Preparing for our 70th anniversary!
June 5, 2025 General
2027 will mark the 70th anniversary of the Irish Chaplaincy. We will be looking at ways in which we will celebrate. Meanwhile this is a good time to reflect on the Irish migrant journey and experience in Britain.
In 2015 Dr Patricia Kennedy, a writer and researcher, was commissioned by the Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants (IECE) to write a history of the first fifty years of the Irish Emigrant Chaplaincy Scheme to Britain. The work is entitled Welcoming the Stranger.
This fascinating work charts the story of Irish workers to Britain, when, to quote one commentator, ' the floodgates opened' between 1951 - 1961. It reflects on their problems and concerns regarding housing, their practical and pastoral needs and introduces the response of the Catholic Church in Ireland and Britain to these needs, in London, Luton, Manchester and Huddersfield.
Well documented, with photographs that will bring back memories to many, it captures the atmosphere of the time and the level of cooperation and creativity that existed to support Irish people. The work continues today.
Copies of the book can be purchased here:
