On 14 November Corpus Christi Church in Covent Garden showcased the first stage of its renovation project to donors, fundraisers and parishioners.
Work so far includes the Sacred Heart Chapel, as well as the Narthex and its statue of St Patrick. The walls have been stripped of paint and render, the roof repainted, with the altar and stained glass also restored. The next stage focuses on the Lady Chapel, to be completed in early 2014, which will be followed by work in the Sanctuary and the installation of glass doors to allow the beauty of the church to be visible from the street.
Fr Alan Robinson, the Parish Priest, began the tour of the renovations by thanking the different patrons and donors, including Viridor - one of the UK’s leading recycling, renewable energy and waste management companies - which donated £80,000 to the project.
Speaking about the objectives of the renewal works Fr Alan said:
“In addition to seeking to undertake significant repairs to the building, we are aiming to restore the interior elements of the church to reflect its position as an oasis of calm, peace and prayer in the very heart of London.”
Patrons of the project include Joseph Fiennes, John Gilhooly OBE, Patsy Kensit, Frank Skinner and Dame Ann Widdecombe. Support also came from Lord Fellowes of West Stafford who said, with reference to the Church: “In the world we live in faith, and a still and holy place to nurture it has never been more important.”
Corpus Christi Church is open 7am-7pm daily for anyone wishing to see what has been achieved so far and the plans for the next stages of the project.
Donations towards the restoration can be made at: http://www.corpuschristimaidenlane.org.uk/make-a-donation/
Photographs attached, further photographs are available on the diocese’s Flickr account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/catholicwestminster/
