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On November 4, the day after the Feast of St Malachy, the Catholic Parish of Nagambie celebrated 140 years since the first stone was laid. A special Mass at 2pm was concelebrated by Father Tony Hill, Monsignor Frank Hickey, Father Frank Jones and Father Andrew Fewings, all of whom have played a part in the life of St Malachy’s to date.

There were apologies from Father Chris Reay and Monsignor Frank Marriot, who were both parish priests in Nagambie in years gone by.

Monsignor Hickey delivered an interesting and passionate homily, encapsulating some of the history of what was going on in England and Europe at the time and the influence these things had on architect William Wardell, who designed St Malachy’s.

Hence Wardell’s work in both Gothic and Classical styles, examples of which grace many cities in the world. As a young man, Wardell studied under the Gothic architect Augustus Pugin. Pugin became his friend and mentor, and was to inspire him not only in architecture but also in his religious convictions.

The celebration of Eucharist was followed by a delicious and plentiful afternoon tea in MacKillop Hall, where many caught up over a cuppa and viewed the wonderful display of memorabilia. The birthday of St Malachy’s was a great opportunity to celebrate the past, but more importantly gave parishioners a reason to celebrate the life of the parish they all enjoy in 2012.