Proud day in the history of St Pats

CELEBRATIONS... the Mayor of Oldham Shoab Akhtar and mayoress Shafeena Kausar with Right Rev Bishop Terence Brain and Father Phil Sumner

ST PATRICK’S Church, Oldham, celebrated its 150th anniversary at the weekend with VIP guests and a special mass.

The congregation included the Bishop of Salford Terence Brain, the Mayor of Oldham, Shoab Akhtar and mayoress Shafeena Kausar. An African choir, a Philippino choir and a church folk group helped celebrate the mass before refreshments at Oldham Sixth Form College.

Father Phil Sumner said: “There are over 30 different nationalities worshipping at the church on Sundays.

“This shows the church has been able to diversify and welcome new communities into its congregation.

“The mayor also recognised the importance of diversity and highlighted the work of the Interfaith Forum.”