St. Teilo’s Centenary Celebrations
The centenary year of St. Teilo’s Parish will conclude with the 10am Mass today. The Mass intention will be 'Thanksgiving for 100 Years of Worship at St. Teilo's.'
Refreshments after Mass – Today Following the Mass of Thanksgiving for 100 years of worship at St. Teilo's today, which concludes our centenary celebrations, and to mark the occasion, everyone is welcome to join us in the Hall after Mass, where our social events team will serve light refreshments.
As many of you will know, on April 4 th , 2025 we celebrated 100 years of worship as St. Teilo's Parish Whitchurch. The Parish Pastoral Council set up a sub-committee to organise events to celebrate this momentous year, and I should like to offer my sincere thanks to the members of this hard working group, whose skills complemented each other to put together some thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experiences. Many members of the Parish helped out, but it would be remiss of me not to mention the organisers by name. Canon John for his wise counsel and support, Gill Kane , who inspired us with her usual enthusiasm and ideas, Jill Gildersleve and John Steele for their musical contributions and behind the scenes organisation, and Rhiannon Jenkins, co-opted for her skills in events management.
The celebrations began on April 4 th with a Mass concelebrated by Canon John and His Grace Archbishop Mark O'Toole, with Dave Roblin at the organ. Other members of the Diocesan Clergy with connections at St. Teilo's also in attendance were Mgr Reardon, Canon Barry English and Fr Allan Davies-Hale. Later, Anne O'Brien and her team provided us with a fine display of tea, cake, sandwiches and wine and we were able to get together with old friends and chat to Archbishop Mark in relaxed surroundings.
The Tea Dance on the June 8th was a real success, well attended and catered for by several members of the Parish. Feedback was excellent and the event was deemed by many to be the highlight of the year.
On August 2nd a group of parishioners took part in a Pilgrimage to Llandaff. The weather was kind to us and we walked to the Cathedral where were greeted by the Very Rev Jason Bray, Dean of Llandaff, who very kindly gave of his time to show us the tomb of St. Teilo and explain some of the history and activities of our Patron Saint and his peers. The afternoon was concluded at the Maltsters Arms where new friends were made and good fellowship shared.
Another highlight of the year was 'A Pie, A Pint and a Song', an evening of music and entertainment held on 10th October, with our very own John Steele as MC, supported by musician Adrian Bold and BBC sports journalist, musician and raconteur Phil Steele, brother of John. John and Adrian entertained us with music and comedy and Phil kept us all laughing and singing with his anecdotes and songs. Clark's pies were served at half time, fitting for a proper Cardiff night out. Our thanks must go to Cara and the staff of Rhiwbina Recreation Club, who provided the venue free of charge and pulled the pints.
Our centenary year will conclude with a Mass at St. Teilo's at 10am next Sunday, May 17th. The Mass intention will be 'Thanksgiving for 100 Years of Worship at St. Teilo's.' Light refreshments will be served in the Hall after Mass. Once again, thanks to everyone who helped with the events, and to all parishioners and friends who took part.
Leigh Jenkins - Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council
