WHEN we went down to Our Lady of Fatima church, we had the express intention on discussing the fact that Historic England had placed the beautiful Catholic church on the “at risk” register (see below).
However, the wonderfully charismatic Father Bogdan, wanted to make the heart of this interview a message of welcome and to give a general invitation to everyone to the First Avenue church.
The church was made famous being on the cover of a Chemical Brothers album Brothers Gonna Work It Out.
Our interview is below but Father Bogdan had a personal message for you all.
He said: “On Christmas Eve Pope Francis opened The Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica to begin the Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope.
Our Church of Our Lady of Fatima has been put on the ‘at risk register’ because of needing repairs to the roof, the spire and general maintenance, which the small Parish Community, is obliged to contribute . As you remember, not long ago, the church was closed for five years when we undertook, with the huge cost, the replacement of the pre caste ‘Delles de Verre’ window frames.
This beautiful church is an important Landmark of our town and does not only belong to our Catholic Community. The door of this church is open to everybody, either religious or non-religious. All people will always be welcome here.
Thank you for any support and kind donations which will enable us to make this beautiful church up to the Grade II* standard.
Wish you all to be Pilgrims of Hope.
Fr. Bogdan &
All Parishioners at Our Lady of Fatima and St Thomas More Parish.