We were fortunate indeed to welcome as celebrant and preacher, the Rt Revd Paul Thomas at his first engagement since being consecrated Bishop at Candlemas. Members of the Saturday Orthodox congregation were there too and Archpriest Michael Gogoleff presnted us with us an icon of St Agatha - a saint of the undivided church.
As is written on the Facebook site of the new See of Oswestry:
"What a joy to celebrate the Mass at S. Agatha's for the Feast of their heavenly Patron. A wealth of people and nations present. The Faith of the Universal Church burns bright in Sparkbrook!
S. Agatha, pray for us!"
Bishop Paul concluded a fine gripping sermon thus:
"I tell you, her example is powerful - she died to herself and lived for God - but her prayers for you now are ven more powerful. Call on her prayers each and every day: wake up and say St Agatha, pray for me: go to bed and whisper the same prayer. For the strengthening prayers of the saints help us in our pilgrimage through this world towards our heavenly home.
Blessed St Agatha, pray for us!"
