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On 16 November, around 250 people gathered at St Edmund’s Catholic Church to celebrate the feast of their patron, St Edmund.
Among the invited guests were the Lord Lieutenant, Clare, Countess of Euston; the High Sheriff, Gulshan Kayembe; the Mayor of Bury St Edmunds, Cllr Donna Higgins, and her deputy, Cllr Diane Hind; together with Cllr Jessica Fleming, Chair of Suffolk County Council. Other civic, ecumenical and community representatives were also warmly welcomed.
Mass was celebrated by Fr Sean Connolly, assisted by Fr Dick White and Deacon Alan McMahon. In his thought-provoking homily, Fr Sean invited the congregation to reflect on the meaning of life after death and the ongoing persecution faced by Christians around the world. He reminded parishioners that in the year 869, St Edmund was confronted with such challenges when he chose to put Christ first, ultimately leading to his martyrdom.
The parish’s rich diversity was joyfully expressed throughout the celebration, particularly in the music. Choirs formed from the Indian and Nigerian communities, together with the parish choirs directed by Patricia Mason and Mick Truman and accompanied by organist Dickon Fincham-Jacques, united beautifully in leading the sung liturgy.
An exhibition of historic church vestments, curated by members of the Parish History Group, showcased the remarkable craftsmanship and heritage of these treasured garments. The ongoing project to restore and preserve them was presented by RoseMarie Counihan, Cathy Friel and Jean Heaslip. Booklets detailing the vestments and the church’s tapestry panels were made available thanks to the support of L. Fulcher Funeral Directors.
Following Mass, parishioners and guests enjoyed a buffet lunch in the Crypt, providing a welcome opportunity for fellowship and community spirit.
It was noted that 16 November also marks the anniversary of the church first opening in 1837, built to accommodate a growing Catholic congregation that had outgrown the earlier chapel from 1762. The sight of a full church on this special occasion was, no doubt, something those early parishioners could scarcely have imagined.
