London: Farm Street Church celebrates 175 years

Image: CBCEW

Source: Archbishops House

Farm Street Church celebrated its 175th anniversary with a Thanksgiving Mass on the feast day of St Ignatius of Loyola yesterday. Hundreds of parishioners and well-wishers joined in the celebration at the Jesuit church in the heart of central London.

It was intended that the Mass be celebrated by Bishop Nicholas Hudson, but after having caught Covid and therefore being unable to attend, parish priest Fr Dominic Robinson stepped-in last minute.

A highlight was the spectacular programme of music performed at the Mass by the Farm Street choir, organist and trumpeter. The musical tradition of Farm Street, has been admired over the past 175 years and continues to be an integral part of their liturgical celebrations. The service also marked the inaugural use of a new processional cross, which was blessed just prior to the Mass.

The Mass is just part of a series of events taking place over the year to celebrate the church's jubilee year. Upcoming events include a Jubilee Ball in October and a Solemn Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our lady, which will be celebrated by Cardinal Vincent Nichols and will close the jubilee year.

Fr Dominic commented: "Throughout our long history, Farm Street has been well known for different reasons: welcoming converts to Roman Catholicism, famous writers, beautiful music and art, spiritual accompaniment in the tradition of St Ignatius, ministry to young adults, and outreach to the poorest and those on the margins.

"Today, as the high point of our Jubilee 175 Year, is a day to celebrate our heritage, to give thanks to our forebears for their vision and commitment, and equally to look to the future with great hope and excitement for continuing our mission to be a beacon of hope, faith and love in action amid an ever more challenging landscape.

"As we give thanks for 175 years, we would like to thank everyone for being a part of our family, and for your support of what we do. The Jubilee 175 Fundraising Campaign will enable this amazing mission to continue to flourish and respond to the needs of the future."

Watch the Mass in full here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMx19EIZUrg

For more information about Jubilee celebrations at Farm Street see: www.farmstreet.org.uk/jubilee-175