The Official Newspaper to the Diocese of Lancaster Issue 293 + October 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk FREE INSIDE: p08 Marian in Malawi p12 Papists & Prejudice That’s what we are without God in our lives! Nothing!

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2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Contact us The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published on the last Sunday of the month previous to publication date. The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published by its owners. The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lancaster, a registered charity, (No. 234331), and is wholly independent of and separate from any previous newspaper published by or on behalf of the diocese. EDITOR: Edwina Gillett 01253 736630 / 07969 967268 edwinagillett@hotmail.co.uk www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk ADVERTISING: Caroline Gonella / CathCom Ltd. 01440 730399 / 07931 836926 carolineg@cathcom.org www.cathcom.org DESIGN & LAYOUT: Rob Hotchkiss / Hot Creative 01253 730343 rob@hot-creative.co.uk www.hot-creative.co.uk PUBLISHED BY: CathCom Ltd. N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Blois Road, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 7BN 020 7112 6710 / www.cathcom.org Articles to: voicenews@hotmail.co.uk Letters to: voiceletters@hotmail.co.uk Postal Address: FAO Edwina Gillett 99 Commonside, Ansdell, Lytham St. Annes FY8 4DJ Please send articles for publication on CD or by email, supplying any photos separate to the text (i.e. in jpeg format). Otherwise please type double spacing or write very clearly. Last date for copy is the LAST DAY of the month prior to publication. Photographs will be returned if you remember to put your name and address on the back of each and enclose suitable stamped and self-addressed packaging. We must however remember that devotion to our Blessed Lady is incomplete if St Joseph is forgotten. In our times, more than ever we must ask the intercession of St Joseph who is given so many great titles by the Church, he is Patron of the Universal Church, pillar of families, patron of the dying and protector of the Church. St Joseph’s, quiet but often forgotten role is a wonderful example of humility in accepting the will of God when he could so easily have said no. May St Joseph be an example to all of us, to submit humbly to the will of God and to trust that God will provide. Pope Francis says this of St Joseph and let this be the reason for our renewed devotion to St Joseph and Our Lady in this month of the rosary “Do not lose hope, St Joseph also experienced moments of difficulty, but he never lost faith and was able to overcome them, in the certainty that God never abandons us.” In a society, where we experience the breakdown of family life and the loss of a spiritual fatherhood; manifest in the declining number of priests, the Church calls upon the intercession and example of St Joseph that once more the Church and in particular the family will be built up for the service and love of God. So, let this be our prayer and our hope that we in the Church look to the Holy Family especially in this month of the rosary, that family life may be strengthened and families once more pray together. We also pray that young men may respond generously to the call of the Lord to the priesthood especially in this our Diocese of Lancaster, and that parents may support their children in whatever the Lord asks of them. EDITORIAL A s we enter the month of October, a time dedicated to Our Lady as a month of the rosary, the Catholic Voice would like to encourage the faithful to use this time to strengthen our devotion to Our Lady, and to pray for the needs of the Church and for all people throughout the world. Pope Francis says of this great devotion “The rosary is a school of prayer. The rosary is a school of faith.” The rosary not only brings us closer to Our Lady as we ask her intercession, it also brings us closer to her son Our Lord through our praying of each mystery and meditating on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Let us take hope therefore that when we pray the rosary and draw closer to Our Lord and Our Lady, the difficulties we face in our daily lives may ease, to quote Pope Francis “Mary joins us, she fights at our side. She supports Christians in the fight against the forces of evil. Especially through prayer, through the rosary. Hear me out…. Do you pray the rosary each day?” Great things can be achieved if we pray the rosary daily and devoutly. We remember especially in this month the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, or Our Lady of Victory. The origins of the feast came about after Pope St Pius V asked the whole of Europe to pray the rosary for the protection of Europe, the result being the defeat of the Ottoman fleet at the Battle of Lepanto. Despite being at a material disadvantage, through prayer and a strong faith the Lord provided for His people, especially though the intercession of our most Blessed Mother.

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October 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Come rain or shine! Lourdes 2017 “ The Almighty has done great things for me. ” R ead all about the Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes and view more photographs on Pages 10 and 11. To advertise please contact Caroline on 01440 730399/ 07931 836926 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org Able Wills Professional Will Writers & Estate Planners Have you been meaning to make a Will but never got round to it? Do you own property? Are your children under 18? Are you worried about nursing home fees? Might your estate be liable to Inheritance Tax? If the answer to any of the above is “Yes” then we can help. Specialists for: Wills and Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney, Property & Discretionary Trusts, Funeral Plans Call Malcolm Nightingale For a FREE home visit. 01539 737400 7, Windermere Road, Kendal

