Alex Hudson writes
About 80 to 100 people attended Father Mike Muhia’s welcome party in the hall of St Mary Star of the Sea Church on a sunny Saturday afternoon in Hastings. It was a wonderful occasion to celebrate our new priest and our parish community, with all ages represented. To a playlist of joyous, uplifting Swahili Catholic hymns with infectious rhythms, as recommended by Father Mike, people relished the chance to mingle and enjoy the delicious buffet put together by all parishioners. We had classic English treats like trifle and Victoria sponge, Welsh cakes, an enormous Filipino Mango cake, tasty African and Filipino dishes. Father Mike told us how he considered Hastings his home and how he had been made to feel so welcome. We remembered Father Emmanuel, who was due to be our parish priest, but who passed away before he joined us. It was a very memorable party, with dancing, songs from our choir and a sense of great joy in our togetherness.
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