The last weekend in April was the chosen time for the centenary celebrations, to mark 100 years since the consecration of St. John's church in 1907. Sunday began with a celeration Mass in the church, followed by a Vin d'Honeur, then lunch at the Brise de Mer hotel.
The church was packed to capacity, over 160 people in the congregation, including the Mayor of St. Raphaël, Georges Ginesta, and a representative of the administration of Fréjus. The Bishop of our Diocese, the Right Rev Geoffrey Rowell officiated. Other clergy guests included David Sharpe, Paul Topham, Tom Unsworth, Leslie Wright and Sister Cécile.
During the service the new church banner, presented by the Banner Group of St Columba's Church, Bannersgate, Sutton Coldfield, to celebrate the centenary of St. John's, and in memory of Beryl Young, was blessed by the Bishop.
At the end of the service the Mayor made a short speech, pointing out that in 1860 St. Raphaël was about the same size as Mons, and that the arrival of the British had been a major factor in the growth of St. Raphaël!
 The new banner at St. John's |
 Ben with M Genovese from Fréjus, Bishop Geoffrey, and Mayor of St.Raphaël Georges Ginesta |
 At the Vin d'Honeur |
 At the Vin d'Honeur |
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