HISTORICAL readings, jubilee songs and photographs are set to feature in a double celebration at Olton Friary.
Parish Priest, Father Anthony Biju, is inviting both parishioners and the community to visit the Friary for one of its celebratory services to learn more about the friary’s history.
Father Biju and the Sacred Heart Community are hosting a number of events to mark 100 years since the laying of the churches foundation stone and also the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi’s death.
Olton Friary was home to the Capuchin Franciscans for 90 years.
Father John Cavanagh, Order of Friars Minor at Capuchin Franciscan, said: “Olton Friary has always held a special place in the hearts of the Capuchin Franciscans.
“It was our house of study from 1889 to 1981 and I myself started my training at Olton in the 1960s.
“I remember a vibrant community, we all worked alongside each other and developed a very strong, spiritual and communal focus both within our own order and within the wider Olton parish community.
“Only a few Capuchins who attended Olton are still with us, Fr Paschal whom many people of both the parish and across England may remember, he was very ahead of his time in spreading the good news through the media – many will remember him for his regular appearance in the 60s on TV’s Epilogue , providing the end of day prayers.
“We all have such happy memories of Olton and I’m very much looking forward to returning to Olton.”
A thanks giving service will be celebrated at 6.15pm on April 21 with Fr John Cavanagh to formally mark 100 years since the laying of the foundation stone.
The Most Reverend Bernard Longley, the Archbishop of Birmingham will lead church services on April 26 at 9am and 11am.
At 10.40am the foundation stone will be re-blessed.
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Annette Mackenzie, and Solihull West and Shirley MP, Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, will also be present at the 11am service
Historical readings and jubilee songs will precede all services and a display of photographs and information about the history of the church and friary alongside a booklet detailing events up until 1926 will be available.
Refreshments will be available after church services and any donations will go towards the Friary hall refurbishment fund – a central community centre within Olton.
