The New Buddhist Temple Maha Vihara was opened at Hockley Circus (Handsworth) on Saturday/Sunday 16th & 17th September.  It is the largest Buddhist Temple in Europe and has been ten years in the making.

The Sisters of Mercy from St Mary’s were invited to attend and were entertained to a gala performance of drum music, dancing, the speeches of many dignitaries and food.


Buddhism, founded 500 years before Christianity, is the fourth biggest world religion.  They search for truth by avoiding all evil and strive to do good, to reach the state of perfection or NIRVANA

They abstain from:
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• harming all living beings
• stealing
• sexual misconduct
• false speech
• intoxicating substances

Birmingham is known as ‘City of Faiths’. 
We, at St Mary’s, have fostered good relations with all, over the years.  Because of the nature of the day, we saw nothing of ‘chanting monks’ and quiet meditation.  Another visit is called for in the near future.

Following what has become our usual tradition, St Mary’s registered to take part in Birmingham Heritage Week and the national Heritage Open Days, choosing to open our doors on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th September.  Over those two days, Sister Kathleen Gooch and Archivist Jenny Smith guided over forty people on pre-booked heritage tours of the convent.

Sister Noreen also facilitated a group from the ‘Places of Worship Heritage Trail’ who heard the story and were shown some of the significant parts of the convent.
In addition, Sian Campbell, Heritage Officer for Legacy West Midlands also brought a group of 15 people for a convent tour as part of the ‘Irish Roots of Handsworth’ walking tour.
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It was wonderful to share St Mary’s in this way, and to see the reaction of people  -many of them local – to this beautiful building and its story.