The annual Mass for Migrants will take place this year in our diocese at 12pm on 1 May at St Antony of Padua Church in Forest Gate (E7 9QB). The Mass is held annually, hosted in turn by one of the three Dioceses of Brentwood, Southwark and Westminster for the feast of St Joseph the Worker. It is a celebration of the valuable contributions made by so many migrants to the life and economy of London and the surrounding counties. The Mass is also a sign of the Catholic community’s solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers. The Migrants Mass was initiated in 2006 by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, then Archbishop of Westminster, at the suggestion of London Citizens. The Cardinal called for a more just treatment of migrant workers at that first Mass, an important act of witness.
Ahead of each Mass, members of Ethnic Chaplaincies from all three dioceses take part in a vibrant, colourful banner procession, leading into the church or cathedral. This year banner bearers are invited to gather at St Bonaventure’s Secondary School at 11:15 am for refreshments and preparations ready for the banner procession at 12pm. The Mass will be celebrated by the Rt Rev Alan Williams sm, Bishop of Brentwood.
You are kindly invited to attend in person to celebrate the significant contribution made by migrants to the life of our dioceses.
