as Dean - have been informed about or invited to this celebration. Also, while it may be styled the 'opening mass', I trust it will not be the first which the Friars celebrate, as Burslem (and Cobridge, for which they will also care) have three masses scheduled at other times that weekend.
Adding to my previous comment about the inaugural mass: I am informed that the mass is intended to be just a parish event, which is why the invitation has not been extended to the clergy and people of the Deanery.
Thank goodness to have some great sign of the New Evangelisation appear in my native city.
Fr Tim, just wanted to let you know that I went to Mass at St. Joseph's this morning and that it was a delight, i echo Fr. Julian Green's comment, thanks be to God for this new burst of life, and if Fr. Agnellus's homily is anything to go by, Catholic enthusiasm, that is being poured into the city of Stoke-on-Trent, by their presence here.
I didn't get to speak to Fr. Agnellus this morning after Mass as there were so many people waiting to speak to him and i didn't want to hold up the people trying to leave, but both he and the Mass certainly made an impression on me and i shall look forward to worshipping more regularly at St. Joseph's henceforth.
ukok
Post a Comment