On Friday the 15th June 2012, celebrating 50 years of care, an ANNIVERSARY MASS was said in the grounds of Footherley Hall. Though the actual date would have been on the 24th of December, we decided to celebrate it on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The event was combined with the 25th ANNIVERSARY of a League of Friends.
Prior to the Mass, Sr. Lourdes Sanz, the Sister Provincial of the Sisters Hospitallers, based in London, made a speech outlining how care at Footherley Hall started. She acknowledged the work of the first sisters at Footherley, and introduced the three of the first ones present. The fourth one could not be present because of her ill health. (Welcome address).
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Philip Pargeter, Monsignor Mark Crisp, Rector of the Major Seminary, St. Mary’s College, New Scott and 14 Priests, (including one of our residents converted from the Anglicanism several years ago). It was good to notice that, Mgr. Mark Crisp delivered an inspiring and powerful homily (Homily by Mgr. Mark Crisp) worthy to be read. All the Seminarians and Staff graced the occasion. The Seminarians sang the Mass and assisted the Bishop at the Altar.
The torrential rain did nothing to dampen the joyous occasion enjoyed by the Sisters, Staff, residents and invited guests, numbering around 300 in total; they all remained warm and dry under a huge and beautifully decorated marquee.
Also celebrating their 25th Anniversary, were the “Friends of Footherley Hall” who are a committee of Volunteers set up to raise funds for additional equipment, entertainment, outings and gifts for the residents. Mr. John Wood one of the first Committee members from 1987 gave an address detailing how the Friends first started all those years ago. This was followed by an address from the current Lady Chair, Mrs. Cathy Bannister, detailing the current fund raising fete on Sunday 1st July 2012, and praising members past and present for their dedication.
After Mass Bishop Pargeter blessed the new conservatory, and a plaque commemorating the joint Anniversaries was unveiled by Bishop Pargeter, Sr. Tomasa care Manager of the home and Lady Chair, Mrs. Cathy Bannister.
A wonderful meal followed, provided by Mr. John Liddle, (Managing Director of SCCS – Social Care Catering Solutions).This was followed by an afternoon of recitals and singing by “The Trinity Singers” of Sutton Coldfield. The whole event was organized by the Sisters and the Friends of Footherley Committee. Everybody enjoyed it. A day to remember!
Many people wrote to us, and attached are some of comments and expressions;
– To all the Sisters past and present. Congratulations. Grateful thanks for all your wonderful care for so many people. Thoughts and prayers. A resident.
– We have visited Footherley for over 20 years. Firstly to see my aunty, later my mother and most recently my mother-in law. Every time we have visited we are struck by your kindness and devotion to everyone in your care. With congratulations and many blessings on your 50th Anniversary. With love and many thanks. Son and daughter in law of a resident.
– Just a line to say thank you so much for inviting me to your celebration on Friday. It was a very special occasion and much appreciated by everyone there. You have all put so much hard work into it which made such a great success. Well done! Friend to the home.
– Many Congratulations on your 50 years of service at Footherley. During these past years we will never know, how many people you have cared for with love, both residents and families! Footherley Hall is a beautiful and happy home for many. Thank you also for your hospitality to us. Friends to the home.
– We just have to write to you all to say thank you for inviting us to share your 50th Anniversary Celebrations. The Mass most spiritual made so by Father Mark’s sermon and the singing of the young men from Scott; and to cap it all a wonderful feast afterwards! Regardless of the English weather, it was a real pleasure to have been part of this happy Celebration. May god bless you all for the work you do. Parents of a member of the staff.
– Dear Sisters. Where to begin?! A huge and sincere thank you for inviting us to such a special and wonderful celebration of your 50 years at Footherley. The Mass was a spiritual uplifting experience for the whole Footherley community and provided us both with inner joy that is rarely experienced. Your organization produced such a special day and your generosity in providing an amazing lunch was a real – Wow! Our fondest love and thanks to you all. Past Friends of Footherley and very close friends of the Sisters.
– On behalf of the staff and students of Scott, I would like to say a big thanks to the sisters for inviting us to join you in your Jubilee celebrations last Friday. It was a great pleasure for us to be with you. Many thanks as well for the lovely food! We pray that God may continue to bless you all. The Rector of the Seminary.
– Once again Congratulations! What a wonderful Day you provided for your large Family and Friends. A Day to remember. The Mass concelebrated by Bishop Philip Pargeter and Mgr. Mark Crisp and the other Priests was wonderful! The Seminarians from Scott did you proud particularly as they had to compete with the thundering rain. The Hymn should have been “My “God Reigns”. Thank you all so much for your love, warmth, generosity. Past Friends of Footherley and close Friends to the Sisters.
– Dear sisters, my wife and myself wish to extend our thanks firstly for the invitation to your 50th Anniversary and secondly for the warmth of your welcome by all the sisters. The occasion was truly wonderful and immensely enjoyed. The organization of the event was an incredible achievement of which you should all be rightly proud. Once again thank you all. God Bless. One of the first couples that have started the League of Friends and very close friends to the Sisters.
– To all the sisters. We have a fondness and may happy memories of the time we all spent as Volunteers at Footherley. Our love and Congratulations on the 50th Anniversary. We pray for the continued success of Footherley Hall in the years to come. Six couples past Friends of Footherley and dear friends to the Sisters.
– To all the Sisters and staff at Footherley Hall, we would like just like to say a big thanks for inviting us to your Thanksgiving Mass, we had a lovely time, and for all the wonderful care you show to my Mother. Daughter and son in Law of one of our residents.
– Dear sisters, sincere thanks for inviting us to share in Friday’s Celebrations. The occasion most fitting testament to the wonderful care given by the sisters and Staff of Footherley Hall. With our love and very good wishes for the future. Daughter and Son in Law of past residents.
– A beautiful handmade card by twin daughters of one of our staff and signed by all wishing us prayers, Congratulations, love and best wishes.
– To the sisters, thank you for your warm welcome. Wishing you all a Happy 50th Anniversary. With love and prayers. Seminarians of Scott.
