By Fr David Reilly
Cardinal Vincent Nichols visited Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in New Southgate on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, Friday 16th June, to mark the centenary of the parish. The Cardinal presided at Mass and viewed the recent renovation of the church and sanctuary.
The Catholic mission at New Southgate was founded on 5th March 1923 when Fr Joseph Sunn arrived to begin a new parish. After some years, the parish church was built in 1935. Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School was opened in 1971, and celebrated its own fiftieth anniversary two years ago.
Hundreds of parishioners joined the Cardinal for the special celebration. Also present were priests from the local area and some who have either helped or served in the parish. It was a special joy for the whole parish to welcome Mgr Canon Tom Egan who was also present for the Mass. Mgr Egan was Parish Priest of New Southgate from 2001 to 2017.
Parishioners joined the Cardinal in giving thanks for the many blessings of the last one hundred years, and prayed that the parish will continue to flourish and grow in the years ahead.
Fr David Reilly is Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes, New Southgate
