FREE
The O cial Newspaper of the Diocese of Lancaster
INSIDE:
Issue 383 + October ’26
Full story & pictures on page 11 >
Farewell Mass as Dominic begins his priesthood journey in Valladolid
Pray the Rosary in October Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen
Kieron Bassett FINANCIAL SERVICES
We are local Independent Financial Advisers having been established for over 35 years. FOR ALL TIMES IN YOUR LIFE
We give advice on mortgages, investments, equity release, pensions and protection products, and we are here for All Times In Your Life.
Feast of the Holy Rosary October 7th, 2026 Credit: Original Portrait ‘Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary’ by Jenny McLaughlin.
Contact Kieron Bassett on (01524) 832057 or via www.kieronbassett.com, or info@kieronbassett.com Our office at 32 Victoria Street, Morecambe is open 6 days a week. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA Number 144667
2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2026 “This was an amazing opportunity to come together as a community and make our voice heard. This issue is one which is becoming more and more pressing, gaining lots of enthusiasm from young people as well! It was great to see such a substantial turnout.” Jack Je昀ries, attendee - March for Life London 2026 travelling with Lancaster Diocese & SPUC Preston.
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: Pearl Mina 07901 696 490 CatholicVoiceNews@lrcd.org.uk EDITORIAL TEAM Frances Wygladala Distribution & Editorial Contributor Andrew Wygladala Distribution & Assistant Editor Father Stephen Pearson Ecclesiastical Advisor
The Diocese of Lancaster joins the March for Life London 2026
ADVERTISING: Nick Layton / CathCom Ltd. 01440 730399 ads@cathcom.org www.cathcom.org PUBLISHED BY: CathCom Ltd. N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Blois Road, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Su昀olk CB9 7BN 020 7112 6710 / www.cathcom.org
P
Articles & Letters to: CatholicVoiceNews@lrcd.org.uk
It was an early start as many of us attended the 5am Mass celebrated especially for us by Canon Cristofoli at St Walburge’s.
POSTAL ADDRESS: FAO Father Stephen Pearson The Catholic Voice of Lancaster C/o Holy Family Catholic Church 1 Lytham Road, Freckleton Preston PR4 1AD 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.
ro-life Britain turned out in force for the 2026 March for Life in London. A group of 30 travelled by coach from Lancaster Cathedral and St Walburge’s in Preston.
We were delighted to receive a special blessing in front of the statue of St Gerard Majella, patron saint of the unborn, before we set o昀. Hours later at the Emmanuel Centre, there were talks by experts, inspirational speakers and activities appropriate for all ages. There was a huge turnout. For the march itself, the streets were full all the way to Parliament Square. Ten thousand strong, we marched in defence of life. There were families and
people of all ages, especially a huge number of young people, priests and sisters. We said the Rosary, sang hymns and chanted cheerfully “Pro family, pro life.” The atmosphere was full of hope and love. In Parliament Square, beside the Houses of Parliament, the sun shone as we listened to moving testimonies. There was a small, masked and hate-昀lled counter demonstration which was in complete contrast to the peaceful majority, but they couldn’t drown out the inspirational pro-life messages of hope. We heard how much abortion hurts families, from a young lady who chose life when faced with an unexpected pregnancy; from Isobel Vaughan-Spruce, who was arrested for praying silently outside an abortion clinic and a man whose life was nearly destroyed by the abortion of his son but who found healing.
