THE ARCHBISHOP of Birmingham and more than 1500 guests paid tribute to Coventry primary school and parish which celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Archbishop Bernard Longley celebrated Mass in Sacred Heart Church and presented a Papal Blessing to mark 100 years of the school and parish of Sacred Heart.
The Archbishop blessed an anniversary wall which featured plaques representing the families and people involved in the parish over the century.
The school – part of the Romero Catholic Academy – unveiled a stained-glass window which it commissioned for Sacred Heart Church as part of the anniversary.
The school received a contribution from Heart of England Community Foundation’s Inclusive Communities Fund, to help fund the event.
Paul Madia, executive principal for school improvement, was a pupil at Sacred Heart in the 1980s and joined as a member of staff in 2008.
He said: “Sacred Heart is very special and I hold it close to my heart.
“Today has been a chance to pay tribute to the key leaders who have helped the school flourish, from Gerry Campbell who was my headteacher to Gerry Cullen who joins us today as the oldest former member of staff.
“We also honour the contributions of past and present pupils, dedicated staff, committed governors, and faithful parishioners and devoted parish priests.
“Our journey began one hundred years ago, and throughout the decades, Sacred Heart has been a beacon of light, nurturing young minds and fostering a sense of belonging through faith.
“On the back of this incredible celebration, we hope that for the next 100 years and beyond all parishioners and visitors are able to benefit from the beautiful stained-glass window, designed by Catherine Smith, to contemplate their faith and apply what they see to make the world a better place.”