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NEW Meaning and Purpose for this Generation www.castleriggmanor.co.uk OVER 4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk B ig changes at Castlerigg these past few months once again! In July we said goodbye to the 2016/17 youth team. A huge thank you to Alex, Alice, Sarah, Andy and Paul, who have given so much of themselves, in order to lead young people closer to Christ and His Church over this past year. Please continue to keep them in your prayers, as they move on to new jobs and to University. Mid-August saw the departure of Bridget, one of our Retreat Leaders, and we have welcomed in her place Narquita. Mid- August also brought us our new youth team for the year! We have welcomed Brendan, Cleaophas, Ella, Hannah, Katie, Marieanne, Matthew, Megan and Paris. They will assist in all areas of life at Castlerigg, from retreat work, hospitality in the centre, community life and our outreach work in schools. Please keep them and all the staff at Castlerigg Manor in your continued prayers! They will be introducing themselves in these pages over the coming months. I `ve got to admit - these were not words I ever expected to hear from my new, non-Catholic friend at uni. Before starting university, I was most nervous about how I would practice my faith `on my own` - without the support of my family and parish back home. I knew from the start that I would never hide my faith, but at the same time was worried about how people would react. Looking back a year later, I have absolutely no idea why I was so nervous! During my first year, I have been blessed with so many amazing opportunities to strengthen my faith and, through my university`s Catholic Society and Christian Union, I have made so many wonderful friends who have similar morals to myself and who are able to encourage me in my faith. Additionally, events such as the CaSSU (Catholic Societies of Southern Universities) Autumn retreat, Flame, Leeds Youth 2000, Celebrate, and many others have helped me grow my faith and make many Catholic friends in the process. When I have been away on retreat, I was always open with the girls I lived BEING A YOUNG CATHOLIC TODAY ++++ with about where I had been for the weekend. They would always ask me questions and were always eager to hear about what I`d been up to. My post-retreat faith `buzz` really opened me up to their questions, and it was great that they showed such an interest. This definitely made it a lot easier to be open about my faith. With my first year at university over, I realise that there has never been a moment when I felt that I was practicing my faith `on my own` . The friendships I have made this year with both Catholics and non-Catholics alike have made me more confident in my faith and more open to sharing it with others. So yes... Being a Catholic is cool! Anna, 19, Preston +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If you are starting university this autumn, check out www.catholicsatuniversity.org.uk for more information about your chaplaincy and university life. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Being a Catholic seems so cool. Castlerigg Team

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October 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk I was on a train recently, chatting with the person next to me, and he asked me what I did for work. When I told him I was a school chaplain his face was priceless. We got talking about it, and he said to me ‘is it not a bit like flogging a dead horse, like surely no-one is interested in that kind of thing now?’ I told him absolutely not. You`d be surprised how many students have a real and genuine thirst for faith. Some students ask really deep questions and others just want to talk about FIFA (the computer game) . FIFA and faith aren`t always heard together in the same sentence but you would be surprised how many conversations about faith have begun with talk of FIFA career mode! I have said for as long as I`ve been in the job, that chaplaincy wouldn`t be possible without one thing. And that thing is relationships. You have to have a relationship with Jesus, the staff and the students. Otherwise the job is impossible! I find just chatting about anything, from playing FIFA on the Xbox to going shopping for new clothes, often leads to a conversation about faith, and even if it doesn`t, just listening to the students, giving them an outlet and being there for them is often enough. It`s our actions that speak most about the Gospel, not necessarily what we say. Being a chaplain in school is an incredibly privileged position, as there is so much freedom to just have very real conversations with students about anything and everything. It`s through these conversations that we can talk about faith, prayer, and introduce them to Jesus. What an honour that is. Richard Teasdale, 24, Whitehaven A fter loving it so much last year, to say that I was really excited for Walsingham Youth 2000 this year is quite an understatement! And it certainly did not disappoint... Five days and four nights were spent, essentially, in various sizes of tents in a massive field with our wonderful God and the most amazing group of young Catholics. After having such a busy summer, I really needed time to refocus on my relationship with God, and I can`t begin to describe the impact this has had already! Being able to strengthen current friendships, as well as meeting so many new friends was definitely one of the highlights of the retreat. Having so many open and honest discussions about our faith, and various teachings of the Church helped me to really grow in faith, and strengthened those friendships. Being in a safe space to discuss potentially controversial topics with fellow young Catholics was something I found hugely beneficial. My ultimate highlight of the festival was the final night. After all the graces and blessings we had received, we had an evening of praise and worship where we glorified God and heard testimonies of how He had moved in others during the retreat. There was a point in the evening, when I was really praising God during one of the songs, and I felt something `click` within me. I felt like a huge weight was lifted off me and was filled with so much joy! My heart was just so open to God, and I could really feel Him speaking to me during that time. Whatever stage you`re at in your faith journey, I really encourage you to attend one of the Youth 2000 retreats either during this year, or to come to Walsingham next year. It will deepen your faith, and change your life in the process. (And don`t worry about the camping, it`s actually alright!) Anna I went to Youth 2000 for the first time this summer. I was expecting it to be a vibrant festival, where I could make new friends and experience God through the Mass, listening to speakers and spending time with others. I have no words to describe how touched I was this weekend and how incredible the whole experience was! I learnt so much about the Catholic Church and its teachings through the speakers. We danced, sang and praised God with uplifting music! It was a place where I could discuss God and all his wonderful works and miracles with anyone I spoke to. It was also amazing to see so many priests, brothers and sisters, and I was in awe of all those who were living their vocations chosen by Our Lord for them. I totally lost track of time as I embraced the activities of the weekend and enjoyed the company of God and my friends. I could truly see the joy and peace of Christ emanating from every person there and nothing could take away the smile on my face and the peace in my heart! Previously, I hadn`t been to Youth 2000 because I am not the biggest fan of camping, but I am now planning to go every single year because the many encounters with Jesus Christ over those 5 days have given me a new joy and happiness and I already can`t wait for next year! Nisha Youth 2000 – Walsingham Sharing the Gospel at all times To advertise please contact Caroline on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org

