Happy Birthday Father Martin!

Fr Martin Newell with Fr Joe Ryan

Fr Joe Ryan, Head of Westminster Diocese Justice and Peace Commission writes:

It was a great pleasure to be among the many people who came together to celebrate Father Martin Newell's 50th birthday at the London Catholic Worker, in Guiseppe Conlon House, Finsbury Park on Sunday, 11 June. Fr Martin celebrated Mass which was followed by a party.

How nice to meet his mother and other family members!

But the event, as I saw it, wasn't just about Fr Martin's birthday, but also celebrating the witness and inspiration he gives in working on behalf of homeless people.

And there is the ongoing witness he and his fellow Catholic Workers give by way of campaigning and holding vigils of prayer to raise awareness of the scandal of the arms trade.

Pope Francis has challenged us all to give witness too. Fr Martin and his friends carry it out.

The house of hospitality in Birmingham is going well under his directorship and with the full support of his Passionist Community.

A multos annos, Martin.