by Marguerite Cook

850 Years Celebration

In the presence of kings, O Lord, I will declare your will, for your commands have been my delight (Psalm 119, 46-47)

Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was born in London in the year 1118. Thomas was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral on December 29, 1170 by four knights after coming into conflict with King Henry II. Thomas and King Henry had been friends, and Thomas had been Chancellor of England before becoming head of the English church.

[Read more…] about St Thomas of Canterbury – Diocesan Patron

by Marguerite Cook

A WALK THROUGH THE CATHEDRAL AND ABBEY CHURCH OF ST. ALBANS

A parishioner asked me to write about St. Alban. When I appeared reluctant, he reminded me of the beautiful glass etching of St. Alban and his Abbey at the back of St. Joseph’s Church. The etching was done by Alfred Fisher F.M.G.P.  St. Alban is venerated as the proto-martyr of Britain. Alban was a Roman citizen, who was converted by a priest whom he had hid from persecution, and had helped escape by giving him his own clothes. Alban was arrested and beheaded by the Romans for being a Christian. [Read more…] about A visit to St Albans

It was on Christmas Eve 1863 that Fr John Priestly Warmoll arrived in Bedford, to begin a mission here.

The following events will take place to celebrate 150 years of Catholicism in Bedford.

• Sunday 24th November –
  Saturday 7th December: There will be a special exhibition located in the Guild Room on Church Street. (open daily, 12pm – 4pm)
• Friday 6th December: There will be a Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated by Bishop Peter Doyle. (starting at 7:30pm)

“Rich in joy and happiness, rich in generosity and love, rich in faith.”

Young parishioners Rebecca & Simona recently spent a month in Uganda, visiting Fr Boniface and working in his parish and the local school.

To read their story, please click on this link.