A new altar for the Church of St Thomas a Becket

The Church of Saint Thomas a Becket, Wandsworth

Ten years of external and internal restoration reached their fulfilment on Saturday, 25th November, when Archbishop Kevin joined the Parish Priest, Father Gerry Ewing, and parishioners to offer a Mass of Thanksgiving. During the Mass the Archbishop dedicated the new altar.

Saint Thomas a Becket Church was built in 1895. During part of the restoration, Mass was offered in Saint Joseph's Primary School.

Father Gerry writes: 'St Thomas a Becket Church, West Hill, Wandsworth is a truly beautiful place. As living stones of Christ's Church, may we reflect the beauty of this building in the holiness of our lives.'

The interior of Saint Thomas a Becket Church

The new altar

The relic chamber in the base of the altar

The relics of Saint Urban (Pope, 220 - 230, and martyr) and Saint Severina (a second-century Christian woman who took special care of the catacombs in Rome and was martyred).

These relics had been placed in the original altar by Bishop Peter Amigo in 1922 and in a second altar by Archbishop Cyril Cowderoy in 1968. Archbishop Kevin placed them in the relic chamber of the new altar.

The Sacred Heart Chapel

The Lady Chapel

Father Gerry with Deacon Michael Kennedy and concelebrants

Archbishop Kevin meets parishioners after Mass

Father Gerry with Archbishop Kevin and a civic guest