Fifteen bishops attended the March and joined us in prayer for mothers, fathers, families, unborn children and for those who have been harmed by abortion. We were delighted to see Bishop Paul Swarbrick amongst them. The grand 昀nale was a message from Pope Leo addressed directly to all at M4L London expressing support and a papal blessing to all present. We made the long journey home forti昀ed and encouraged to work to turn Britain pro-life. Organising the coach was a big endeavour for SPUC Preston and we hope to do it again next year! The thought of going to London and back on a coach in a day was quite daunting but the reality was amazing! Will you join us next year? Maria Platt, March For Life, SPUC PRESTON
Pope Leo XIV emphasised that: “Every truly just society is built upon the inviolable recognition of the dignity of the human person. It belongs to every human being by the very fact of their existence. And, for this reason, it must guide every positive legal decision. When this certainty is obscured the most vulnerable are the 昀rst victims and the law loses its deepest meaning to serve and protect every human being.” Editorial credit: Riccardo De Luca - Update / Shutterstock.com
October 2026 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3
Rosary beads in the playground at St Wulstan’s and St Edmund’s Catholic Academy. (Left) The new Grotto at St Wulstan’s and St Edmund’s Catholic Academy, Fleetwood. (Below) The Parish Community team who built the Grotto.
St Wulstan’s & St Mary’s Church K&M Maintenance Rosary Group creates beautiful Grotto to Our Lady in Fleetwood Heating - Electrical - Drainage
P
arishioner Patricia Benson from The Rosary Rattlers Group shares their story: The idea of the grotto came about as our Rosary group (The Rosary Rattlers) have a special devotion to Our Lady and we wanted a place to spend time in her presence. The school had a grotto which was sadly vandalised and we wanted to recreate a space for peaceful prayer. We had the idea and we had the inclination, so we prayed.
We will continue to fundraise throughout the year to look after our space, and replenish the 昀owers of Our Lady. Patricia Benson, The Rosary Rattlers Group All are welcome to join in and say the Rosary before Mass at St Wulstan’s and St Mary’s in Fleetwood. Please check the newsletter for updates and information. www.sswulstanandedmund-昀eetwood.org.uk
It has been a labour of love and hard work, often frustrating and delayed by the weather and working around the school term times, but slowly we have seen the fruits of our toil and whilst not completely 昀nished we now have a beautiful, peaceful space along with seating areas, an outside altar space and a wild meadow garden. A space for quiet re昀ection and prayer, a space for all to enjoy and hopefully continue to unite our faith family and local community. Our latest addition is a rather large rosary that we have painted on the school playground for the pupils to learn how to say the rosary and honour our Blessed Mother.
Prices Boiler Service - £49 + VAT plus £10 for every additional appliance.
Tel No: 01772 704530 Mobile: 07941 554730 Fax No: 01772 798801 Address: K & M Maintenance Services Ltd, Unit 8A, Electron Mill, Brook Street, Preston PR1 7NH More information: www.kmmaintenance.co.uk
A quick appeal after Mass one Sunday started our fundraising o昀. A small but dedicated group a昀ectionately known as the “grotto gang” then set to work clearing trees, weeds, rubble and rubbish from the site at the rear of the school playgroup. We have literally begged, borrowed, accepted countless donations, recycled, restored, painted, laid paths, built benches and planted.
Established 25 years
Telephone: 01772 704530 Fax 01722 798801 Heating, Electrical and Drainage and Plumbing services across the North West of England Gas • Emergency Boiler Repairs for all makes • Boiler Installations & servicing • Central Heating System repairs/upgrades/leaks • New fitted Central Heating Systems • Landlord Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) Electrical • New consumer units supplied and fitted • All emergency breakdowns • Power tripping • New lighting • Additional sockets • Faulty sockets • Rewiring • Outdoor lighting/sockets • EICR - electrial safey certificates Drainage and Plumbing • Blocked drains, internal and external • Leaks • New taps • Camera surveys
The parishioners’ Rosary Rattlers Group also have a dedicated Rosary WhatsApp where they join up to say the Rosary most Sundays as well as before Mass in the mornings and weekends between the churches. All are welcome to join in the Rosary prayer groups and say the Rosary together. If you are looking for a peaceful place to pray the Rosary in silence and meditate, the tranquil Lady Chapel at St Wulstan’s is open daily. For further information and to make any donations please contact: Fr Stephen Talbutt, Parish Priest, St Mary’s, St Wulstan and St Edmund, Fleetwood. (01253) 873609.
