Joy as St Philip Howard Church is Consecrated

This significant milestone marks the culmination of a £3 million redevelopment project, transforming St Philip Howard Church into a substantially larger and more fitting place of worship. The church’s capacity has increased from 230 to 400, responding to the remarkable growth of the parish, which now serves around 850 members from more than 40 nationalities. The expansion also anticipates continued development in the Cambridge area, including new housing on the former airport site.

Notably, St Philip Howard Church stands as a unique sign of unity within the Catholic Church in the United Kingdom, being the only church purpose-built for both the Latin Rite and the Syro-Malabar Rite. Its renewed structure reflects not only practical needs but also the dignity and beauty of Catholic worship.

The vision for the redevelopment has been shaped by dedicated parish leadership, particularly the parish priest, Fr Philip John, alongside the longstanding contribution of the Latham family. The architectural design, led by Tim Powter-Robinson of Cowper Griffiths Architects, and realised by principal contractor Godfrey & Hicks, has created a sacred space that harmonises functionality with reverence.

The liturgy began with a solemn procession into the newly rebuilt church, followed by the blessing and sprinkling of holy water led by Bishop Alan Hopes. After invoking God’s blessing upon the water, he sprinkled the congregation before proceeding to the sanctuary to bless the altar.

The readings chosen for the Mass spoke deeply to the meaning of the occasion. The first reading from Ezekiel (43:1–2, 4–7a) described the glory of the Lord entering the temple, a powerful image of God dwelling among His people. The second reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians (3:9–11, 16–17) reminded the faithful that they are God’s building, with Christ as the true foundation, and that the Church is not only a physical structure but a living spiritual reality. The Gospel, sung by Deacon Paul Raynes from St John (4:19–24), emphasised worship “in spirit and in truth”, highlighting that while the consecration of a building is sacred, it ultimately serves the deeper calling of authentic worship of God.

In his homily, Archbishop Tharayil warmly congratulated all those involved in the rebuilding project, acknowledging the faith, perseverance and unity that made the day possible.

A particularly solemn moment followed with the Litany of the Saints and the depositing of the relics. Bishop Peter Collins approached the altar as relics of St Philip Howard were placed within a prepared aperture and sealed. The prayer of dedication followed, setting the altar apart for divine worship.

The anointing of the altar formed the heart of the rite. Bishop Peter poured Sacred Chrism upon the centre and four corners of the altar, marked by five crosses symbolising the wounds of Christ, before spreading the oil across the entire mensa. Together with Bishop Joseph Srampickal, he also anointed the pillars of the church, signifying the sanctification of the whole building.

The incensation of the altar and church followed, with incense rising as a sign of prayer ascending to God. The altar was then clothed and prepared, and the lighting of the altar candles marked the conclusion of the Rite of Dedication and the beginning of the Eucharistic celebration.

At the end of Mass, Fr Philip John expressed heartfelt thanks to all who had contributed to the project. He acknowledged the guidance of Bishop Peter Collins and Bishop Alan Hopes, as well as the encouragement of Bishop Joseph Srampickal and Archbishop Thomas Tharayil. He paid tribute to past parish priests whose faithful service laid the foundations for the parish’s growth.

Special thanks were extended to Tim Powter-Robinson and Sarah Wells of Cowper Griffiths Architects for their vision and professionalism, and to Mark Godfrey and the team at Godfrey & Hicks for delivering the construction project. Gratitude was also expressed to Hibbitt & Sons Masonry Ltd for their craftsmanship in creating the altar and tabernacle table.

Fr Philip also thanked St Bede’s School for generously hosting parish liturgies during the construction period, and acknowledged the presence of the Mayor of Cambridge, Councillor Dinah Pounds, along with other civic representatives.

The parish’s gratitude extended widely to benefactors including the Benefact Trust and the Maurice and Hilda Laing Charitable Trust, to those involved in the design and construction, and to the many parishioners whose dedication, patience and generosity sustained the project. Particular appreciation was given to those who prepared the church and grounds, the parish choirs led by Fiona Kirker, and the Syro-Malabar community for their contribution to parish life.

John Latham Jr also spoke movingly, expressing his pride in his family’s longstanding involvement and in the parish’s achievement.

Following the Mass, the celebration continued with a parish lunch featuring food from around the world, reflecting the rich cultural diversity that defines St Philip Howard’s community.

The consecration of the church stands as a powerful testament to faith in action, a visible sign of a living Church built not only of stone, but of people united in Christ. It marks not an end, but a new beginning, as the parish continues its mission to serve God and neighbour in the heart of Cambridge.

Photographs from the Mass can be viewed here.