St Anthony of Padua Parish celebrated its centenary on Sunday 14 June with a special Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Archbishop John Sherrington.

The parish welcomed members of the Greyfriars, alongside parishioners, visitors and friends, as they gave thanks for 100 years of prayer, service and community. The church was filled for the celebration, which reflected the strong Franciscan spirit and sense of belonging that has shaped the parish over the past century.

A number of special gifts and presentations marked the occasion. Children from the parish’s Little Church presented a handmade wooden cross, while pupils from St Anthony of Padua Catholic Primary School created a colourful display of bunting made up of 100 prayers, representing each year of the parish’s history.

At the end of Mass, the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Evron presented the Conventual Franciscan priests with a beautiful green chasuble, recognising their long-standing relationship with the friars. Archbishop John also presented parish priest Fr Gerard Mary Toman with a Papal Blessing from Pope Leo in recognition of the centenary celebrations.

The generosity of the parish community was also evident, with funds raised during the celebrations helping to support a sick child’s pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Following Mass, parishioners gathered in the hall and grounds for an afternoon of food, music and entertainment. Live music spanning several decades, children’s activities, bouncy castles, beat-the-goalie and donkey rides helped bring the whole community together.

The celebrations were organised by the Centenary Committee, whose dedication over many months helped make the day a fitting tribute to the parish’s history. Special centenary mugs were also produced as keepsakes for parishioners and visitors.

The Mass marked the beginning of a year of celebrations at St Anthony of Padua, with further events planned over the coming months as the parish looks back with gratitude on its first 100 years and looks ahead with hope to the future.