Papal Suprise For Thetford’s Olga

This August, Olga Devonish, a devout parishioner This August, Olga Devonish, a devout parishioner of St Mary's Catholic Church celebrated her 100th of St Mary's Catholic Church celebrated her 100th birthday. As part of the celebration, Olga was birthday. As part of the celebration, Olga was presented with a telegram from Pope Francis in presented with a telegram from Pope Francis in recognition of reaching such a great age, the first recognition of reaching such a great age, the first person to do so in the Parish. In conjunction with person to do so in the Parish. In conjunction with this, Olga also received a card from Her Majesty, this, Olga also received a card from Her Majesty, the Queen. the Queen. On being presented with the On being presented with the telegram and flowers at the telegram and flowers at the end of the 10am Mass, Olga end of the 10am Mass, Olga was overcome with emotion was overcome with emotion as it was a complete surprise as it was a complete surprise to her. She thanked everyone to her. She thanked everyone for the kindness the parish for the kindness the parish has shown to her and feels has shown to her and feels very blessed and honoured to very blessed and honoured to receive a blessing from Pope receive a blessing from Pope Francis. Olga was very much Francis. Olga was very much involved with the St Vincent de involved with the St Vincent de Paul (SVP) society whilst it was Paul (SVP) society whilst it was active in Thetford and could active in Thetford and could often be found helping on the church minibus, often be found helping on the church minibus, she also helped to fundraise for the society. Olga she also helped to fundraise for the society. Olga has been attending St Mary's since she moved to has been attending St Mary's since she moved to Thetford in the early 1960s.Thetford in the early 1960s.

Olga (seated centre) with family after her telegram was presented at St Mary’s Church. Inset: Olga receives her birthday card from the Queen

Following on from that surprise, Olga celebrated again with friends at another surprise party at St Michaels Community Centre. Her friend of 50 years, Christine Leahy presented her with a cake in the shape of 100. Olga says the reason she’s reached the grand age of 100 is due to hard work and kindness to others. At her party she told her friends that “In these times we should all look after each other, Style Windows HP Ad 08.22.qxp_Layout 1 12/08/2022 09:18 Page 1 and from this, happiness will flow.”

WINDOWS WINDOWS l DOORS l CONSERVATORIES l PORCHES l ROOFLINE

Showroom open 7 days a week 9am - 5pm weekdays 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am -2pm Sunday To arrange a free quotation ring the showroom on 01842 813233 or John on 07765 087222 www.stylewindows.co.uk

Please mention the About Thetford Magazine when responding to advertisements 6 SHOWROOM - 3/4 STATION WAY, BRANDON, IP27 OBH