By Fr Jobin, Parish Priest

St Mary’s the Mount Catholic Church in Walsall is celebrating 200 years of worship, service, and community. For two centuries, this sacred place has been a spiritual home where generations have gathered to pray, celebrate the Sacraments, and grow in faith.

The Church is of historic significance. It opened in 1827, two years before Catholic Emancipation, and was the first Catholic Church of substantial size to be built in the Midlands since the Reformation. The Church is a Grade II listed building in the Palladian style. Construction began in 1825, and the Church was officially opened on 10th May 1827 by Bishop Walsh. The first Parish Priest, Father Francis Martyn, was the first priest since the Reformation to have received all his education for the priesthood in England, at the original St Mary’s College, Old Oscott.

From its opening, the Church served a growing Catholic community. Through the dedication of priests, religious, and lay faithful, the parish has flourished across generations. For two centuries, the Church has stood as a sacred place where people gather to pray, celebrate, mourn, and rejoice. Each moment forms part of the living history of this parish. Today, St Mary’s the Mount continues as a vibrant, multicultural, and welcoming parish community.

The preparation for the Jubilee Year started with the prayer for the Jubilee released by Canon Jonathan Veasey, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December 2025.  

The immediate preparation was done by a parish mission week from 4-8 May 2026 by the Redemptorist Priests from Erdington Abbey. 

The parish Jubilee Year was solemnly inaugurated on Sunday 10 May 2026 with a Pontifical Mass celebrated by His Grace Archbishop Bernard Longley. 

Archbishop Bernard, during his homily, commented on the words of Jesus to Peter, the apostle “on this rock I will build my church” reminded the congregation the walls of this church were anointed with sacred Chrism, and all of us within the church too are anointed with the chrism and therefore that now we are the temple and people of God. He further mentioned that everyone has a vocation to be the presence of the Body of Christ, making his teaching known and revealing his loving mercy through your words and deeds as individuals, as families and as a parish community.  The enduring presence and distinguished history of St Mary’s the Mount reminds us that the Catholic Church has long had a distinctive contribution to make within and well beyond the local community.

Standing proudly on this hilltop, St Mary’s is a symbol of the growing confidence of the Catholic community at the beginning of the nineteenth century. At the heart of our Catholic identity is our intrinsic relationship with the Successor of Peter.  This morning the reading from St Matthew’s Gospel recalls the moment when Our Lord identified St Peter and his faith as the rock upon which he would build his Church. The Mount is a fitting symbol of that: on this rock I will build my Church.

During the Mass a couple of important events took place:

Announcement of Plenary Indulgence: Fr Luigi Morrone SDV announced the grace of Plenary Indulgence that was granted by Vatican. The Apostolic Penitentiary has granted Plenary Indulgence to this church on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Church under the usual condition (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff). The Indulgence may be obtained by all the faithful who are truly repentant and motivated by charity, from 10 May 2026 until 10 May 2027.  To obtain it, the faithful should visit the parish church of St Mary’s the Mount in the form of a pilgrimage and devoutly participate in the Jubilee Rites and special celebrations as indicated or at least spend an appropriate period of time in pious reflection or prayer, or engage in works of Christian devotion for the glory of God, offering prayers for peace and harmony among peoples, and imploring God against the errors of the present time.

Release of the Jubilee Logo: the theme of the Jubilee celebration is: “Rooted in Faith, Renewed in Spirit — 200 Years of Grace”

The Jubilee Logo beautifully expresses 200 years of faith, grace, and God’s presence in the life of St Mary’s the Mount.

At the heart of the logo is the Cross, integrated into the number 200 and the Eucharistic symbol. This reminds us that Christ is the foundation of the Church and the centre of its mission. It also represents two centuries of proclaiming the Gospel, uniting the past, present, and future, with every generation rooted in Christ.

