The annual Mass for Migrants in the Capital in honour of St Joseph the Worker, took place in Brentwood Diocese this year at our local church,  St Antony’s.

Bishop Alan Williams was the Chief Celebrant and a magnificent, colourful procession of banners from London’s diverse ethnic communities and parishes – from the capital’s three Catholic dioceses: Brentwood, Westminster and Southwark greeted the large congregation.

Our  choir  led by Ms Brockett  sang as the procession entered the church with the Kerala community carrying their traditional, stunning parasols. It was a fantastic sight to behold.

The service began with testimonies from various speakers including Dellon in Year 8 who spoke compassionately and with kindness. His poignant words were spoken with love and was along the lines, if we don’t speak out, then who will? He spoke about the events we have organised  in school  to raise awareness of the plight of refugees in Newham and the Refugees Welcome fund.  Mr Lewis, our Director of Religious Studies was there also and said he was incredibly proud of our boys.

In his homily, Bishop Alan  spoke about how it is hard to imagine how difficult it must be to arrive in another country without speaking the language and without knowing the culture adding that having compassion is great, having love and sympathy is great but  what migrants and refugees need is practical help.

Bishop Alan also thanked the ethnic chaplaincies, refugees and migrants for the great contribution they make to parishes.

The Communion Hymns were sung by our choir and St Antony’s Primary School.

Mr Lewis reported that it was a memorable day that made him feel very proud.