4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2026
YOUTH
MATTERS
T
he new retreat year is underway at Castlerigg, and the house is full in every sense. We have a complete team of twelve for the 昀rst time in a while, a diary that is as busy as it has ever been, and a lot to look forward to. This month I want to do three things: introduce you to the team, remind you what’s coming up, and pass on some words from Pope Leo that I think every young person in this diocese needs to hear. // MEET THE TEAM JACK Jack is the Director at Castlerigg. He has been here since 2020, though he 昀rst served on the team many years ago between 2002 and 2007. When he is not working, he is mostly spending time with his family. FR AJISH Fr Ajish is chaplain to Castlerigg and to young people across the diocese, and this is his fourth year at the Manor. He describes Castlerigg as a special place of joy, fun, and encounter with Christ, and he is especially pleased that most of this year’s team come from within the diocese, with a good number from Cumbria itself. Fr Ajish is from Kerala in India and as well as being chaplain to Castlerigg, he is also parish priest to Ambleside and Windermere. BETH Beth is from Whitehaven in West Cumbria and is heading into her fourth year as
Youth Service Update With Jack Regan
Senior Programme Leader at Castlerigg, having spent two years as a volunteer before that. She loves working with the team each year and is looking forward to leading more retreats this year. JAMIE Jamie is 22 and steps into a leadership role in his second year at Castlerigg. He grew up in this diocese, and he says that he can’t wait to keep giving back to the place that gave him so much in his faith, particularly through its young people. ROSE Rose is from Preston and has been on the team for a year now, a year she describes as a gift. She says that her faith has had its highs and lows, but the constant through all of it has been the love and presence of the Lord, and she loves sharing that with the young people who come to Castlerigg, both on retreat and behind the scenes. SOFIA So昀a is originally from Workington and remembers coming to Castlerigg for family retreats when she was little. She grew up in Wiltshire, and after a year as an intern she now begins her 昀rst year as a leader. CECILIA Cecilia is in her second year as an intern, having come to Castlerigg after a degree in Ancient History at Durham University.
She loves the history of the house and loves being in Keswick.
forward to witnessing to his faith at Castlerigg this year.
OLIVIA Olivia loves sports and group activities. She is looking forward to sharing her faith with lots of new people and to living in community with others who want to do the same.
Please keep all of them in your prayers. A year on team is a wonderful thing, but it is also a demanding one, and prayer makes a real di昀erence.
MICHAEL Michael was born in Preston and is an old boy of Corpus Christi School. He was baptised into the Catholic Church at sixteen. He joins Castlerigg after working with Metanoia and is looking forward to a great year. JACOB Jacob is originally from Cheshire but moved up to Cumbria in 2018 to study in Ambleside, and has lived between the two ever since. His background is in landscaping and gardening, and this year he is looking forward to deepening his faith, learning new spiritual practices, and helping young people grow closer to God. And yes, he’s also getting stuck in our gardens!!
// COMING UP We wrote about all of these at more length last time, so just the headlines here. The Quiet Week for adults runs from the 26th to the 30th of October. Minimal input, no packed timetable, just space to rest, walk, and pray, and you can come for the whole week or part of it. On Sunday 8th November we launch our new SPARK youth group in Workington, serving young people across West Cumbria. Get in touch if you know a young person who should be there. The Catholic Students Retreat runs from the 20th to the 22nd of November, and for the 昀rst time it is open to Year 13s as well as university students.
EMILIA Emilia was born in Poland and grew up in Manchester. She says that she is looking forward to growing closer to God, getting to know the team, and growing as a person.
Our Family Retreat runs from December 11th to 13th. The whole family comes away together, with separate streams for di昀erent ages, so everyone gets fed.