The Eucharist, represented in the first zero of “200,” highlights that the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life. The broken Host symbolises the sacrifice of Jesus and calls each of us to be open, self-giving, and transformed. From the Cross and Eucharist, radiating lines flow outward, signifying the many graces poured out upon the community over 200 years and Christ’s enduring presence among His people.

The inscription beneath - “The Lord has done great things for us.” (Psalm 126:3) - captures the spirit of Jubilee as a time of gratitude and remembrance, acknowledging God’s faithfulness throughout the years.

The colours deepen the meaning of the logo:

•    Gold represents jubilee, glory, and thanksgiving. 
•    Deep Blue signifies faithfulness and the loving protection of Our Lady. 
•    Red recalls the Holy Spirit and Christ’s sacrifice. 
•    White reflects sacramental grace, purity, and joy. 

Together, these elements form a powerful symbol of a community rooted in faith, renewed in spirit, and celebrating 200 years of God’s abundant grace.

Awarding of Benemerenti Medal: Two parishioners, namely Mr Malcolm Rose and Mrs Sheila Parker were awarded the Benemerenti Medal for their service to the church.

Release of Jubilee Memorabilia: Fr Justin Karakadu SDV released all the Jubilee Memorabilia for the first time and now available for purchase for all those who visit the church.

Blessing of the Bicentennial Marian Shrine: After the Mass, a new shrine of Our Lady, created to mark the bicentenary, was blessed by the Archbishop. The Shrine is built to the existing brick wall outside the church. The statue of Our Lady of Fatima brings added joy to everyone who visit the church and a place of devotion and prayer. This is beautiful.

The Archbishop was presented with a memento of the Jubilee. 

Fellowship Meal: The celebration was concluded with a fellowship meal.  Around 400 people attended the celebration. 

The celebration marked the beginning of a year of thanksgiving, prayer, and renewal as the parish prepares to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Church’s opening on 10th May 2027.

The Jubilee Opening Mass was concelebrated by: Rev Luigi SDV, Delegate Superior of the Vocationist Fathers, UK, Fr Salvatore Musella, former Parish Priest, Canon Michael Leadbeater, Canon Michael Dolman, Rector of Oscott Seminary, Fr Justin Karakadu, former Parrochial Vicar, Canon John Carlyle, Fr Fabien Ramiandrisoa SDV, Canon Dominic Cosslett, Assistant Parish Priest, and Fr Jobin Kollappallil SDV, present parish priest.

Throughout the Jubilee Year, a number of special events and celebrations are planned.  As we commemorate this extraordinary anniversary, our Jubilee will be marked by special Masses honouring the great sacramental moments that shape our Christian lives:
•    Jubilee Masses of Baptism, where new life in Christ begins
•    First Holy Communion, where we are nourished by the Bread of Life
•    Confirmation, sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit
•    Anointing of the Sick, bringing healing and comfort
•    Reconciliation, restoring us through mercy
•    Holy Matrimony, consecrating love and family
•    And Priesthood, through which Christ continues His shepherding care

In October, parishioners will take part in a Jubilee pilgrimage to Medjugorje. February 2027 will be dedicated to historical reflection, with a Jubilee exhibition, displays in the Parish Centre, and the publication of a commemorative Jubilee book, sharing memories and stories from parishioners past and present.

The Jubilee Year will conclude on 9 May 2027 with a Closing Mass, during which a memorial plaque commemorating the bicentenary will be unveiled. Additional events and celebrations will take place throughout the year.  Please find below the calendar of events.

This anniversary is far more than a commemoration of dates and events; it is a celebration of the countless lives shaped by faith within this parish community. As we celebrate 200 years of St Mary’s the Mount, we give thanks to Almighty God for all who have built, sustained, and loved this parish through the generations. This Jubilee is not only a celebration of the past, but also a commitment to the future. We pray that St Mary’s the Mount will continue to be a beacon of faith, hope, and charity for generations to come.

Plenary Indulgence

Calendar of Events

Inauguration Mass booklet

Photo Gallery by Con McHugh