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6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Y ear 4 `Leopards` class at St Bernard`s RC primary school in Lea, Preston raised £500 for Mary`s Meals. The children were very moved after watching `Child 31` so decided and took it upon themselves to fundraise for the charity. They held bake sales, organised raffles, sweet jars and hamper sales and one little boy, Charlie, even did a sponsored triathlon, in order to make as much money as possible. The class also gave up their break times to sell ice pops! The children said that it really upset them knowing that other children the same age as them didn`t even have one meal each day. A fantastic effort by the class who calculated that their fundraising will provide over 7000 meals for children in need. Kate Gregory Year 4 Class Teacher T he sun shone brightly down on Christ the King school in Preston last week for their first ever summer fete, which raised over £400 for the aid agency CAFOD. The day was a great success, and with a classic stalls such as ‘Splat the Rat’ and a coconut shy plus plenty of home-made tasty treats such as samosas and cakes, visitors were not short of things to enjoy. Students and members of the community were queuing up to get beautiful henna designs on their hands, have their fortune told and, of course, to have a go on the bouncy castle! The event was entirely organised by the school council, who decided themselves that they would like to raise money for CAFOD. Evelina, a pupil who is on the school coun cil, said: “We really worked as a team to make this event, and we chose CAFOD as it’s a great cause. “It’s our first summer fair and we’re really happy as quite a few people have turned up!” Aaminah, a pupil who also sits on the council, said: “We’re all really happy with how it’s gone, and are proud to be supporting CAFOD. “We just think it’s really nice to look out for others. It’s a great cause and by doing this, we’ll help people all over the world.” Damien Callagher, head teacher at Christ the King, said: “The work that we do for charity is at the heart of our school. I’m so proud of the student council for the work they’ve put in to this event, and it’s great to be able to engage with the community in this way.” Send us your letters: Write to: The Editor, 99, Commonside, Ansdell, Lytham St. Annes, FY8 4DJ. Email to: voiceletters@hotmail.co.uk • Please keep your letters concise (max 300 words), • Include your full name and address • Letters should not include any personal criticism or attacks • The editor reserves the right to: - amend or shorten letters or to refuse to publish them (no correspondence to discuss decisions taken will be entered into) - publish a response if deemed appropriate Your Letters Children helped by Children! Summer Fete, in aid of

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October 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk A t the age of 45, David had spent almost half of his life in prison. With no support network David was anxious of falling back into old habits. He met with a Pact Worker whilst in prison who set him up with a group of volunteer mentors, motivated by their faith, who could offer him practical and emotional support for the first crucial months after release. This gave David immense hope, helped him find his feet, resettle back into the community and build a life. Thousands of men like David leave prison every day, many of whom are homeless with no support network. They are often some of the most marginalised people in society; and yet most in need of hope for a fresh We Press on – together- In Hope - Support Pact start. Without support, men like David may not have the chance to get back on the right road. On October 8th we mark Prisoners’ Sunday, the national day of prayer and action for prisoners and their dependants. Our theme, ‘We Press on –together- in Hope’ , recognises the vital role we all play in coming together, as a Catholic community working to bring light and a fresh start to people affected by imprisonment. We ask you to put your faith into action and help us to support more people like David. More information is available at: www.prisonadvice.org.uk Parish.Action@prisonadvice.org.uk 020 7735 9535 “My upbringing was very dysfunctional; at the age of ten I found drink and drugs. I’m a person who has spent nineteen years of my life in prison and Pact support gave me hope, not only to stay out of prison but to help me find meaning in my life.It helped me when I had no food, no travel, and no job. The mentoring service has built my self- confidence, has given me a life worth leading and given me a future.” David, User of Pact services WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE SCHOOLS ON THIS PAGE FOR SUPPORTING THE PAPER To book your School advert contact Caroline on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@cathcom.org ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY St. Walburga’s Road, Blackpool, FY3 7EQ Headteacher: Mr Simon Eccles Tel: 01253 396286 Email: admin@st-mary.blackpool.sch.uk Our Lady’s Catholic High School St Anthony’s Drive, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire PR2 3SQ Headteacher: Mr Nigel Ranson Tel: 01772 326900 Email: admin@olchs.lancs.sch.uk Web: http://www.olchs.lancs.sch.uk Thinking of becoming a teacher? The Preston based Catholic Teaching Alliance (CTA) is a partnership between 56 Catholic primary and secondary schools and post-16 colleges led by Our Lady’s Catholic High School with a shared vision and commitment to providing first class, professional development for trainee teachers, practising teachers and school leaders. Contact: 01772 326931 Email: CTAschooldirect@olchs.lancs.sch.uk Space Available to book for your School contact Caroline on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@cathcom.org Alston Lane Catholic Primary School and Nursery Preston Rd, Longridge, Preston, Lancs PR3 3BJ Headteacher: Mr M FitzGibbon Tel: 01772 783661 Email: bursar@alstonlane.lancs.sch.uk Website: www.alston.lancsngfl.ac.uk Our Open Day this year will be Monday 16th October Parents are welcome to drop in for a look around the school at any time from 9.30 am.

