Cardinal and VIP guests to attend 101st anniversary celebrations at north London parish

Stained glass window by Sophie D'Souza commissioned for centenary. Installed 17/3/2020 - just before lockdown. Sophie and husband will be joining celebrations

Parishioners and guests, including Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, former parish clergy, Islington councillors, leaders from local faith groups and former parishioners Tony Blair and Cherie Booth will attend a celebratory Mass to mark the Centenary of the foundation of St Joan of Arc Catholic parish in Highbury, north London, at 11am on Sunday 17 October.

Postponed, like so many events, by the Covid pandemic, the celebration is in fact planned for the 101st anniversary of the foundation of the parish, which was founded in 1920. Just a few months after the Canonisation of St Joan of Arc, the church is thought to be the first in the world to be dedicated to the French Saint.

Since 1962, the parish has been based in Highbury Park in a church, designed by architect Stanley Kerr Bate, to be a 'happy church'. Located next to St Joan of Arc RC Primary School, it has indeed been the site of countless happy occasions: the parish has recorded tens of thousands baptisms, weddings and, inevitably, funerals since its inception as well as several ordinations and a total of ten parish priests. It is also a vibrant hub within the local community: the foodbank run by the St Vincent de Paul Society provided thousands meals for people of all faiths and none through the pandemic and remains very active.

The upcoming celebration, despite the 12 month delay, is hoped will be a happy occasion for parishioners and guests: Mass will be followed by a parish party both organised and catered by the parish council as well as by volunteers from the congregation.

Canon Gerard King, parish priest at St Joan of Arc since 2006 commented: "After such a long and difficult 18 months for so many of us, the Centenary Mass and parish party will be all the more enjoyable. I'm proud to serve such a vibrant community and look forward to welcoming so many special guests who have contributed to the rich history of the parish."