Ecumenical Service 5th July 2008

The Legion of Mary in Coventry followed the instruction of Pope Benedict XVI when he stated that all over the world in dioceses and places of worship dedicated to St. Paul, similar initiatives may be held as those hosted in Rome.  An Ecumenical Service in St Pauls Church of England Church, in conjunction with St Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, was felt to be a good idea.  The Legion of Mary received enthusiastic cooperation from Fr Moses the Parish Priest of St Elizabeth’s and Revd Canon Jim Canning who is Vicar of St Paul’s when the organised this Service and it was arranged for Saturday 5^th July at 3.00pm.
On the day the Vicar of St Paul’s, Revd Canon Jim Canning welcomed everyone and also gave thanks and praise to the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI by name for his instructions for calling the Year of St Paul.
Fr Moses the Parish Priest of St Elizabeth’s led the service.  Rev Canon Garry Byrne Dean of Coventry read the Gospel.  The Polish community from St Stanislaus Kosta accompanied by their Priest & Deacon also took part, their Junior Choir sang Alleluia in Polish and the Senior Choir sang Gaude, Mater Polonia, in Latin.  The renowned Coventry Catholic Choral Group sang the hymn Mfumue in the Kikongo Language.  St Pauls own Choir sang the Processional and Recessional hymns and were joined by the other three Choirs.  The Litany in Honour of St. Paul was also recited.
There was a very good attendance of multinational people from within the Coventry area and even some from Warwickshire.  Bishop Justin from Burundi was a guest speaker and gave a good uplifting talk.  Revd Canon Jim Canning from the Church of England profusely thanked the Legion of Mary for all their work and arrangements.  There was a good attendance afterwards in the Pioneer Hall for tea and biscuits.  The Legion of Mary wishes to thank the Pioneer committee for the use of the hall and the four Choirs for their uplifting spiritual singing that was an inspiration to us all.
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