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8 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk E arlier this year, Kendal parishioner, Marian Kearney spent an amazing month volunteering within an impoverished rural community, Sitima, in southern Malawi. She supported the work of Network for a Better World (www.n4bw.org.uk). N4BW is particularly keen on not developing dependency but is committed to working in partnership with other organisations to act as a catalyst in getting the Sitima villagers activated and in a better position to ensure positive and sustainable livelihoods. This process is taking a lot of time and effort and N4BW is constantly looking at ways of supporting economic development. One recent income generation project has been in the development of a solar powered irrigation project enabling 35 families to grow crops which they sell for cash during the dry season. Marian however focussed on women during her time there developing a women’s personal health project. On her return, Marian penned a letter to the people of Sitima expressing her gratitude. “As I have spent a few days in England reflecting on my recent experiences in Sitima l should like to offer a most sincere thank you to everyone I met for your contributions to making my stay such a happy one and in enriching my life overall. You reminded me of many niceties in life especially in the way you took time to genuinely greet each other whenever you met. I practised this in Kendal today and it took me a long time to get around the shops! You taught me patience, focussing on the moment and not always jumping to the next thing on the list. You helped me to think consciously about how just by living in many parts of the world you can be held back from fulfilling dreams and achieving potential - a lack of healthcare facilities, no electricity, no running water, disease and illness, limited schooling opportunities, difficult climate conditions, no roads and no local transport…. the list goes on. To the villagers– never before have I received such a welcome. From the moment I arrived, you made me feel totally at home, comfortable with everything around me. You welcomed me into your homes and community, you shared your food with me, and most importantly you gave me your time. You managed to get on with your everyday life without all the trappings that I think of as normal. You had no electricity or running water yet never did I hear a complaint about the efforts you went through day in day out to collect firewood from wherever you could get it and water from the pump in the village. Strangely the one really funny related story I heard was about the elderly woman who having bought a solar lamp is now complaining of being tired as she stays up later as she has light! To the Women’s Choir – working with you on the feminine hygiene kits was both fun and humbling. As a group, you looked after each other so well, you didn’t judge, Marian in Malawi you just helped each other whenever the need arose, teaching each other to sew and to draw around templates and evenly and fairly sharing out with each other the limited resources. You sang beautifully as you created the kits and you were even polite and you didn’t laugh as I joined in the dances with you! You were very focussed on the task in hand and it was an absolute delight to watch you all walk off with your finished kits. I wish I had been better able to converse directly with you, but I promise you that on my next visit I will have a little more Chichewa. To the ladies at the irrigation plot – how you worked in such conditions I will never know. The sun was shining, the soil rock hard, you had no shoes, yet you swung those heavy hoes to create beautifully turned soil in perfect drills. I guess by now the fertiliser has been applied and some of the crops are sown. I am delighted that you are getting training in agricultural practices, budgeting and literacy. I wish you luck as your fertile farms benefit from the irrigation system and finally you will be able to sell some crops for income. To the children – thank you for your constant smiles and enthusiasm for life. You were always so very cheerful, you had no toys, so very few clothes, often very little food yet you could always smile. Visiting some of you in school was a privilege. I wish your eagerness to learn and willingness to grasp every opportunity could rub off on some of our young people over here. You were attending school, which like your homes had no energy, yet you still turned up, many of you having walked for more than an hour, to be taught in dark, overcrowded classrooms, with chalkboards being the major teaching aid. I loved watching your play specifically written by students for World Malaria Day; it really made me think of the fairly devastating impact malaria has on you and your families. Outside of school I loved to watch your creativity, sometimes playing Bao, but instead of using a boar d you hol lowed out shapes in the sand and used stones as counters, I smiled when I saw you using empty flour bags as dressing up clothes, singing and dancing at every opportunity and always looking after each other, particularly the toddlers, who always wanted to be with you. To everyone I once more say Zikomo” (thank you) Marian, so moved by the experience, has now secured a 12 month placement back in Sitima working directly for N4BW but backed through VMM (Voluntary Mission Movement) www.vmminternational.org In this role she will be working with primary and secondary schools, supporting head teachers with their planning, organisation, and school development plans, teachers with their teaching and delivery and children with their learning as well as setting up community based educational programmes. If you want to follow Marian’s endeavours, click on to her blog: mariankearney.wixsite.com/malawi

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October 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk

