It is not unusual for parishes in the archdiocese to be celebrating 100 years or 150 years since their foundation.

 

There are not many who have a big celebration for their 20th anniversary. It is a bit different in Peru where Fr Simon Cadwallader, our LAMP priest, is parish priest of a newly formed parish in a shanty town in the desert at the edge of Lima. Last month, his parish, dedicated to Our Lady of Peace, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special Mass. The Mass was followed by traditional folk dancing and a meal for over 600 parishioners. He was joined by Fr Denis Parry and Fr Chris McCoy, who were both visiting for the parish anniversary.

 

Fr Chris McCoy writes: “Over 30 years ago I served in the neighbouring area. Our parish then consisted of rough shacks surrounded by miles of coastal desert. Now houses have sprung up, trees have been planted, roads have been built, and new parishes have been created. It was wonderful to see the life and vitality of Fr Simon’s new parish as they celebrated together.

 

New life has come to the desert. “Over the past 40 years, there have been 16 priests from the archdiocese who have served on LAMP. Fr Simon continues that good work in his parish thanks to the support of the people of the archdiocese.”