Parish Anniversary Celebrations

Today the parish of South Ashford is

years old.

To mark the occasion Bishop John Hine, auxiliary bishop in Southwark with particular responsibility for Kent came to celebrate the morning Mass and preside over the reception in the Church Hall afterwards.

In his homily the Bishop spoke of the thanks we must give for all those who have given so much for the parish in the past and look forward to the future with a missionary spirit. Commenting on the Scriptures for the 3rd Sunday of the Year, Bishop John said how all we do must be based on an attentive hearing of the Word of God. As the prophecies were fulfilled 'today' as our Lord taught in the synagogue with the power of the Spirit, so Jesus is present now at Mass so that that fulfillment 'today' may be extended throughout time and be now.

To mark the occasion, one of the parish was singled out for special recognition of the part he has played in the life of the parish over the last twenty years and before the parish was founded. Peter Runciman was presented with the papal award Bene Merenti in recognition of his thirty years as a Foundation Governor of our primary school, his work in favour of charitable activities in the parish, the promotion of house Masses before the parish was erected, his service as a member of the Knights of St Columba and his promotion of pro-life activities, particularly SPUC. His wife Eileen is of course the woman behind the man and she is pictured after Bishop John pinned the papal medal to Peter's lapel.

Mass was followed by a reception in the hall. Our primary school choir gave a rendition of 'O Danny Boy'.

All the food was provided by parishioners and reflected the cultural and ethnic diversity in the parish. Here are some photos which give a flavour of the morning's celebrations.

Thanks to all who helped make the morning such a successful and joyful occasion!