The uniqueness of London's Rosary Shrine lies in its fourteen Rosary Chapels; the first church in the world to have distinct chapels and altars for every mystery of the Rosary when it was built in 1883. 

These chapels are all in need of some care and expert restoration, and we're hoping to have them cleaned, stonework repaired, and restored one at a time. Holy Mass is celebrated at these altars occasionally, and these chapels are the used prayerfully during our weekly stational Rosary, Friday livestreamed Rosary, and monthly Rosary processions.  

Recently, we had professionals come in to restore the 3rd Joyful Mystery Chapel of the Nativity of Christ. The gold paint in this chapel had faded over the years, and the floor was deeply stained and a layer of dirt and varnish obscured its beauty. Do look at the photos in the gallery - amazing to see the contrast in the floor, for example!

So, we had the stone cleaned, and the highlights were regilded with true gold, and the floor was scrubbed clean again. This chapel now shines in elegant beauty so that, as St Ambrose says: "Thy cradle here shall glitter bright, and darkness breathe a newer light." The statue of the Christ Child is resplendent with golden rays, and we believe that the restored beauty of the Nativity chapel will encourage many people who will come here this Christmas to pray to Christ, the Light of the world, especially in these dark and difficult times. 

This Nativity chapel is a focal point every Christmas with a memorial Christmas tree erected inside to remember our families and loved ones who have died, which is why in 2020 we wanted to beautify this chapel once more. Moreover, because of Covid restrictions, we will not be allowed to erect the Nativity scene as usual. Therefore, it is all the more important that this chapel become the focus of our Christmas devotions this year. The restoration of the chapel has enabled us to highlight the beautiful and intimate Nativity scene of the Holy Family in this chapel, sculpted in stone over the Altar. We've included photos in the gallery which you can scroll through to see the improvements, and a photo of the chapel by candlelight.

This Advent and Christmastide, we appeal to you to give something beautiful to the Christ Child, and to the parishioners and pilgrims who visit the Rosary Shrine. Make a donation to help us pay for the restoration of this chapel: maybe something in memory of your family or loved one; something in honour of the Holy Family or the Infant Jesus. Thank you, and may the Christ Child bless you and your homes during this holy season.