40 years at the service of the Olton Friary parish

Sunday 10 January 2021, was a special anniversary for the parish and SCJ community at Olton Friary. On this day in 1981 the Betharramites arrived at the Friary responding to the call of Archbishop Dwyer to leave behind our Formation House in Worcester.

The Capuchins left the Friary after 90 years of presence in the parish. For them the Friary became less significant after losing its role as their House of Formation. They were greatly loved in the parish, and many mourned their going.

Somewhat overawed by the Capuchin footsteps we were following and the sophistication of many of the parishioners we slowly felt the way ahead. But after only a short while the parish seemed to take us to heart and viceversa.

On Sunday at the opening of each mass, we marked this significant day by lighting the “40th anniversary” candle and reading a prayer composed for the occasion. This is what the Covid-19 restrictions allowed us to do to celebrate the 40 years of our presence in the Olton Parish.