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10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk A fter much organisation and preparation throughout the year, the Diocese of Lancaster Annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes was once again upon us. Manchester Airport and friends old and new were once again chatting away as if it had been only yesterday since they last saw each other! ‘The Diocese of Lancaster Lourdes Family’ ! It never ceases to amaze me how quickly and easily those who have never been to Lourdes before feel they belong. Pilgrims were welcomed with a smile, a friendly face and an efficient service which ensured a smooth transfer from the airport in Manchester to their hotels in Lourdes, and once again on their return. The Youth Section set off for Lourdes a couple of days ahead of the main pilgrimage group. We travelled by coach, accompanied by Fr Daniel Etienne and Sr Florence, sailing through the night and spending time together on the journey brought us together as a team and really added to the sense of pilgrimage. When the main pilgrimage arrived on the Friday, we were ready and waiting in Lourdes, and able to help the other pilgrims move into the hotel. Service was the focus for the youth section in Lourdes, and in particularly assisting the less able pilgrims. This included pushing wheelchairs to the pilgrimage events and in processions, helping others to get around the hotel and to meals, and simply spending time with others and sharing stories with each other. Our service of others, though, was also routed in the development of our faith, and we had regular periods of catechesis to accompany our participation in all the other element of the pilgrimage. Getting to know the VIPs (less able pilgrims) , and the appreciation that they expressed for the time we spent with them was the highlight of the pilgrimage. Experiencing the sense of unity with so many other pilgrims from other dioceses and around the world was a huge thing for us. Saturday: Our ‘Welcome Mass’ was held in the Rosary Basilica with some 250+ pilgrims in attendance. The large organ in the Basilica blasted out with such power and grandeur thanks to Jackie Scot, our pilgrimage organist. This was truly a glorious start to our pilgrimage. We then posed and smiled for our Diocesan Photograph, exactly 90 years since the then newly founded Diocese of Lancaster stood in that very same spot, for its 1927 first Pilgrimage to Lourdes photo. (Incidentally, the photo was taken by the same company Lacaze). Sunday: The International Mass as always is such an amazing experience. To witness the Bishops, Cardinals and Priests in procession in such great numbers is certainly a sight to see. In the afternoon was our Reconciliation Service in which all members of the clergy were available to hear confession for all our pilgrims and volunteers. The young people of the Diocese provided the music and created a beautiful ambience as pilgrims took part in the service. Many pilgrims find this a very emotional moment in their week and a good opportunity to offload any worries or burdens that they have carried with them here to Lourdes. Monday: There is no better way to begin a day in Lourdes than with Mass at the Grotto. We shared the Mass with the Welsh Nationals and I am sure many will agree that this Mass is the highlight of our pilgrimage week. We are blessed to have the opportunity to celebrate in this special place in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Bernadette. Following the Mass there was an opportunity for those sick pilgrims who wished to go into the Baths to do so. Later that day Lancaster Diocese took part in the Blessed Sacrament Adoration. Unfortunately, due to torrential Our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2017 – 90th Anniversary Year ‘The Almighty has done great things for me!’ Boarbank Hall Contact: Sr Ildikó Boarbank Hall, Grange over Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7NH Telephone: 015395 32288 Website: www.boarbankhall.org.uk Canonesses of St Augustine of the Mercy of Jesus “She who accepts the common life possesses God” St Augustine A Warm Welcome to Everyone Prayer Community Hospitality Care of the poor and sick SELF STORAGE Secure Units Available Sizes To Suit All Needs Competitive Rates From as little as £5 per week Open 7 Days Also Caravan/Car/Boat Storage Curly Tail Storage, Park Lane, Forton Tel: 01524 791837 www.curlytailstorage.co.uk Church Pews Uncomfortable? Why not try top quality upholstered foam pew cushions? Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail When phoning please quote MV101 Relive the experience of Lourdes FOR SALE - 4 WONDERFUL DVD’S OF LOURDES The Candlelight Procession The Bernadette Story; The Cathedral in the Trees; Mass at the Grotto, (the Birmingham Group); the River Gave (2011 floods); the underground Basilica; group photos. Coach trip to the Pyrenees, including St. Savin church and history, Napoleon Bridge and Gavarnie. More details and pictures are available on all four films on request. DVD’s cost £6.00 each inc. p&p. Special offer no’s Mass at the Grotto and Coach Trip together for £8.75 Special offer - big film of Lourdes trip from 2014, 85 minutes long for £8.75. Contact - John Cawsey johnlindencawsey@gmail.com 01803 854554 Rose Cottage, 34 Overgang, Brixham, TQ5 8AP

