Francesco Connola, a talented artist born in Naples, Italy, on January 23, 1977, has made his home in Cambridge, England, since 2024 with his wife, Concetta, and their son, Jacopo in 2003.

Francesco earned his fine arts degree in Naples and has since established himself as an accomplished painter and ancient art restorer, known for his dedication to craftsmanship and tradition.

This year, Francesco has graciously shared his expertise with The Church of Our Lady of The Assumption and the English Martyrs in Cambridge by creating a captivating presepio ( Christmas crib ) that beautifully illustrates the birth of our Lord. The presepio displays how the Lord Jesus was born to share the humanity of our human condition. The figures portray men and woman carrying out their daily jobs , because the Son of God became man for every man and every woman, regardless of their conditions of life. The Holy Family attract the attention of the visitor and all figures. The humble crib is the centre and the ultimate fulfilment for those who decide to look at the Saviour and His gentle light.

Canon Giuseppe Rizzi envisioned the nativity scene as a way to unite families and children, encouraging them to rediscover and embrace values that may have faded over the years. For Francesco, this initiative represents a wonderful opportunity for families to gather and reflect on the teachings and path that Jesus illuminated through His birth.

This cherished tradition of crafting nativity scenes has been passed down through generations of his family. We extend heartfelt gratitude to Mr Giuseppe Ruggiero and Mr Rocco Balzano, whose efforts in visiting Naples in November 2024 made it possible to bring back the essential figures representing the Holy Family.

We invite the public to experience this beautiful nativity scene during the church's opening hours:

 Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 6:15 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Sunday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

A student from the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge is beginning a new project that aims to help understand the issues currently faced by the Church of Our Lady and English Martyrs in the city.

The grade 1 listed building is of national significance, but in recent years questions have been raised concerning the safety of some of the high-level stonework. Following the recent loss of one of the pinnacles from the bell tower emergency works were undertaken in 2023 to remove any potentially unsafe stonework. The new project is a collaboration between the church and the University.

Dr Sam Cocking, of the Department of Engineering at Cambridge, said: “Over the years, cracks in the pinnacles have exposed their internal iron bars to water, causing corrosion and further damage to the masonry. This is a particular concern given the loading on the pinnacles from the wind and the possible vibration of bell ringing. The work is required to investigate methods of monitoring and assessing the condition of the pinnacles.”

The project, by MEng student Rajiv Nailadi, is initially using a laser to measure any vibration or movement in the pinnacles of the bell tower. This information will then be used to inform and help plan any repair works to the stonework of the tower.

The Church of Our Lady and English Martyrs is a familiar sight on the Cambridge skyline, with the spire visible across the whole city. Built in the decorated Gothic style, it was designed by Dunn, Hansom & Dunn of Newcastle at the sole expense of Mrs Yolande Lyne-Stephens.

The foundation stone of the church was laid by Bishop Riddell of Northampton on 30 June 1887 and the finished building was consecrated in October 1890. It was recently raised to being Grade 1 listed by Historic England in recognition of its national significance.

Diocesan Heritage Officer, Matthew Champion, said: “This project gives us a fantastic opportunity to understand more about this wonderful building. The findings of the project will be used to help us plan the repair and restoration of the church, and ensure it remains one of the city’s best loved landmarks for many generations to come.”

Bishop Peter Collins appointed Fr Bienn Carlo Manuntag as the second Assistant Priest at The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs. Fr Bienn will join the parish in mid-January 2025.

Looking ahead to the new academic year in September, the Song School is looking to recruit more members for our Junior (7-12) and our Youth Choir (13-19). These two choirs provide a wonderful education in singing and general musicianship but also an opportunity to experience the Church's rich treasury of sacred music and, of course, provide a great opportunity to make new friends working together as a team.

Please contact the Director of the Song School, Naomi MacLeod Jones, to arrange an audition via olemsongschool@rcdea.org.uk

This international Christian lay movement is dedicated to enhancing the spiritual lives of married couples. Through Teams, couples can deepen their prayer life, provide mutual support, and strengthen their bond with God and each other.

Whether newly married, raising children, or enjoying an empty nest, couples from all walks of life are welcome to join Teams. For more information, don't hesitate to to get in touch with us at ddpawelski@hotmail.com

We are a community of young Catholics (18-35) who meet regularly to socialize, pray and learn about our Faith.

Please contact us via olemcya@rcdea.org.uk for more details sign up for the mailing list at bit.ly/CYACsignup

Many people are seeking to explore the Catholic faith in order to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion, or deepen the faith they already have. We believe that when we meet Jesus through the Church our life changes for ever.

The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) course is meant to help you to enter the search for happiness, the existence of God, the mystery of His life, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Son of God, the Holy Spirit, the Catholic Church, the Bible, the power of prayer and the seven Sacraments, the Christian vocation, the Blessed Virgin Mary and much more. Starting this course could make the difference!

The course will be running every Tuesday at OLEM Parish Centre, starting the 1st of October until Easter, from 7pm to 8.15pm. Click here to read more and apply:

Pilgrimage of Reparation & Prayer for the Sanctity of Life to Walsingham
Saturday 3rd August
To be led by Bishop David Oakley of Northampton.

Please consider joining this pilgrimage, if possible in person, or online HERE. The need for prayer to support life has been great since the passing of the 1967 Abortion Act. It is now increasingly needed as the pressures to allow abortion up to birth grow, along with a swelling campaign to introduce Assisted Suicide. Pope Saint John Paull II urged everyone to join in the 'great prayer for life’.