SAM Sam is 20 and from Leyland. He is looking
And bookings remain open for the Tour de France weekend in July 2027, when
October 2026 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5 stage two sets o昀 from Keswick itself. Accommodation in the town will vanish, so don’t hang about. Everything except the SPARK launch can be booked at: castleriggmanor.com/events // WORDS OF HOPE FROM POPE LEO It has now been over a year since Pope Leo was elected, and one of the most striking things about his ponti昀cate so far is how much of his attention has gone to young people. Last summer he stood in front of more than a million of them at Tor Vergata for the Jubilee of Youth, and he has kept returning to them ever since. We want to pick out three things
he has said, because they deserve a wider hearing in this diocese. The 昀rst came in his homily at that closing Mass in Rome: “Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less.” We love this because it cuts against almost everything else young people are told. The world sells them small dreams: get the grades, get the followers, get the stu昀. Pope Leo looks at a generation and tells them they were made for greatness, and that the greatness in question is holiness. Notice the “wherever you are” too. Holiness is not something that happens to special people somewhere else. It is on
o昀er in a school in Barrow, a sixth form common room in Preston, a farm in the Eden Valley. The second is a theme he keeps coming back to: restlessness. At Tor Vergata he spoke about the deep thirst in every human heart that nothing in this world can satisfy, and he warned young people not to deceive their hearts with cheap imitations. This might sound like a strange sort of encouragement, but we think it is exactly what an anxious generation needs to hear. So many young people feel restless, un昀nished, and unsure, and they assume something is wrong with them. Pope Leo, a son of St Augustine, says the opposite. That restlessness is not a malfunction. It is a compass. Our hearts are restless until they rest in God, and the ache young people feel is the shape of the space God intends to 昀ll.
your heart”, your anger at injustice, your longing for truth and beauty, for joy and peace. This matters because so many young people still meet faith as a list of rules or an hour to be endured. Pope Leo presents it as it actually is: a friendship with someone who knows you completely and loves you anyway, who listens, motivates, and calls you to a new life. If you know a young person, pass some of this on. Better still, send them our way. Helping young people hear exactly these things is what Castlerigg exists for, and with this new team in place, we can’t wait to get on with it.
The third comes from his 昀rst World Youth Day message, where he wrote about the friendship of Jesus, who alone fully knows who we are and why we are here. Jesus, he told young people, “knows
David Pope dip FD MBIFD
Independent Catholic Funeral Director Arranging and conducting funerals in the Catholic Diocese of Lancaster since 1986
Lytham Funeral Service Ltd. 42 Clifton Street, Lytham FY8 5EW Tel. (01253) 733909 www.lythamfuneralservice.co.uk
To advertise please contact Alfie Lang on 01440 730399 or email alfie@cathcom.org
6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2026
Students at Cardinal Newman College celebrate success.
Outstanding Results for Cardinal Newman College S
OPEN DAY
tudents and sta昀 at Cardinal Newman College, Preston, have been celebrating another outstanding set of A-level and vocational results, with the College recording some of its strongest results to date. Two-thirds of A-level grades were awarded at A*–B, with 34 per cent of students achieving an A grade or higher and more than 10 per cent securing an A*. The results mean that, for the second consecutive year, Cardinal Newman has broken its own record for the number of A* grades achieved. The College also reported that its students’ performance once again placed Newman among the top 10 per cent of schools and colleges nationally for student progress. Students studying vocational quali昀cations also enjoyed considerable success, with more than 80 per cent of BTEC students achieving at least a Distinction and almost a quarter gaining the highest Distinction* grade.
10AM - 1PM SATURDAY 10TH OCTOBER
The College says its academic success is supported by an extensive pastoral programme, with Achievement Tutors providing individual guidance throughout students’ time at Newman. Opportunities including the Newman Honours Programme and a wide-ranging
programme of enrichment activities also encourage students to develop their talents and ambitions beyond the classroom. Re昀ecting on the results, Principal Nick Burnham said he was immensely proud of the students and their achievements. He described the record number of A* grades, alongside strong performances in both A-level and vocational courses, as a 昀tting reward for the enormous amount of work undertaken by students and sta昀. He said the results also re昀ected the kind of community Cardinal Newman seeks to create: one in which students can be ambitious and achieve excellent academic outcomes while also feeling “happy, supported and valued.” As a Catholic sixth-form college serving young people from Preston and communities across the wider area, Cardinal Newman places the development of the whole person at the heart of its mission. This year’s results therefore represent not only an impressive academic achievement, but also a celebration of the gifts, talents and dedication of the young people who make up the Newman Andrew Wygladala community.
October 2026 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7
Cleator St Mary’s & St Joseph’s First Holy Communion children join Cleator Pilgrimage Day
T
he Annual Pilgrimage to Cleator Shrine and the Lourdes Grotto at St Mary’s, Cleator, took place in September. It was a wonderful day that gathered pilgrims from across the Diocese of Lancaster. The Pilgrimage began with a rosary procession at Moor Square, followed by Mass and the blessing of the sick presided over by Bishop Paul Swarbrick. The theme of the pilgrimage was Our Lady Star of the Sea. Following a beautiful celebration of Mass with Bishop Paul Swarbrick, the parish’s returning First Holy Communion children gathered for a lovely photograph with Bishop Paul at the Grotto. St Mary’s and St Joseph’s is a Roman Catholic parish situated between the fells and the Irish Sea, serving Cleator Moor, Cleator and Frizington.
To advertise please contact Alfie Lang on 01440 730399 or email alfie@cathcom.org
Headteacher: Mrs Juliet Morgan Bsc (Hons)
Together in One Body
CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Christ the King Catholic High School
Headteacher: Mr John Hankin St Vincent’s Road, Preston PR2 8QY Telephone 01772 716912 Email admin@ccc.lancs.sch.uk
Headteacher Mrs C Jones
www.ccc.lancs.sch.uk
Lawrence Avenue, Frenchwood, Preston PR1 4PR
Tel: (01772) 252072 Email: reception@ctk.lancs.sch.uk Web: www.ctk.lancs.sch.uk
Our advertisers are great supporters of the Lancaster Voice, so please help them by supporting their businesses
8 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2026
Jenny McLaughlin is a local Catholic artist and writer and is a parishioner in the Parish of the Guardian Angels Blackpool.
The Rosary leads us to Heaven A
s we celebrate the month of the holy rosary in October, Catholic writer and artist Jenny McLaughlin re昀ects on her spiritual journey praying the Rosary, inspiring her to paint the beautiful picture on our front cover.
Here is my painting of Our Lady, in Heaven, o昀ering us the Rosary.
Because of course... ‘the Battle is the Lord’s’ (1 Samuel 17:47 NRSVCE)
Imagine a soul under pressure temptations, confusion, trials of life, trying to remember lists, appointments, trying not to panic about the latest challenge to sort out - an appointment for a family member, a broken item in the home, balancing the bills, trying not to get too wound up by the latest news and so forth… OK… I admit - this is me sometimes… before I pray the Rosary!
There is a lot of history to the Rosary - it gradually developed from the practice of reciting the psalms - all 150 of them - but for the illiterate, praying the Lord’s Prayer 150 times became a psalter for the laity - the laity didn’t have to recite all the psalms but had a way to pray many prayers with devotion.
So why do I add to my list with a prayer that can take some time and seems incredibly repetitive? The Rosary truly is a gift from Heaven. Why do I do it? Ah the Rosary A Gift from Heaven A Gift from Our Lady.
in combating the Albigensian heresy and convert souls - so we see how it is powerful for spiritual battles… and yet one feels so peaceful after one has prayed it... why is this?
Our tradition teaches that it was given to St Dominic de Guzmán to assist him
to music, the words are so perfect and encouraging: The Divine Shepherd. A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your sta昀— they comfort me.
The Hail Mary is also rooted in scripture and developed over centuries.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup over昀ows.
