| Description | The parish was founded on 20th April, 1912 with the arrival of three Claretian Missionaries from Spain, Fr. James Melis, Fr. Albert Lopez and Brother Raymond Tous. They were met by Fr. Anthony Pueyo, who had preceded them. He was the founder of the parish and was appointed the first Catholic Parish Priest since the Reformation. They came to Hayes and settled in a house called "East View", where the first Mass was said the following day.
After a short time, the Missionaries purchased Botwell House, moving into this residence in September 1912. Bishop Butt officially established the parish and blessed the "drawing room chapel" on 6th October of that year.
On 23rd May, 1954 Cardinal Griffin dedicated the intermediate church - the "drawing room chapel" serving as its sanctuary.
On 2nd July, 1961 the present church was dedicated by Cardinal Godfrey. It was consecrated by Cardinal Heenan and Bishop Mahon on 24th October, 1972. |