The text below was taken from e-news.
Totton parishioner Clare Dickinson reports on the celebrations on Saturday 13th September of the centenary of the opening of the church of St Theresa of the Child Jesus in Commercial Road, Totton.
Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Philip and Canon Michael Dennehy, along with past Parish Priests: Fr Pat Tansey (1989-2000), Fr Innaiah Maddineni (2013-2018) and Fr Gerry Onyejuluwa (2018 – 2023) and regular supply priest Fr Kieran Flynn. Deacons Andy Philpott, Stephen Short and Diego Hoyos assisted. Canon Simon Treloar took on the role of MC and cantor and Deacon John Di Meo played the organ. Parishioners were delighted that Deacon Steve Bowler, although still receiving medical treatment, was able to be part of the congregation.
Around 100 people then attended a party in the Totton and Eling Community Centre, where Bishop Philip cut a celebration cake. A photographic history of the parish which had been compiled from archive material and photographs provided by parishioners, was displayed on four large boards in the hall and will be transferred to the church. Musical entertainment was supplied by Cinnamon Jazz.
The church was originally opened in 1925, by Bishop William Cotter, and then extended in the 1950s. It was the first church in the country to be dedicated to St Thérèse of Lisieux, who had been canonized on 17 May 1925.
[Photo by David Dickinson]
Recent Posts
Seafarers and fishers live and work at the periphery of society, spending days or months at sea. Their lives are hidden and yet they play a crucial role in bringing [...]
Click here to see the September 2025 Quarterly update from Bamenda and the results of our partnership. For more info in on-going projects and how to support, please see the [...]
PORTSMOUTH’s two bishops have issued a statement on immigration and asylum in the wake of protests outside a Southsea hotel. The Rt Rev Jonathan Frost, Church of England Bishop of [...]
The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency’s (CSSA) are inviting everyone engaged with the Catholic Church, including Clergy, Religious (Consecrated Life), Parish Safeguarding Ministers, Employees, Volunteers and Parishioners to contribute their [...]