If we pause for a minute and go back to the psalms, these are very powerful and protective. Who could forget Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd? Often set
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
October 2026 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9 We have a promise here of protection, love, encouragement, nourishment, good guidance and closeness to God... and this is just one psalm... so just imagine... how powerful would praying the entire 150 psalms be? Ooh... That’s quite a thought, isn’t it? So here we are with the Rosary... a form of strong spiritual protection, encouragement and love to assist us on the path ahead. No wonder Exorcists have found that demons hate the Rosary - because its roots are within God’s words and the word of God is powerful, as Hebrews 4:12 states... “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.” The Rosary contains various prayers, two in particular: the ‘Our Father’, from Matthew 6:9–13 and Luke 11:2–4.
Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:9–13 NRSVCE) ... and the Hail Mary, drawn from two scriptures... Luke 1:28 & 42. Here’s a quote from the Catholic Answers website: When the angel Gabriel was sent to Mary by the Father, he greeted her, “Hail, full of grace; the Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28).
When Mary visited Elizabeth, Elizabeth exclaimed, “Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:41-42). So here we have the 昀rst part of the Hail Mary. St. Bernardine added the name of Jesus, clarifying who the fruit of her womb is. The second part is in response to the 昀rst, asking Mary to pray for us and addressing her as the mother of God. Of course, Elizabeth addressed her in much the same way: “Why should I be honored with a visit from the mother of my Lord?” (Luke 1:43). Since Gabriel’s words were at the request of God, those words were actually God’s words. So we are honored to repeat them. So we have our basis for the Rosary being rooted in scripture and the psalms... but
there’s more - the mysteries of the Rosary invite us to meditate on key events in the life of Our Lord and also Our Lady and these are found in the New Testament the Gospel and Acts... so we have a really wonderful form of prayer for protection, peace, love, joy that leads us to Jesus, through Mary. Here’s a little digital artwork I created, inspired by the Rosary - I wanted to show how the beads - the prayers - are full of spiritual light and protection and the Rosary itself leads us to Heaven and to Jesus. Check out this link: www.usccb.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary for a very comprehensive guide to praying the Rosary. Many miracles are associated with the praying of the Rosary. No wonder it has been requested to be prayed by the faithful for peace in the Middle East. The Rosary seems to also have bene昀t whether prayed quickly, or slowly, with concentration and devotion; truly the gold standard and greatly encouraged, but we mustn’t give up praying if all we can pray is a quick Rosary whilst rushing about our day’s tasks. We have a wonderful gift from Our Lady. There are some lovely Rosary podcasts one can listen to and follow - I especially like the ‘Rosary Minded’ podcast where the Rosary is prayed with a gentle guitar background. These include the memorare and a prayer to Saint Michael at the end.
H
ere is my tonal drawing and my painting entitled “Our Lady Queen of the Rosary” - 2024
Another lovely Rosary podcast is by Kristin’s Crosses - where the Rosary is said to peaceful background music. May peace be with you my friends. Jenny McLaughlin
I was inspired to draw and paint this image in 2023, whilst learning to pray the Holy Rosary. It is an image of Our Lady, in a beautiful rose garden in Heaven, holding the Holy Rosary, there are some Cherubs and the Holy Spirit appears as a Dove. Our Lady is showing us that when we pray the Holy Rosary, this can help us with all our troubles. The project has been a personal devotional artwork; my way to say thank you for all the prayers Mother Mary has answered in my life and the help Our Lady has given me. When drawing and painting this artwork, I needed some little artist models for the cherubs - my friend Margaret and her Great Niece came to the rescue, so the lovely little face of the cherub is the face of Margaret’s Great Niece! I was also attending the ‘Art Club’ at the Hub, South Shore Blackpool whilst I worked on this artwork and I received some very valuable feedback and encouragement. I am always reminded of all these super people and our wonderful Mother Mary when I look at this Artwork.
Credit: www.DominicanFriars.org St Dominic Receives the Rosary – Stained glass window from St Dominic’s Church Washington DC, Photo by Father Lawrence Lew O.P. It was only in the year 1214, that the Church received the Rosary in its present form and according to the method we use today. It was given to the Church by St. Dominic, who had received it from the Blessed Virgin as a means of converting the Albigensians and other sinners.
