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]