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October 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk rain there was no procession, however this in no way affected the atmosphere and stillness of sitting before Our Lord. Tuesday: The Mass of Anointing and an opportunity for those pilgrims who are gravely sick in mind or body to receive this special grace in this wonderful place where Our Lady revealed the healing waters of the spring to Bernadette in the Grotto. Following Mass there was an opportunity for those wishing to do so, to go to the Lac de Lourdes for some time out and fun. This is always a wonderful relaxing day. The sick and elderly just love to watch the young people jumping and swimming in the lake! In the evening, Holy Hour was held in the Upper Basilica with another opportunity for confessions, and at the same time a Holy Hour held in the Hotel Eliseo for those less able bodied. Wednesday: A Mass for Vocations and newly ordained Fr Daniel Etienne gave a wonderful Homily on Vocations. In the evening, we once again gathered as a pilgrimage family to take part in one of the highlights of our week, the Marian Torchlight Procession. This is always a beautiful event and it is fantastic to see the look of wonder that appears on the faces of pilgrims who are experiencing the procession for the first time, as they look upon the thousands of candles processing down the esplanade to honour Our Lady. Four of our Nurses/carers were privileged to be invited to bear the ‘Lumieres autour de la statue’ (carriers of the torches accompanying the Blessed Virgin Mary Statue) . They remarked that it was truly a great honour that they had been invited to do so and that the memory and experience will remain with them forever. Thursday: Our Farewell Mass, as always is celebrated with a touch of sadness - our week here in this wonderful place had come to an end. Bishop Michael Campbell OSA thanked everyone for their commitment and dedication in giving service to the pilgrimage. A presentation was made to Mr Chris Hocking who had retired from the role of President of the Hospitalite. Chris was thanked for all he had done over many years of service to the pilgrimage. In the evening there was an opportunity to say goodbye to friends old and new at our Farewell Reception……. until next year! The week always flies by so very quickly, and this year was no exception. Our 2017 pilgrimage had come to an end, but the friendships we made that week and in previous years will remain for many years to come. We are a pilgrimage family and that sense of community and family values was especially evident during the week. And so with heavy hearts we said farewell. We thanked Our Lady for her blessings bestowed on us during the week. We give special thanks to Bishop Michael Campbell OSA for leading us through a holy and spiritually uplifting pilgrimage and to all priests who joined us this year. Thank you to all our volunteers: Our Medical Team (nurses, carers, pilgrim support) , Brancardier Team, and our wonderful Youth Team (team leaders & all the young people) . Everyone worked tirelessly throughout the week to ensure that all our pilgrims, especially the sick had a wonderful, memorable pilgrimage. Their commitment and care for our pilgrims is obvious in all that they do and this is very much appreciated by our pilgrimage family as a whole. Thank you to all our musicians who uplifted our liturgy with music and singing. Finally, to all pilgrims who contributed to making the pilgrimage such a wonderful, unforgettable experience. ‘The Almighty has done great things for me!’ Linda Wisdom, Director of Operations NEXT YEAR’S DATES: 20th – 27th July 2018 Theme 2018: “Whatever he says to you, do it” Brochures / Booking forms are available from November 2017. WILLIAM HOUGHTON FUNERAL DIRECTORS An Independent Catholic Family Firm Serving our community for over 100 years 259 Garstang Road, Fulwood, PR2 9XL Tel: 01772 788020 www.williamhoughtonfunerals.co.uk Martin`s The Funeral Directors 188, Tulketh Brow, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston 1, Stonebridge Parade, Preston Road, Longridge Tel. 01772-733007 or 01772-782121 Proprietor W. Martin Wootton Dedicated and Blessed Chapels of Rest Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans The complete funeral service from a private family owned and run firm

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12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk T he first circumstance which put Catholics outside the accepted circle of Englishness was Henry VIII declaring the independence of the English Church from Rome. It was in the reign of Elizabeth that the estrangement was accentuated. She had been brought up a Protestant but was more comfortable with Catholics than with the extreme Protestants, the Puritans. A series of coincidences caused her to lose trust in her Catholic subjects. The Rising of the Northern Earls, requesting the restoration of Catholicism, took place in 1569. In 1570, badly advised by English exiles, Pope St Pius V absolved her subjects from allegiance to the Queen. In 1568 Mary, Queen of Scots, a Catholic, took refuge in England. She was heir to the throne of England. It was almost an open invitation to Catholic dissidents to engineer the replacement of Elizabeth by Mary. There were two Catholic plots and Mary’s acquiescence occasioned Elizabeth’s reluctant agreement to her execution. The Act of Uniformity imposed the Book of Common Prayer. The Mass was banished to private houses and supplied by priests ordained abroad. This became a problem for the government. Not only was the restoration of Catholicism one of the aims of the Spanish invasion but our colleges abroad were heavily subsidised by the King of Spain. Priests ordained there and coming into England were presumed to be engaged in spying and, when Papists caught, were put to death as traitors. Actually the Catholic body was just as anxious to oppose the invasion as anyone else but their help was refused. They were not to be trusted. The next step was the fatal one. Elizabeth was succeeded by James I, who, though Protestant, was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots. Catholics, bearing the burden of fines for non-attendance at church, were hoping for some relief and James, at first, seemed sympathetic. When he arrived in London and took stock, the contribution of fines to his exchequer were too valuable an item for him to relinquish. The disappointment fired a madcap reaction among a small group of young Catholics - the Gunpowder Plot. We are now so familiar with terrorist attacks on innocent people in our cities that we can judge the enormity of what was being planned - the elimination by death or injury of the whole establishment - the royal family together with all members of both Houses of Parliament. The impact on the nation still reverberates - Remember, remember, the 5th of November! The prejudice generated against Catholics was operative several times later in the century. The great fire of London in 1666 which began accidentally in a baker’s shop was blamed on the Catholics and a plaque to that effect was erected. In 1679 Titus Oates, an unsavoury character, believing he had been snubbed by Catholics, invented a plot by them to kill the king. With the negative attitude towards Catholics which then prevailed he was Prejudice &