10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2026
Pictured with Deacon Chris Sumner, Fr John Millar and Canon Luiz Ruscillo are Alexander Kanaan, Ben O’Flynn, Paddie Denton and Dominic Standing, who begin their propaedeutic year in Valladolid, with Harry Rawcli昀e, who has completed his year there and now continues his priestly formation at the Venerable English College in Rome. Please keep them all in your prayers.
Here I Am, Lord:
Answering the Call to Priesthood F our men from the Diocese of Lancaster are preparing to take an important step in answering God’s call as they leave for the Royal English College in Valladolid, Spain, to begin their journey of formation and discernment towards the priesthood.
Alexander Kanaan, Ben O’Flynn, Paddie Denton and Dominic Standing will undertake the propaedeutic year – the 昀rst formal stage of formation for those discerning a vocation to the Catholic priesthood. Rather than concentrating primarily on academic study, this special year provides time for prayer, spiritual direction, community life and personal formation. It gives candidates an opportunity to step away from their normal routines, deepen their relationship with Christ and listen more closely to where God may be calling them. The four arrive in Valladolid having followed very di昀erent paths.
College in Lancaster and has been involved in Catholic youth ministry and evangelisation, including work with Youth 2000.
Paddie Denton also brings considerable experience of youth ministry, including time at Castlerigg Manor, the Diocese of Lancaster’s youth retreat centre, and further work supporting young people in their faith. Dominic Standing has been involved in Catholic education in the Blackpool area, including service within the governance of local Catholic schools. Their departure is a moment of great hope for our Diocese, but Valladolid is above all a place of discernment. During the year Alexander, Ben, Paddie and Dominic will continue asking, through prayer and formation, whether Christ is calling them to serve Him and His Church as priests.
Alexander Kanaan is the youngest of the group and begins his discernment having recently completed his A-levels in Lancaster. His willingness at such a young age to explore a possible vocation to priesthood is an encouraging reminder that Christ continues to call young people to serve His Church.
As they take this courageous step, we ask readers of The Catholic Voice and parishioners throughout the Diocese to keep Alexander, Ben, Paddie and Dominic in their prayers. May the Lord give them the grace to listen, the courage to respond and the wisdom to recognise His will for their lives.
Ben O’Flynn has served as a lay chaplain at Our Lady’s Catholic
Our Lady, Mother of Priests, pray for them. Andrew Wygladala
October 2026 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11
Dominic Standing: “Well, the time has come, and I would be a liar if I said I was not nervous. It’s suddenly dawned on me what this actually means, leaving things behind and answering the call to ‘follow me’. I’m looking forward to reaching Spain with my contemporaries and devoting this time to being with and hearing God more intimately. You will, of course, all be with me in spirit and prayer, and I look forward to returning at Christmas!” (Top left) Dominic with family and friends and Canon Chris Loughran. (Top right) Dominic and St Bede’s friends. (Left) Sylvia, Jackie, Dominic, Andrew and Ian – organists who came together to support fellow organist Dominic. (Above) Friends gather with refreshments and cakes at the farewell.
Parish bids farewell to Dominic as discernment journey begins
F
amily, friends and parishioners gathered at St Cuthbert’s Church, Blackpool, for a Mass of Farewell and Thanksgiving for Dominic Standing, as he prepares to begin the next stage of his discernment for the priesthood in Valladolid. The Mass was celebrated by Canon Chris Loughran, assisted by Deacon David Pope, and brought together people from across the Blackpool Catholic community. Among those present were members of Dominic’s family, parishioners who have supported him on his journey so far, and fellow organists from churches across Blackpool, including Sylvia Marley, Jackie Scott, Andrew Snape and Ian Morton. In his homily, Canon Chris re昀ected on his own experience of entering seminary, recalling the rather gruelling interview he faced before a panel of priests and bishops, together with the then Diocesan Vocations Director, the late Fr Ron Ward. Canon Chris reminded the congregation that going to seminary does not mean that the decision to become a priest has already been made. Seminary is itself part of the discernment process — a place to discover what God wants and to determine, with the Church, whether priesthood is truly the right vocation.
