Representatives of Crown, Church and State celebrate Golden Jubilee of St Bernardine’s

The Bishop said: “It was a privilege and honour to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of St Bernardine’s. The Holy Spirit has inspired this Parish through the leadership of Father Bosco and I am impressed by the community energy that was put into the celebrations both socially and spiritually. It was wonderful to meet so many dedicated and committed parishioners with a personal conviction of faith in Christ.”

Deputy Lieutenant Carolyn Cumming along with Callum Anderson MP, the Deputy Mayor Fran Davies and Councillors Caroline Cornell, Patrick Fealey, Margaret Gately and Robin Stuchbury joined representatives of Buckingham’s Churches Together: Rev’d Will Pearson-Gee, Rev’d Tim Edworthy, Majors John and Helen Parry and parishioners of St Bernardine of Siena Roman Catholic Church to celebrate the Golden Jubilee. Councillor Caroline Cornell said: “Such a wonderful afternoon. The service was inspirational and so beautifully executed - made me proud to be a Roman Catholic! It was good to meet so many interesting people. St Bernardine's is a really lovely church and very different to what people expect. Father Bosco the parish priest is an interesting man as was the Bishop and Bishop Emeritus and all the clergy. It was marvellous.”

Emeritus Bishop Peter Doyle, Vicar General Canon Michael Harrison, Rev Canon John Batthula, Rev Canon Francis Higgins, Rev Anton Webb, Father John Conroy and Priest in Charge Father Bosco concelebrated the Mass with Bishop David, making it a truly spiritual and uplifting occasion.

It was 50 years ago on 26 October 1974, that St Bernardine’s celebrated its transfer from its former site on London Road, near what is now St Bernardine’s Way, with Mass and a big party.

In fact, the move was a return to the origins of St Bernardine’s. Back in 1892 a Belgian Fransiscan Friar, Father Thaddeus Hermans, arrived in Buckingham (renting a cottage in Elm Street, near the Mitre pub) wishing to set up a seminary college for young men wanting to become Franciscan monks. By 1895 there was a chapel at no 9 Chandos Road and soon after that the college was built on the London Road. As the number of parishioners grew, the college chapel became the first St Bernardine’s Parish Church.

In 1968 the college, which had by then become a secondary-level boarding school for boys, closed and the buildings were sold to Buckinghamshire County Council, although the friars were given permission to continue to use the chapel until they could build a church of their own. It was decided to develop the site of the original chapel in Chandos Road – hence the Church of St Bernardine’s which stands today next to the Chandos Road Buckingham University building.

Following the Mass, parishioners and guests continued their celebration across the Road at the Royal Latin Hall with a chance to mingle and share memories enjoying a glass of wine and finger buffet following the Grace led by Bishop David.

The celebration Cake was cut by Canon Michael Harrison and Father John Conroy who had been schooled at the Franciscan College and ordained at St Bernardine’s 40 years ago. Some of the parishioners who were present at the opening of the Church 50 years ago gathered for a photo with the cake before it was cut.

Martin Giblin a member of the Golden Jubilee Organising Committee said “I was so proud to have been involved in the organising committee for our Golden Jubilee year and to see it all come together at the celebration Mass and reception on Sunday. It only seems like yesterday when the Church was being built, I am privileged to have been able to attend both the opening and the Golden Jubilee of our beautiful Church.”

Ed Conroy who had been schooled at the Franciscan College said “Having attended the Franciscan college in London Road along with my brothers Leon and John (who was ordained at St Bernardine’s) it was amazing to witness Sunday’s celebrations of the Golden Jubilee and bring back memories of the closing of the college and chapel and the building and opening of St Bernardine’s Church in Chandos Road. It was so wonderful to be amongst those that have been in the parish throughout those 50 years as well as with new to celebrate this wonderful occasion.”

Father Don Bosco Gunturu, priest in charge said “I extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a part in making our Golden Jubilee celebration so memorable and our profound gratitude to the Franciscan friars who founded this parish. Their vision and commitment to serving God and His people have made a lasting impact on our community, and we are forever thankful for the legacy they have left behind. Special thanks go to each one who gathered for our celebration Mass and reception for being a part of this significant occasion. Their presence and participation reflect the love and unity that characterise our community.”