Liverpool

Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 June 2010 16:33 Written by Administrator Wednesday, 23 June 2010 09:36

Marvelling at the peculiar popularity of the Franciscans, Robert Grosseteste a medieval bishop of Lincoln and patron of the friars, once remarked that “the faithful flock to the friars fo r instruction as well as for confession and direction. They are transforming the world.” No wonder, then, that the Archbishop of Liverpool took pride in offering a new parish to the Conventual Franciscans in the Mossley Hill section of the city of Liverpool.
This was in 1923, shortly after the return of the friars to England following the painful period of the Reformation and its aftermath.
The original temporary church of St. Anthony’s was dedicated by the Archbishop of Liverpool on 7th November 1926, the centenary year of the death of St. Francis. Six years later, in 1932, which also marked the twenty-fifth year of the return of the Friars to England after the Reformation, the present new church was blessed and consecrated. This was the time of great thriving and progress for the Order in the English soil. The Minister General sent his special Seraphic Blessings expressing the joy and delight of the entire Order on that auspicious occasion. Along with the Papal and General's Blessings, messages were also sent from the great Basilicas of the Order, Assisi and Padua, whose patrimony the new church was to share.
St. Anthony’s is a solid, dignified and artistic church. The magnificent painting of the Last Supper by Lerario above the main altar is so touching that it elevates the spirit of every worshiper.
The same Italian artist's works adorn the rest of the sanctuary and other shrines in the church. The St. Anthony’s altar on the left aisle is decorated with scenes from the saint’s life painted in a capturing style. On the opposite end is the altar of Our Lady, Queen and Protectress of the Franciscan Order.
St. Anthony’s primary school is built in the same field to educate the young children of the neighbourhood. Friars in Liverpool have always been ardent in promoting education, knowing well that it has the power to transform people. We have always emphasised that virtue and learning are the two pillars of human dignity and that both are wonderful forms of worship.
St. Anthony’s Friary, Liverpool, shares the same historical heritage as that of the church. The Friary served as the Novitiate House of the English province from 1947-1955. At various times since its canonical establishment St. Anthony's in Liverpool served as the curia for the central administration of the Order in Britain and Ireland.

Parish priest:
Fr. Vincent Kennedy OFMConv

Address:
St. Anthony’s Friary
1 Elmsley Road,
Mossley Hill
Liverpool L18 8AY
Tel. 0151 724 2109; [44] 0151 724 5406
Fax. 0151 724 2553

Masses:
Saturday: 6.00pm
Sunday: 9.30am, 11am, 6pm
Weekdays:12pm
Holy Days: 9.30am, 12pm, 7.30pm