On 10 September 1958 Bishop Cyril Cowderoy consecrated this church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Today we are joined by our Bishop Kieran as he celebrates Holy Mass for us as we thank God for 50 years of worship in this place.
This year is also the 150th Anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette in Lourdes. Next to the Basilica in Lourdes there is an outside altar dedicated to Saint Bernadette. Behind the statue of this young French girl there are the words Our Lady said to Saint Bernadette on 18 February 1858 (3rd apparition):
“I do not promise to make you happy in this world but in the next!”
The Church building, where Mass is celebrated, is a visible sign and reminder of the next world – Heaven! It reminds us of the heavenly city and the Temple being the “Lord God Almighty” (Apoc. 21). It reminds us of our true home and that God makes His home among us.
I am delighted that during this Holy year, given to us by Pope Benedict, we have started to keep this church open for others to receive the many graces that come from being in God’s presence – the gift of heaven.
During this Mass Bishop Kieran will also bless the carving of Calvary depicting the images of Gethsemane, Resurrection, Ascension and Pentecost. This commission, undertaken by a local craftsman Balavendra Elias, is a wonderful addition to our church and will help us in our prayer and worship.
Thank you to all who have helped in preparing for this Jubilee in the restoring of the church building and for all those who have helped and worked so hard in preparing for this Mass and day of celebration. God bless you.
Fr Graham
Sixteenth Sunday of the Year 2006