Re-Dedication of Life-Giving Church

27 January 2009

Bishop Declan will celebrate the re-dedication of St Nicholas of Tolentino Church on Thursday 5 February at 7.00 pm. 

This rare celebration is taking place because of the major renovations that have taken place at St Nick’s. 

His Excellency Dr Francis Moto Malawian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom will be present at the special Mass.  Dr Moto was invited because the new St Nick’s now features beautiful artwork crafted in Malawi. 

Among the stunning new decorations used to aid prayer and worship in the church, the wood carvings by KuNgoni Art and Craft Centre in Mua, Malawi are perhaps the most striking.  The centre is run by the Missionaries of Africa and keeps alive the traditions and culture of Malawi.  Pieces from this celebrated art centre are on display in the Vatican Museums – and now in the heart of Bristol.

St Nick’s Parish Priest, Father Richard McKay, said: “The community here at St Nick’s have worked so hard for years to get to this day.  It marks our dedication to being a community of all nations serving the people of Bristol’s inner-city.

“Bishop Declan along with so many others have supported us on our journey as we rebuilt our church – but the real church is the people.

“We are really delighted that the Malawian High Commissioner can be with us – our links with Africa are so life-giving to us all.”
 
“This day is not just for us at St Nick’s – I invite all of Bristol to join our celebration and rejoice in the richness of our diverse city.”

Guests include Stephen Williams MP, Councillors Brenda Hugill and Sue O’Donnell, prison chaplains and other ecumenical representatives. The Lord Mayor of Bristol will be represented by Alderman Bill Martin.

Councillor Hugill said:  “I fully support the amazing work Father McKay’s does in Bristol.  I am full of admiration for the help given by the people of St Nick’s to all members of our extremely diverse community.  I wish Father McKay and the parishioners at St Nick’s well.” 

The Mass is open to all.  Parking is at the nearby St Nicholas of Tolentine School. 

St Nick’s is the oldest purpose built Catholic church in Bristol.  Located in the heart of Bristol’s inner-city the mission to migrants and homeless people has always been the cornerstone of parish life.

The architects of the new St Nick's were O'LearyGoss and the contractors were Bristol firm K P Wilton.
 
cliftondiocese.com recorded the massive changes taking place at the vibrant St Nick’s.  There are pictures and podcasts taking you behind the scenes as the changes took place.