150 Years of St Mary Magdalen

The Baptismal Font of the Church
This, the year of 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of St Mary Magdalen Church to the faithful and the public in Brighton, East Sussex.

Pictured left is the Baptismal Font of the Church, in which have been baptised hundreds of parishioners of the Church in Brighton down the years.

Our website will enable the parishioners of the Church and the people of Brighton to be updated on the latest developments in the exciting programme of events this year which will serve to mark this wonderful and joyous anniversary for St Mary Magdalen Church.

The Church was opened in 1862.  The music for the original opening Mass was Haydn's Nelson Mass, with the choir, soloists and orchestra, including brass and kettle drums. There would have been a glorious sound but little room for the congregation. Fr Oldham built the Church over a long period of time, the Church being built bit by bit. Today, the Church still stands, the Sacrifice of the Mass is still offered daily and there is still a vibrant Catholic community in Brighton which the Church serves.

The grade 2* listed building has been undergoing renovation in the past three years. Much has already been achieved, but there is more work to be done, as the Church peels back grey paint from its walls and makes adjustments to some 'updating' work done in the 1960s and 70s.

The Anniversary of the opening of the doors of St Mary Magdalen's Church, as well as taking place in the year of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, also happens at a time when the Church has received the exciting news of progress in the cause of the nun baptised at the Church who went on to serve God in the Brigittine Order in Rome, sheltering Jews in the Nazi persecution in Italy.

On Sunday 4th March at 12pm, Fr Ray Blake, the parish priest of St Mary Magdalen, will be given the opportunity to bless the Brighton and Hove Bus Company's bus dedicated to Mother Riccarda in the run up to the beginning of the celebrations to mark the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the Church.