St Mary’s University Celebrates Patronal Feast with Visit from Cardinal Nichols

St Mary’s University, London, welcomed students, staff, alumni, and members of the local community yesterday for the annual Patronal Feast Day, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

This year’s Feast Day had special significance as it formally concluded the University’s 175^th Anniversary celebrations. To mark the occasion, St Mary’s Chancellor HE Cardinal Vincent Nichols celebrated Mass in the University Chapel, with the Chair of the Board of Governors Rt Rev Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton.

The Mass began with a formal procession of academic and support staff into the Chapel followed by the concelebrating clergy, including Mgr Paul McPartlan, Rector of Mater Ecclesiae College, which is based at St Mary’s.

The University was delighted to welcome four professional singers to join the University Choir, funded by the generous sponsorship of the Catholic Association for Performing Arts, for the Mass. Under the direction of Edward Tambling and accompaniment from organist Mark Underwood, they performed a range of choral pieces, including the Monstra te esse Matrem, the official anthem for St Mary’s written by celebrated composer Sir James MacMillan. At the end of the Mass, Cardinal Vincent Nichols was presented with a print of the one of the original watercolour paintings of the plans for the University Chapel by famed architect Sir Albert Richardson, in recognition of his contributions to the University community as Chancellor during the 175^th Anniversary.

To continue the festivities, the University hosted a special festal lunch in the 1850 Students’ Union building for students, guests and academic and support staff to celebrate their dedication, service, and commitment throughout the year.

Reflecting on the significance of the day, St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony McClaran said, “Our Patronal Feast Day is a moment of celebration and reflection for the St Mary’s community. It brings together students, staff, alumni, and friends in thanksgiving and in hope. This year, as we conclude our 175th anniversary, I am especially grateful for the spirit of unity and service that continues to shape our University."

This year’s Patronal Feast Day once again highlighted the strength of the St Mary’s community, uniting faith, tradition, and celebration at the close of an important milestone in the University’s history.