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October 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk believed and twenty innocent men had been put to death before his lies were uncover ed. The king’s brother, the Duke of York, was a Catholic and appointed to the Admiralty. Taking a pot at him Parliament passed the Test Act which meant that no Catholic could take public office, be a member of the armed forces, practice a profession or go up to university. When the Duke of York succeeded to the throne as James II the establishment revolted and Mary, a Protestant daughter of his, was brought in with William of Orange, her husband, being co-regent. A law was passed excluding Catholics from succession to the throne. In 1791, when the first Catholic Relief Act was passed anti-Catholic sentiment was so strong that the London mob rioted, looting and destroying buildings until after three days the Army was brought in to bring quiet to the streets. ‘Papist’ was a derogatory term used from the beginning of the Reformation in England for those who stood for continuity with the faith brought by Augustine from Rome. We are now respectable and accepted. It may be difficult to project our imaginations back to the days when, as a body, we had to face prejudice resulting from the actions of a few, but we should be the last to indulge in prejudice today against the Muslims living among us who themselves disown the misguided individuals claiming their own interpretation of religion to justify terrorism. Canon Thomas Dakin Who cares for our SICK AND RETIRED PRIESTS - Annual collection (last Sunday in October) - Donations and Legacies gratefully received Secretary: Rev. Peter Draper, St. Anthony’s, Cadley Causeway, Fulwood, Preston PR2 3RX Diocese of Lancaster Registered Charity number 234331

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14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk D evotion to Our Lady of Fernyhalgh goes back through the ages to the 11th century. Since the Reformation a devotion to Our Lady as Queen of Martyrs has developed, which is reflected at Ladyewell in the reliquary, the presence of the Burgess Altar and the chapel of the English Martyrs. There has never been an apparition of Our Blessed Lady at Fernyhalgh just continued prayer and petition over seven centuries. Even during penal times apart from a period of five years, the shrine attracted pilgrims and was the focus of local Catholic prayer. A secluded spot, only 4 miles from the centre of Preston and in close proximity to a very busy motorway, surrounded on three sides by ancient and protected woodland, Fernyhalgh has retained it tranquil and sylvan charm. Fernyhalgh is the Diocesan Shrine of Lancaster and encompasses the beautiful church of St Mary and Ladyewell House and grounds, which is the site of the well. The name Ladyewell, spelt originally Ladye Well, appears to have developed following the rebuilding of the present house in 1685. Local people tend to refer to Our Lady of Fernyhalgh, which is correct, but over the years the term Ladyewell has become used by those who visit particularly from away. ‘To Jesus through Mary’ is so relevant at the shrine where those who may have strayed from their Faith often find the courage with the help of Our Lady to benefit from the peace of the sacrament of Reconciliation, which is available on request. Each year the diocese meets to recite the Rosary and walk in procession with the Blessed Sacrament. This is an afternoon event in a tranquil setting and suitable for all ages. We look forward to seeing you there in 2018. S r Maria of the Bernardine Sisters, Hyning Monastery, Carnforth, celebrated her silver jubilee of her profession in July - Ad Multus Annos. Annual diocesan pilgrimage to Ladywell – July 2017 All photos courtesy of Bishop’s Blog ‘To Jesus through Mary’

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October 2017 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk How Do You Tune Into The Lord? “JERRY! JERRY! JERRY!” my then seventeen year old son chanted, along with the TV studio audience. “JERRY!” He was, of course, watching the Jerry Springer show. Television presenter, former lawyer, Democratic mayor of Cincinnati, news presenter, actor, and musician Jerry Springer remains well known for hosting his own chat show, which continues to be ever popular. In fact, the current trend of reality TV, docu-soaps and chat shows, command a huge proportion of air time on our televisions with soaring viewing figures. And there are so many of them. You name it – and there’s been a programme about it, whether it’s the Armed Forces, cookery, hairdressing, MI5, sugar or survival, or the really well-known ‘big guns’ such as ‘Big Brother’ or ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ . These days our screens seem to feature them all. Human Emotions Yet what does ‘Reality TV’ really mean? The Internet, as ever, provides us with the answer. It says: ‘Reality television is a genre of television programming that documents supposedly unscripted real-life situations, and often features an otherwise unknown cast of individuals who are typically not professional actors.’ These types of television programmes usually feature a whole range of human emotions. And in our own daily living, these so-called ‘real-life situations’ are also funny, emotional, humdrum, upsetting or angry, but more importantly they can also involve love. And without doubt, love makes the world go round. In fact a child first learns about love in the home. And where there is love, there is God – I’m sure most of us are familiar with the expression ‘God is love’ . Supreme Reality Our own personal realities involve our relationships with each other and with the Lord. And in these relationships our emotions are always engaged. But of course, the primary focus of Jesus’ reality was his Law of Love. There are many distractions in our world today but there are two things which will endure forever – love and the Lord Jesus Christ. Reality TV is cult entertainment for our time which we can tune into if we are so inclined. But we can be certain that Jesus Christ is the supreme reality for all time and he is readily available for us to ‘tune into’ whenever we want to. If Jesus were to appear on our screens today as a chat show guest, would you follow my son’s example, but instead enthusiastically shout: “JESUS, JESUS, JESUS!” ? Julia Beacroft is an author, editor and catechist who lives in Torquay, Devon. Her first book ‘Sanctifying the Spirit’ is now available to buy. Please visit www.sanciobooks.com for more information or order from AMAZON or www.waterstones.com Copyright © 2017 Julia Beacroft. All rights reserved. Reality Check by Julia Beacroft

