And the people from near and far came.

NOTE: I have wrongly stated to a friend that the 50th anniversary coincided with Corpus Christi, the Sunday the Summer Garden Party took place. It was not that day.

Today was a day to remember, a time of celebration, a time which brought smiles on the faces of the people who once lived, and who are still living in Hatfield. Today, St Peter’s Church celebrates 50 years since the first mass was said.

Mass was at 6:00 p.m., and Archbishop Vincent Nichols was gracious to celebrate the mass with us. After that, there was a reception in the hall, and I whipped out my camera…… as usual…..

And to set the atmosphere… here’s a song.

The spread of food brought by the parishioners. A number of people came forward to get everything together, even the spread of food.

I do not claim to have been here for a long time — I only came to Britain (and to Hatfield) in September last year. But I do know that these pictures — pictures of the time the parish church was set up, pictures of previous First Holy Communions, weddings, chaplaincy meetings and ordinations put a smile… or a tear… on the face of many a resident. I took a look at a few of them, and I am glad that we’ve been through so much over 50 years.

And on the subject, one of our parish friends passed away a week or so ago, and we are sad that she could not join us for today’s celebration. Her funeral is this Tuesday, and I was called to sing. I shall not retaliate… the family needs me, the family needs as many people as it can get during this time of grief. I know I risk breaking down, but…… this is the least I can do. I shall give my voice where it is needed.

PRICELESS!!! XD I love my chaplaincy friends. Evelina (on the left) is leaving Hatfield soon, and I’m gonna really miss her. As for Peter (right), I shall be meeting him in the Faith Summer Conference early this August, and I can’t wait.

A cup of posterity, anyone?

CAKE!  The Latin phrase “Ubi Petrus ibi Ecclesia” translates to “Where there is (St) Peter, there is the Church.” Since the foundations of the Church as we know it were laid on St Peter, and our parish is named after him, it’s fitting. One of the parishioners actually made that cake and did the drawings — yes, even the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven and the lettering, on the sugarpaste. Now that is serious talent put to great use.

His Grace, right after we sang the birthday song for St Peter’s Church. ^_^

First it was a cup of posterity. Now it’s a slice of posterity!

 

I’m glad to have been part of a great event, however small it may seem in the eyes of the people around us — it’s just that we’ve been through thick and thin together, and there is reason to celebrate, there is reason to rejoice and be glad. There is reason to be grateful to the Lord, and there is even more reason to give the bystander a hug or even a smile — the people who turned up at the gathering today remind me that we’re part of one big, happy, pious family. A family whose fabric shall never be torn apart, God willing.

Happy Golden Jubilee, St Peter’s Church.