The Trustees and Board of Governors decided that the completion of the great work of the Missionary Institute London merited a “Celebratory Closure”.  It could not be allowed to come to an end without a formal celebration and thanksgiving for all that had been achieved here over the years.

When informed of the closure decision, Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor wrote, “Naturally I am very sorry about the closure of the MIL but I am so grateful to God for all the great work that has been done at the Missionary Institute London during the past forty years.  The Institute has had an excellent reputation within the Church in Britain and beyond.  So you have my warmest thanks and that of all the Bishops for a work well done and our prayer for the Founding Societies as they consider their pastoral activities at this time.”  The Cardinal agreed to be the main celebrant at the Thanksgiving Mass to mark the closure and completion of the work of the Missionary Institute.

After the normal conclusion of the last academic year on June 15, two weeks later on June 29, there was a celebration of thanksgiving for the forty years of the history of the MIL, for all the missionaries and pastoral agents who received their theological formation here and for all the precious contribution and support given by the teaching and administrative and support, rectors, superiors and friends, without forgetting the fruitful collaboration with the two Universities of Leuven and Middlesex.

The Celebratory Closing took place in the late afternoon on 29 June 2007.  It started at 4.00 p.m. with a special lecture given by Fr. Aylward Shorter, M.Afr. on Mission: THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE, focussing particularly on the Missionary Institute and the demands of the time for formation.

The Concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving was presided by the Auxiliary Bishop of Westminister, Rt Rev George Stack.  The Cardinal sent his apologies due to an unavoidable engagement.  The General Superior of the Mill Hill Missinaries, Fr. Anthony Chantry MHM gave the homily. The Mass was followed by a reception in the grounds of the Institute.

At this celebration a book written by Fr. Aylward Shorter entitled “An Achievement without Parallel – A History of the Missionary Institute London” was launched.  It is really an absorbing read, particularly for all who have either lectured or studied there.