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16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2017 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk I n June we were honoured to host Rise Theatre who spent an evening sharing some of their sketches with us here at St Wilfrid’s, Preston. The theme for the evening was ‘Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows’ (Matt 10:31) and we explored this through prayer, music, talks, testimony and of course short pieces of drama from Rise Theatre. Anyone who had never encountered Rise Theatre before was suitably impressed and surprised at their professionalism, creativity and ability to move and inspire. In the past Rise Theatre have performed two full-length plays in Preston which have both been extremely well received. You may remember ‘Soldier to Saint’ – the life story of Saint Alban brought to life in the gritty world of London 2030 where religious expression has been made illegal, and ‘White Rabbit’ – the A s this edition of the Catholic Voice hits the pews and finds its way in to the homes of Catholics around the diocese, 50 or 60 ‘Prestonians’ and others will be about to begin a great adventure of faith. From Sunday 1st to Saturday 7th October they will be participating in a week of guided prayer, a special kind of home-based retreat carried out in the midst of daily life. Each participant will be committing themselves to a half an hour of personal prayer each day and will have a daily meeting with an experienced prayer guide. There’ll be an opening meeting on the first Sunday and a closing meeting on the Saturday, so no one need feel they are engaging in this spiritual exploration all on their own. Quite the contrary, a sense of being part of a community at prayer will be to the fore. Centred on St Wilfrid’s and St Gregory’s and planned with the help of the Tabor team (how sad it is that Tabor now has closed) the week replicates a tried-and-tested way of helping people in their life of prayer. St Gregory’s has been holding such weeks most years since 2006. They have happened in the past at English Martyrs. Last year St Wilfrid’s held its first, first at least in recent years. Other places where such weeks have taken place in the Diocese include Lancaster University and there and elsewhere there have often been a strong magical tale of two world weary adults who dis cover what it means to dream and believe again. Rise Theatre is coming back to Preston this autumn with their brand new play which they will be performing in St Wilfrid’s Church! ‘Romero: Heartbeat of El Salvador’ looks at the life and legacy of a man who chose to challenge those in power and stand up for social justice. This is a brilliant opportunity to see this professional, Christian theatre company who have performed around the world right here on our doorstep. It promises to be an informative, enjoyable and inspiring evening so don’t miss out! Tickets are available from the Bookshop in St Wilfrid’s Parish Centre or from Joe and Ruth White of Metanoia Project team@metanoiaproject.co.uk 07957 566741. All welcome! PP – Praying Preston ecumenical dimension with participants and also prayer guides from different Christian denominations. The fruits of such an experience are probably as many and as varied as the participants but generally people finish the week grateful for having dis covered differ ent ways of praying, but above all grateful to have come to know Our Lord in a more personal way. Please say a prayer that the week goes well! Workshops to be held during the week – All welcome 7.30pm -9.00pm St Wilfrid’s Parish Centre, PR1 8BU. Tuesday 3rd October – Ways of praying and Imaginative Contemplation – Stephen Hoyland Wednesday 4th October – The Examen Prayer and Discernment – Stephen Hoyland Thursday 5th October – Prayer and meditation using biblical themes through art (part 1) – Fr Geoff Wheaton SJ Friday 6th October - Prayer and meditation using biblical themes through art (part 2) – Fr Geoff Wheaton SJ Complete pest control solutions call Serving Churches, Schools, Commercial and Domestic Sector. If you have worked for the Diocese and wish to be included in this section, please contact Caroline on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399or email carolineg@cathcom.org DIOCESAN SUPPLIERS School building work and refurbishment/ conversion, building and joinery work, extensions, alterations & repairs, loft conversions, replacement doors and windows Builders Yard, 66 Marsden Street, Kirkham, Preston PR4 2TH Tel: (01772) 684489 Fax: (01772) 671486 email: admin@jeharrison.co.uk www.jeharrisonbuilders.co.uk M ass Listings – October 2017 Shrine Church of St Walburge, Preston Mondays – Fridays: 9.00 am & 12 noon Low Mass (except First Fridays & Holy Days 9.00 am & 7.00 pm) Saturdays: 10.30 am, Low Mass Sundays: 10.30 am, Sung Mass Shrine of the English Martyrs, Preston Sundays: 9.00 am, Low Mass Sunday 1st October at 6.00 pm Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Christ the King, Harraby, Carlisle Sunday 8th October at 3.00 pm Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost St Mary`s, Hornby Mass is also celebrated every Sunday at 8.30 am at St Mary Magdalene, Leyland Road, Penwortham and 11.30 am at St Catherine Labouré, Stanifield Lane, Leyland. Local Representatives: Bob & Jane Latin Telephone: 01524 412987 Email: lancasterlms@gmail.com Website: latinmasslancaster.blogspot.com

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