Apostolic Nuncio joins 'the 9th' for anniversary Mass

The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Faustino Sainz Muņoz, visited the Sacred Heart Church, Wimbledon, to offer a Mass of Thanksgiving on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the 9th Wimbledon (Sacred Heart) Scout Group.

The Group is thought to be the largest Catholic Scout Group in the United Kingdom, with about 200 young people associated with it.

The Explorers (15 years+) have undertaken expeditions in recent years to Nicaragua, Nepal (three times). Guyana and Romania - where they  have spent some time helping to build facilities for the local communities.

The theme of Archbishop Faustino's homily was the importance of family values - he also said how happy he was to be celebrating this anniversary with the Group.

Father Gerard Mitchell SJ, Parish Priest, thanked the Nuncio for being there and said how delighted he was to see so many young people present at the Mass.

Concelebrating with Archbishop Faustino were Fathers Gerard Mitchell, Kevin Donovan, Lawrence Nam and John Fairhurst SJ and Monsignor Vincent Brady, the Nuncio's Secretary.

The Nuncio cuts the anniversary cake

The Nuncio wearing a scout scarf (papal colours)
with Michael Orbell KSG and, in the background, Monsignor Vincent Brady

Angela Maher, Cub Scout Leader, distributes slices of the cake she had baked

The Reception

A group of Explorers

Francis Corrigan, Group Scout Leader, (right) with his brother

Neil Griffin, Explorer Leader, (left) with his son, Tom, and Francis Corrigan

Sean Maher, Scout Leader, (left) with two Explorers - his brother, Peter, and Peter Coulson

Michael Orbell KSG with his nephews, Tim and Richard Starke