Westminster Record February 2013
Parish Profile - Edgware
St Anthony of Padua: A parish in transformation By Alex Balzanella
St Anthony of Padua, Edgware is part way through a process of transformation to develop the parish facilities to serve parishioners needs more fully thanks to the Growing in Faith initiative. The redevelopment being undertaken in the parish continues to be a work in progress, with completion expected in March. Yet already parishioners are beginning to see the outcome of their generosity and enjoy the many benefits as different parts of the project reach completion. The first change to the parish to be completed, and certainly the most stunning, is the new stained glass window in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament (see photo). Sophie D’Souza, the artist and designer, spoke of the symbolism of the Eucharist behind the design of the window. “The red, shining from the Lamb of God, is traditionally a colour associated with the Holy Spirit but also The new stained glass window in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, designed by Sophie D’Souza reflects the blood of Christ. This combined with the white surrounding the Lamb brings you independent living accommodation The parish itself will also see more understandings of faith. The parish for a retired priest. Mgr Martin facilities being available to them presbytery is also being renovated back to the Eucharist”. Hayes, the parish priest spoke as part of the Growing in Faith with a new kitchen and meeting The Blessed Sacrament has a about the importance of providing initiative. Underway at present is room being available for use by particularly special role in St suitable accommodation for retired the construction of an overflow parishioners. Anthony of Padua as exposition clergy as: “Priests do not retire, but room in the Church to increase The Parish of St Anthony’s was occurs between 6am and 10pm rather take a step back from capacity, as Sunday Masses founded in 1931. Mgr Ralph daily, providing people throughout administrative duties. Having typically only have standing room. Brown, who grew up in the parish the day the opportunity for prayer accommodation where they can The space will also be able to host in the 1940s, remembers it as a and reflection within the Church. remain at the heart of a warm and catechical meetings, such as the lively and innovative parish with Further changes as part of the welcoming community but no Faith sharing groups which have, clergy who had good humour. He initiative have included the longer need to be fully engaged in in this Year of Faith, been remembered fondly Fr John Speltz, building on the site of the Church the day to day running of a Church following the four seasons to help who had previously worked as a a new flat which will provide is immensely important to them.” deepen and further the gas man, and so was able to undertake most repairs himself, or else knew someone who could! Today, the parish is just as lively. St Anthony’s serves a diverse area with European, Afro-Caribbean and Sri Lankan communities being active in the parish and having different charisms and devotions. Fr Martin spoke of the need to “give each of these visible involvement in the Parish, such as Mass for the Sri Lankan communities on the Feast of St Anthony of Padua, to which they hold particular devotion”. Fr Martin went on to say, however, of there being a shared identity in their Catholicism and no clear ethnic divides because of the recognition that “Jesus is there for everyone”.
Construction underway in the presbytery, funded by parishioners and the wider Growing in Faith initiative
Prior to his current role as Parish Priest at St Anthony’s which he came to in April 2011, Mgr Martin has held a number of exciting
posts with in the diocese serving as Wormwood Scrubs prison chaplain and Amecus Clero – a role supporting the clergy in their ongoing formation and pastoral care - before being appointed in June 2008 to serve as Private Secretary to both Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor and later Archbishop Vincent Nichols. Fr Martin said “it was a privilege to work for and with Cardinal Cormac and then Archbishop Vincent as Private Secretary, and to participate in the life and work of Archbishop’s House. Now I am enjoying parish life once again as a parish priest at St Anthony’s, a welcoming and vibrant parish”