Congratulations to Deacon Fidelis Chukwu on the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the diaconate!

Deacon Fidelis was the first Nigerian born Deacon to be ordained in the UK. He had a successful career as a civil servant and was a chaplain in HM Prison service until his retirement. He is long-standing member Our Lady of Mount Carmel & St Joseph parish, where he lives with his wife and family.

On this special silver jubilee, Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB wrote: 'We thank him for his dedication and service to Battersea down through the years. May the Lord bless him and his family in these times of celebration and joy. When some form of normality returns, may he receive a worthy celebration of thanks.'

The parishes of Battersea have further cause for celebration, as Deacon Michael Kennedy has just celebrated his 14th anniversary of ordination. Deacon Micheal, who is Administrator of the Chancery of the Archdiocese of Southwark, is a Salesian past puril and was brought up in Sacred Heart parish.

Please pray for Deacon Fidelis and Deacon Michael.

Pictured above: Deacon Fidelis with Bishop Paul Hendricks; the late Archbishop Peter Smith; Fr Francesco Cereda SDB (Vicar of the Rector Major); and Deacon Michael, at the 125th anniversary celebrations of Sacred Heart Battersea, October 2018.