Cardiff church revived by Polish priest

A Cardiff church has been saved thanks to the support of Polish Catholics from all over South Wales since it was left without a priest at the end of 2008.

After Father Fahey died on Christmas Eve 2008 the church had no priest until Polish priest Father Bogdan Wera stepped in. St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Grangetown now regularly attracts 400 Poles as well as 200 English speakers on any given weekend.

Wendy Marsh who worships at St Patrick's said: "When Father Fahey died we were like a ship without its captain." Father Bogdan strives to cater for all of his parishioners. He said: "It was a condition when I came here that I serve the English and Polish people."

There has been a strong Polish community in Cardiff since 1948, but they have moved locations regularly, using different churches, Nazareth House and even the cathedral to worship in. Father Bogdan said: "We have services in English and Polish and stage special events in both languages."

There are more than 8000 Polish people living in the Cardiff and Newport areas. Mrs Marsh said: "At Easter we waited six hours for confession. Everyone wants to renew before Good Friday."

It has led to the integration of people from other cultures, including Jamaica, Korea and the Philippines. Father Bogdan said: "I feel the community here is a very strong community."
 
Mrs Marsh said: "It has been a bit of a shock for the older generation, with such an influx of people." Out of the 600 strong congregation their oldest parishioner is 97-year-old Mrs Desmond, who even attended midnight mass.

Father Bogdan said: "We have a lot of common things with other churches, not just the Catholics, but especially the Church of Wales." St Patrick's have had joint events with other nearby churches.

The church, which was built in 1931, now seems to have a healthy future. Mrs Marsh said: "It is our prayer that he stays. There is a need for a priest here."

Fellow parishioners, Jean and Bernard Carter said: "We are very proud of our church."