The Isle of Wight Catholic History Society has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special gathering in Ryde, recognising a quarter of a century dedicated to preserving and promoting the Island’s Catholic heritage.
The celebration took place on Sunday (18th October) in the hall of St Mary’s Church in Ryde High Street, following Sunday Mass celebrated by Father Ken Rimini.
Those attending enjoyed refreshments while viewing a collection of colour slides highlighting different aspects of the Isle of Wight’s rich Catholic history.
The Island has a particularly significant place in the history of Catholicism in England, being home to 2 of the country’s oldest purpose-built Catholic churches, in Newport (1792) and Cowes (1797).
Ryde was also the setting for one of the earliest Marian street processions, which took place along the High Street in 1869.
During the anniversary gathering, society member and parishioner Ed Matyjaszek spoke about the Island’s historic links with the Virgin Mary.
He highlighted how a number of churches and schools, as well as the Island’s hospital and the Benedictine abbey at Quarr, have been dedicated to Mary.
The Island’s first Christian church at Brading also bears a dedication to the Virgin Mary.
Father Ken Rimini paid tribute to the society and its work over the past 25 years.
He said:
“We give thanks on the anniversary for the work of the society in recording, celebrating and raising awareness of the Island’s Catholic heritage.”
The celebrations concluded with a quiz testing attendees’ knowledge of Isle of Wight churches. The quiz was won by Cecilia Herbing, a parishioner of St Mary’s Church in Ryde.
