Prayers for peace and prosperity as Gib Day in London Mass returns following 8 year hiatus

The traditional Gibraltar Day Mass has returned to London for the first time since 2018, bringing together Gibraltarians, descendants, Londonders and young people from the Rock studying in Britain.
The service at Our Lady of Dolours Church in Fulham was celebrated by Bishop Charles Azzopardi, joined by former Bishop of Gibraltar Ralph Heskett and other clergy.
The Mass commemorated the Gibraltarians evacuated to London during the Second World War, many of whom found refuge in Fulham. Some never returned home, establishing families in Britain.
In his homily, Bishop Azzopardi thanked Britain for its longstanding support, including during the COVID pandemic, and welcomed the prospect of freer movement under the Gibraltar treaty.
He also praised Gibraltar's tradition of religious tolerance and called for compassion towards people displaced by war.
In a personal reflection, he recalled losing his 21-year-old sister at a London hospital in 1974, highlighting how support for Gibraltarian patients and their families has since improved.

Catholic university students from Gibraltar, attending a retreat in London, read the bidding prayers and assisted with collections.
The ceremony also included the blessing of shrines dedicated to Our Lady of Europe and Saint Carlo Acutis, a boy who baptised at the church, died from Leukaemia and was recently canonised as a saint by the Vatican.
At a reception following the Mass, the Chief Minister thanked the parish for its hospitality and greeted the university students attending.