Every parish becomes, in time, like a family. That is why people often say, "Our church is the best!"
But I want to explain why, from my perspective, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church here in New Milton really is the best.
Of course, the Catholic Church is one and universal, and Christ is fully present in every parish across the world. Yet there is something special about our parish that deserves to be celebrated.
It is not only about the building or the location, though both are beautiful. It is about the people, the faith we live, and the unique mission entrusted to us here in this corner of Hampshire – on the edge of the New Forest and only a short walk from the sea.
A Church with a Beautiful Setting
One of the most striking features of our parish is its location. New Milton is a town nestled between two of God's most wonderful gifts – the New Forest and the sea. On one side, you have ancient woodlands, with ponies wandering freely, streams trickling through glades, and oak trees that have stood for centuries. On the other, you have the coastline with its cliffs, beaches, and ever-changing views of the Isle of Wight.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church stands right in the middle of this natural beauty. For parishioners, it means that every walk to Mass, every Sunday gathering, feels like it is surrounded by reminders of creation. As the psalmist sings:
"The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork."* (Psalm 19:1, RSV-CE)
When we go to Mass here, we are reminded that the Creator who made the sea and the forest is the same God who comes to us in the Eucharist. That sense of closeness to nature deepens our awareness of God's majesty and our gratitude for His gifts.
A Parish Rooted in Prayer
But the heart of any church is not its setting – it is its prayer. Our Lady of Lourdes is a parish where prayer is central. The Rosary is prayed often, not just in private but as a community. Our liturgy is celebrated with reverence, and there is a quiet attentiveness in the congregation during Mass.
Prayer makes a parish alive. Jesus said:
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them."* (Matthew 18:20, RSV-CE)
This promise is lived out every week here. Whether at weekday Mass or Sunday celebrations, we gather not just as individuals but as a family of faith. And when the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in our church, Christ remains truly among us, making the parish a place of peace and refuge.
Our Patroness – Our Lady of Lourdes
It is no accident that our parish is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. The apparitions at Lourdes in 1858 remind us that God chooses the humble and the poor to reveal His glory. St Bernadette, a simple girl with no wealth or power, was chosen to see the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through her obedience, millions of pilgrims have been brought to healing, both physical and spiritual.
Having Our Lady of Lourdes as our patroness reminds us that our parish is also called to be a place of healing, welcome, and compassion. We are reminded that Mary is not distant but close, interceding for us with a mother's love. As she said at Cana:
"Do whatever he tells you."* (John 2:5, RSV-CE)
This is the guiding principle of our parish – to follow Christ at Mary's encouragement.
A Welcoming Community
One of the reasons why I think Our Lady of Lourdes in New Milton is the best parish is the warmth of its people. Many visitors remark on how welcome they feel the moment they step through the doors. This is no small thing. Hospitality is one of the greatest Christian virtues. St Paul urged:
*"Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."* (Romans 12:13, RSV-CE)
A church can be beautiful in architecture, but if the community is cold or distant, people will not feel at home. In New Milton, there is a genuine spirit of fellowship. Long-standing parishioners know each other well, but newcomers are embraced too. Tea and coffee after Mass, parish events, and simple conversations after services all weave together a family-like atmosphere.
A Parish That Lives the Faith
Our Lady of Lourdes is not just a place where Mass is celebrated; it is a parish where faith is lived out actively. Parishioners support charities, visit the sick, pray for the departed, and contribute generously to local causes. The faith here is not confined to Sunday but is carried into everyday life.
This echoes the command of St James:
*"So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead."* (James 2:17, RSV-CE)
What makes a parish "the best" is not only what happens inside the church building but also what radiates outward from it into the town. In this respect, Our Lady of Lourdes shines brightly.
A Church for All Ages and All Nations
Another beautiful aspect of our parish is its diversity. Children preparing for First Communion, young families, single people, the elderly, and those in care homes – all are part of the community.
The church embraces the full spectrum of human life and our parish is also blessed by the presence of people from many different nationalities and cultural backgrounds including R Rosary prayer sessions in Malayalam, among others. Each brings with them a rich heritage of faith, prayer, and devotion, which adds vibrancy to our common worship.
In this way, Our Lady of Lourdes truly reflects the Catholic (that is, universal) nature of the Church. Older parishioners share their wisdom and constancy of faith, while children bring joy and energy. Families from different nations stand together as one Body in Christ, showing that the Gospel is not bound by language or nationality but unites us all at the altar.
As St Paul reminds us:
"Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."* (1 Corinthians 12:27, RSV-CE)
This diversity ensures that the parish is not simply one generation deep, nor tied to one culture, but alive with continuity, richness, and hope.
Beauty in Worship
Though Our Lady of Lourdes in New Milton is not a cathedral, it has its own quiet beauty. The simplicity of the church, the presence of statues and candles, and the altar where Christ is made present in the Eucharist all speak of holiness.
The liturgy is celebrated with reverence. Music enriches the worship, not overpowering it but lifting hearts towards God. Every Sunday feels like a true encounter with the mystery of Christ.
A Church with a Mission
Our Lady of Lourdes is not content simply to exist. It has a mission – to witness to Christ in New Milton and beyond. This mission is lived through outreach, through prayer for the community, and through a readiness to engage with the needs of the world.
In the Acts of the Apostles, we hear of the early Christians:
"And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favour with all the people."* (Acts 2:46-47, RSV-CE)
In its own way, our parish continues that same pattern: prayer, fellowship, breaking of bread, and outreach.
Why I Think It Is the Best
So why, in the end, do I think Our Lady of Lourdes here in New Milton is the best parish?
Because it is rooted in prayer and the sacraments.
Because it has a patroness who inspires us towards healing and holiness.
Because it is surrounded by the beauty of creation – sea and forest.
Because it welcomes people with warmth.
Because it lives the Catholic faith actively in the community.
Because it is truly a family of God, united in Christ – with parishioners of many nations and all ages.
Every parish is a treasure. But this parish has a special character shaped by its people and its location. For those of us blessed to belong here, it really is "the best."
A Call to Gratitude
If you are reading this and belong to another parish, be grateful for your church too.
Every parish is a gift, and every Catholic community is part of the great tapestry of the Church universal. But for those of us in New Milton, Our Lady of Lourdes is where heaven touches earth in a special way – week by week, Mass by Mass, prayer by prayer.
As St Paul wrote to the Thessalonians:
"We give thanks to God always for you all, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."*
(1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, RSV-CE)
That same spirit of thanksgiving fills our hearts for our parish.
A Prayer for the rest of the week for all who read this blog post and all who never will
Loving Father,
we thank You for the gift of the Church,
and for every parish where Your children gather.
We give You thanks especially for Our Lady of Lourdes in New Milton –
for its setting near sea and forest,
for its patroness Mary who points us to Jesus,
for its people who welcome and pray,
and for its mission to live and proclaim the Gospel.
Bless all who belong to this parish,
all who visit it,
and all who pass through New Milton.
May they encounter Christ in our midst,
and may our parish always shine as a light of faith, hope, and love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, New Milton
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