Penzance Crypt Consecration and Grave Blessing

On 23rd October, a historic event took place in the parish of Penzance. Bishop Mark celebrated Mass and consecrated the new altar in the newly renovated Crypt Chapel of the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady. He also blessed the graves of Fr John Hearn and John Burke, who are buried in the Crypt of the Church. Fr Hearn, originally form Ireland but working as a priest in London, died at Penzance in 1846, and was buried in the Crypt of the Church.

He was responsible for bringing the Sisters of Mercy to London in 1844 and six of the sisters form the Sisters of Mercy Convent, in London and Birmingham, joined the parish for the celebration. They are shown in the accompanying photo with the Parish Priest, Canon Philip Dyson and Bishop Mark.