Foreword

This History Section was drawn mainly from the book "Memories of St Anthony's Marsfield 1942-1992"  which was published on the occasion of the the 50 Years Jubilee of the Parish in 1992.  The following introduction to the History of St Anthony's is given by the parish priest at the time, Michael J Walsh:

"In February 1968 when I walked through the doors of Curzon Hall, I was greeted by the Rector, Tom O'Reilly and the Priests of St. Anthony' s Parish, Hugh Murray and Gerry Harper. In the ensuing years we, as students, not only came to know these men, witnessed the construction of St. Anthony's Church, but also in the seven years came to regard many parishioners as our close friends.

Who'd have thought twenty-four years later I'd be living across the road.

It has been a privilege to serve St. Anthony's sharing the joys and sorrows of life with the Lord and with each other. I believe that the people of this parish community have responded admirably to God especially to that call to renewal of recent years. Whilst recognising the wonderful challenges of the future, I believe you can and should acknowledge that in the parish one can experience much of the renewal called for by the Second Vatican Council.

I congratulate all those who have contributed to this fine parish and all those who have been a part of the people of God of St. Anthony's Catholic Parish, Marsfield."

MICHAEL J. WALSH C.M.

PARISH PRIEST (1992-1997)