26 All Hallows Rd, Bispham , Blackpool FY2 0AS .Tel .no. 01253 352587 E mail: subirous@fsmail.net frstevepearson@hotmail.com
Parish Priest:Fr Stephen Pearson Assistant Priest: Fr Andrew Allman
Pilgrimage to see the Holy Father
The Pilgrimage to Cofton Park
We set off from St. Kentigern’s at 2am on Sunday morning and had an uneventful journey to Birmingham. We arrived in the eerie darkness at 5am and walked about two miles to the entrance of Cofton Park where our bags were checked for dangerous objects such as glass bottles and sharp implements. It was good that we got there so early because we were able to sit quite near the front, but at the time of 6am, when it was cold and raining and not yet daylight, we didn’t appreciate the early start. People of all ages and nationalities shared in the pilgrimage. There were some Nigerians who were word perfect with their Latin hymns who somehow got in front of us, some sisters of Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa Nuns) who quietly said their morning prayers together on a blanket on the wet grass and two young men beside us who seemed very blasé about the whole thing and yet prayed the Our Father with great reverence. The forecast had predicted that the rain would be over by 9am and sure enough as His Holiness approached by helicopter and car, the day became brighter. As you may have seen on the television the mass was beautiful. It was amazing to see the hundreds of priests at the entrance procession and to hear the wonderful music of the choir. It has been a time when the Church can take pride in itself once more as Pope Benedict wonderfully conveyed the message of love, forgiveness and humility. For me it was a fantastic event of which to be part and the memory of it will sustain me in my faith for many years to come. Eileen
Fr Andrew writes... For those of us who were unable to travel to one of the papal events, the visit has still been a time of great grace. It’s been wonderful to see so many people - Catholics and non-Catholics - welcome the Pope with such enthusiasm. The images we saw will have a lasting impression on our country, and, we hope, the Holy Father’s words will give a greater voice to all people of faith in our land. The beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, at which many of our parishioners were present, is also a significant moment. It is the first time since the Reformation that someone from our country (other than martyrs) has been beatified. Cardinal Newman, a convert to Catholicism, was a great thinker, and while his writings may not be the most accessible to us we can all be thankful for the contribution he has made to the life of the Church. More than that, simply to have someone from our country being venerated by the Church reminds us that we are, all of us, called to be saints. Pope Benedict helped to remind us of this ‘universal call to holiness’; the best possible legacy of his visit is that each of us moves forward with greater commitment on the path to God.