St Francis of Assisi Parish in Maida Vale recently had the privilege of celebrating the feast of its patron saint.
The Feast of St Francis of Assisi, held on 4 October 2014, included a Vigil Mass presided by Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, a Solemn Blessing and Opening of the Garden of Remembrance and Columbarium, and a Parish Dinner Dance attended by more than 200 parishioners and friends.
The design and construction of the Columbarium was carefully managed by Parishioner Joe Kaciuba.
Mr Kaciuba and his team completed the project in just over two years, thanks to the numerous fundraising activities that made the project possible.
At the centre of the Columbarium’s 400 niches and two rose bed memorial gardens stands a new statue of St Francis of Assisi.
Parish Council Chairman George Favacho said the event breathed new life into the Parish and demonstrated how the works of God within a parish can be truly beautiful and abundant.
Mr Favacho went on to say that the effort invested by the parish community into creating the new columbarium reflects a strong sense of devotion and commitment which could only have come from a united Parish.
An enthused and proud Parish Priest Fr Elver Delicano said the parish has achieved its dream, with the completion of the Remembrance Garden and Columbarium, which has been planned for a number of years.
The evening’s celebration concluded with the cutting of the special cake made by parishioner Judy Bell followed by a reception for all.