Both the church and school hold huge historical and emotional significance for the Celtic Family. In 1892, five years after his leading role in the formation of Celtic Football Club, the Marist Order moved Brother Walfrid from Glasgow, to the Whitechapel area of London’s East End.

Over the next 15 years, as Head Teacher at St Anne’s Primary, Brother Walfrid transformed the school and also established local boys’ clubs and a project to provide meals to the poor in the local community.

“So quickly off the back of the pandemic has passed, we are now experiencing another crisis.  High inflation and the consequences of a war that have left deep marks, not only on the battlefield, but throughout the world, especially affecting the most in need.

“Therefore, we would like to kindly thank you for your donations, giving us the possibility to help needy families, who are still in difficult financial situations.

“God bless your generosity.”

Father Patrick Longo Francischini, St Anne’s Church

“The money donated to St Anne’s Primary from the Christmas Appeal has made so many children very happy.

“It has helped us to provide a pantomime and Christmas party in the school for the children and also assist some of the families who are struggling most with supermarket vouchers to make things a little easier.

“Thank you so much to Celtic FC Foundation for bringing smiles to so many children and for continuing the legacy of Brother Walfrid in East London.”

Sheila Mouna, St Anne’s Primary