Gallery
Warwick's Catholic History- An Unfolding Story
12th June 1860
"The new Catholic Church recently erected in the county town of Warwick, and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, in honour of the Immaculate Conception, was opened on Tuesday last, when High Mass celebrated by the Lord Bishop of Birmingham, (Bishop Ullathorne), assisted by a large body of clergy from the diocese and others who had come from a distance to take part in the solemn ceremony ...
The weather on Tuesday morning was most unpropitious, heavy rain decending without intermission until noon ... Notwithstanding, however, the drenching rain, there was a large attendance of Catholics from Leamington, Birmingham and other places and at the hour appointed for the commencement of service the church was well filled with a highly respectable congregation ...
After the gospel the Rt Reverend Dr Amherst, bishop of Northampton, having ascended the altar steps, preached an eloquent and impressive sermon. His Lordship took his text from the xxii. verse of the 16th chapter of St John; "so also, you now indeed have sorrow, but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoice and your joy no man can take from you." At the conclusion of the sermon the service was resumed and terminated at one o'clock. Mozart's Mass No. 1 was sung by an efficient choir from Leamington under the direction of Mr Aspa, and the musical arrangements were highly creditable to the gentleman. (The collection was taken by Lady Dormer and other ladies.)
The chapel of Our Lady is situated at the end of the southern aisle and is at present adorned with a statue of the Blessed Virgin, presented by the bishop of Marseilles to the Stratford mission and with history of which our readers are already familiar (!) From the Tablet of June 1860.
From "a History of Warwick and its People": On the right side of the church stands a statue of the Virgin and Child, carved in oak, coloured and gilt. This is of Spanish work and is said to be more than two hundred years old. There was at the base of the Statue, when first brought into the church, a reliquary, which is now otherwise preserved.
"The new Catholic Church recently erected in the county town of Warwick, and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, in honour of the Immaculate Conception, was opened on Tuesday last, when High Mass celebrated by the Lord Bishop of Birmingham, (Bishop Ullathorne), assisted by a large body of clergy from the diocese and others who had come from a distance to take part in the solemn ceremony ...
The weather on Tuesday morning was most unpropitious, heavy rain decending without intermission until noon ... Notwithstanding, however, the drenching rain, there was a large attendance of Catholics from Leamington, Birmingham and other places and at the hour appointed for the commencement of service the church was well filled with a highly respectable congregation ...
After the gospel the Rt Reverend Dr Amherst, bishop of Northampton, having ascended the altar steps, preached an eloquent and impressive sermon. His Lordship took his text from the xxii. verse of the 16th chapter of St John; "so also, you now indeed have sorrow, but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoice and your joy no man can take from you." At the conclusion of the sermon the service was resumed and terminated at one o'clock. Mozart's Mass No. 1 was sung by an efficient choir from Leamington under the direction of Mr Aspa, and the musical arrangements were highly creditable to the gentleman. (The collection was taken by Lady Dormer and other ladies.)
The chapel of Our Lady is situated at the end of the southern aisle and is at present adorned with a statue of the Blessed Virgin, presented by the bishop of Marseilles to the Stratford mission and with history of which our readers are already familiar (!) From the Tablet of June 1860.
From "a History of Warwick and its People": On the right side of the church stands a statue of the Virgin and Child, carved in oak, coloured and gilt. This is of Spanish work and is said to be more than two hundred years old. There was at the base of the Statue, when first brought into the church, a reliquary, which is now otherwise preserved.
Translation of the Latin Prayers and Words behind the Altar
We have a beautiful altar at St Mary Immaculate with pictures of the Saints and Martyrs. Surrounding this are prayers written in Latin. When transcribed they say:
Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: and abundance for them that love thee. Let peace be in thy strength: and abundance in thy towers. For the sake of my brethren, and of my neighbours, I spoke peace of thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God, I have sought good things for thee.
We fly to thy patronage, O Holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions and our necessities but deliver us always from all dangers. O glorious and Blessed Virgin.
Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: and abundance for them that love thee. Let peace be in thy strength: and abundance in thy towers. For the sake of my brethren, and of my neighbours, I spoke peace of thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God, I have sought good things for thee.
We fly to thy patronage, O Holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions and our necessities but deliver us always from all dangers. O glorious and Blessed Virgin.
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St Mary's School - A Brief History
On May 8th, 1905 St Mary's School, West Street, Warwick opened for its first day. The Headmistress, Miss Cecilia McDonnell (1905 - 1916), wrote in the school log book: "The school was opened this morning. 66 children presented themselves and were admitted. A temporary timetable will be followed for the present, until the remainder of the books ordered are delivered". |