Procession in honour of Our Lady: (with photos)

Procession2013On Sunday 12th May 2013, we held our third annual procession in honour of Our Blessed Lady.

Over 350 parishioners gathered at the Upper Site of Our Lady & St George School, and walked in prayer and song along Shernhall Street to the Church, following a crowned statue of Our Lady of Fatima, on a platform adorned with flowers.

At the Church, we reflected on the Gospel account of Mary at the foot of the cross (John 19:25-27), heard a brief sermon on Mary and her role in the family from Fr John Maloney CSG (Parish Priest in Forest Gate), and then prayed the rosary together in six languages (Spanish, Malayalam, Tagalog, Polish, Luganda and English). Families from each of these communities led us in prayer.

The aim of the procession was to deepen our love for Our Lady, and to seek her intercession for our families, schools and parish. It was also a valuable opportunity to witness to our shared Catholic faith outside the walls of the church.

Many thanks to all who were involved with the organisation of the procession, especially to the staff at the school, those who prepared the booklets, the Filipino community and the Knights of Columba who marshalled the event, the altar servers, Communion and Confirmation catechists, the musicians and flower arrangers, the gentlemen who constructed and carried the platform, the families who led us in prayer, and to the Shernhall Preschool staff who prepared the refreshments afterwards.

May today's procession kindle in our hearts a deep love for Mary. Through her prayers and intercession, may we be led ever closer to the heart of her Divine Son, and into the joy of the Blessed Trinity. Queen of Heaven, pray for us!

Some photos of the procession are below. Do you have any more photos? Please send them to parishoffice@olsg.co.uk.