On Sunday 30th July 2023 Canon Victor Darlington celebrated an International Mass St Lawrence’s Church, Sidcup, alongside parish clergy.
The liturgy was celebrated in different languages and the choir sang hymns that are popular in Germany, Italy, France, Ireland, Philippines, the Caribbean and South Africa. Many parishioners came in their national dress and the offertory included gifts of thanksgiving for the care Jesus shows for us in and through His Church.
Canon Victor spoke of his portfolio for the Archdiocese of Southwark which includes
Education and Racial and Cultural Inclusion as well as the newly formed Caritas Southwark. Canon Victor commended the parish for the International Mass initiative but simultaneously challenged the parish to witness to the faith beyond the church doors by 
what is said and done to promote racial and cultural inclusion in our schools and through our works of charity in the community.
Following Mass, the congregation gathered in the parish community hall for shared dishes of food from all over the world. One parishioner remarked it was the first time they had eaten haggis and curried goat from the same plate! The day was a beautiful celebration of our cultural diversity, united under our one Catholic faith and was enjoyed by all.
The congregation and clergy with Canon Darlington at St Lawrence RC Church, Sidcup