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St Mary of the Angels Roman Catholic Church, Canton facts for kids

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St Mary of the Angels Roman Catholic Church
Llanfair yr Angylion.jpg
51°28′58.83″N 3°11′47.26″W / 51.4830083°N 3.1964611°W / 51.4830083; -3.1964611
Location Canton, Cardiff, Wales
Country United Kingdom
Denomination Roman Catholic
Website Church Website
History
Status Active
Founded 1907
Consecrated 30 October 1907
Architecture
Functional status Active
Heritage designation Grade II
Architect(s) Frederick Walters
Style Romanesque
Completed 1907
Administration
Deanery Cardiff
Archdiocese Cardiff-Menevia
Province Cardiff-Menevia

St Mary of the Angels Roman Catholic Church (which is Llanfair Yr Angylion in Welsh) is a church located in Canton, Cardiff, Wales. It is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia. The church first opened its doors on 3 November 1907.

The current parish priest is Rev. Canon David Hayman.

History of the Church

Building the Church

The church was designed by a famous architect named Frederick Walters. It was built by W. T. Morgan. The very first stone of the church was placed on 20 January 1907 by Bishop Hedley. Later that year, on 30 October, the altar was blessed before the church officially opened on 3 December. The tall tower you see today was added in 1916.

The church is built using strong, rough sandstone and smooth Bath stone. Its style is like French buildings from the late 1100s, known as Romanesque.

Changes Over Time

In January 1941, during an air raid, parts of the church, including the sacristies and St Ann's Chapel, were damaged. They were rebuilt about 10 years later.

In 1952, the church closed for a short time. This was so it could be repainted and cleaned. New lights and sound systems were also put in. The church was painted again in 1962.

In 1975, St Mary of the Angels became a "listed building." This means it is an important building that needs to be protected because of its special design and history.

For many years, the church was looked after by the Benedictine community. But in 1991, the Archdiocese of Cardiff took over its care.

Recent Leaders

On 11 October 2022, it was announced that the parish priest, Canon Peter Collins, would become the new Bishop of East Anglia. He was officially made a bishop on 14 December 2022.

In January 2023, Archbishop Mark O'Toole chose Rev. Canon David Hayman to be the new parish priest. Canon Hayman was also the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Cardiff.

The inside of the church was updated in 2000 to make it better for services. The church also now keeps the old records from Sacred Heart, Leckwith, Cardiff.

Church and Schools

St Mary of the Angels Church has strong connections with local schools. It is closely linked to St Mary's R C Primary School in Canton. It also works with Mary Immaculate High School in Wenvoe.

For older students (ages 16 to 18), St David's Catholic College in Penylan offers Catholic higher education. The church supports this college.

In the News

Some famous people have had their children baptized at St Mary of the Angels church. The babies of singer Charlotte Church and rugby player Gavin Henson were baptized here. Their daughter, Ruby Henson, was baptized on 28 June 2008. Their son, Dexter Lloyd Henson, was christened in August 2009.

In one of Charlotte Church's songs, called Confessional Song, she mentions "Poor old Father Delaney." This was a reference to the parish priest at St Mary's at the time.

Church Groups and Activities

The church has many groups that people can join to be part of the community and help out.

  • Altar Servers Guild of St. Stephen (people who help the priest during services)
  • St Mary's Music Group
  • Choir
  • Ministers of the Word (people who read from the Bible)
  • Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (people who help give out communion)
  • Parish Council (a group that helps run the church)
  • Parish Advisory Council
  • Children's Liturgy (special services for younger children)
  • Offertory group
  • Saint Vincent de Paul Society (a group that helps people in need)
  • Prayer Group
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