A strong theme of the homily was humility and openness. God wants us to be humble so that he can use us, Canon Chris said, and discernment requires a willingness to listen, to grow and to accept change. Reference was also made to St John Henry Newman, whose life and teaching re昀ected the importance of development and change as we respond more fully to God’s call. One of the most moving moments of the Mass came when the congregation was invited to raise their hands in prayer over Dominic, commending him and his vocation to God. It was a powerful sign that, although discernment is deeply personal, Dominic does not make this journey alone. The Mass was followed by refreshments, allowing family, friends and parishioners to spend time with Dominic and wish him well as he prepares for Valladolid. Dominic leaves Blackpool supported by the prayers of his family, his parish and the wider Church, as he seeks to discover where God is calling him next. Please remember Dominic, and all those discerning a vocation to the priesthood, Andrew Wygladala in your prayers.
12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2026 Our Lady of the Rosary with Child by Simone Cantarini
Mary
Queen of the Rosary Spirituality Now T With Ursula Walker
he month of October is a powerful time to draw close to Our Blessed Mother by praying the Rosary. She loves it when we draw near to her in trust. Praying the Rosary is like small children reaching up to hold the hand of their mother in complete trust. This is not how I felt for a long time. I have said the Rosary for years but never really felt close to Mary. I did not see her as my mother or even think of putting my hand out for her to hold it. It has only been in the last 3 years that things have changed. A friend of mine went to Medjugorje and came back full of it. I asked her if I could go with her the following year. “Yes”, she replied, “then I won’t have to pay the single supplement for the room.” I laughed to myself and thought is that the only reason you want me to come! I did go (and a few more times since) and that is when Our Lady began to mean something to me. I could not tell you when the change happened but just being in such a place devoted to her a昀ected me. I now feel like her mantle is around me and she is close to me. Mary, Our Lady, Mary Queen of the Rosary – call her what you want – is now a Mother to me. I continue to say the Rosary, but now it means so much more. I feel I am praying to someone who cares and is close to me. Mary’s job is to lead us to her Son and in meditating on the di昀erent mysteries we contemplate all the di昀erent aspects of His life – from the Angel asking Mary if she will be His mother (Annunciation) to His death on the cross on Calvary.
Website, Graphic & Logo Design for Parishes & Charities
Lots of miracles have been attributed to the praying of the Rosary:
christiancreativedirectory.com/rob-hotchkiss
The Battle of Lepanto (1571) Outnumbered Christian naval forces defeated the Ottoman 昀eet after Pope
St. Pius V called upon all of Europe to pray the Rosary for protection. The Miracle of the Sun at Fatima (1917) In Fatima, Portugal, tens of thousands witnessed the sun “dance” in the sky after the Virgin Mary repeatedly asked the shepherd children for daily Rosary recitation for world peace. Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Survival (1945) Eight Jesuit priests survived the atomic blast within a one-mile radius of ground zero with no long-term radiation sickness, a survival they attributed to living the message of Fatima and praying the daily Rosary together. There are also many thousands of personal miracles that have happened to ordinary people whose stories are not widely known. Did you know that Elvis Presley even recorded a song called The Miracle of the Rosary, which was released on February 20, 1972. Just Google or YouTube it. Let us hear what some of the saints say about the Rosary: During her lifetime, Saint Teresa of Calcutta always carried a rosary in her hand. In this way, she said, she was holding Mary’s hand. Saint Louis de Montfort said, “Mary is the safest, easiest, shortest, and most perfect way of approaching Jesus.” May she draw us ever nearer to her Immaculate Heart and to that of her beloved Son. “The rosary is the weapon for these times.” These words spoken by Saint Padre Pio ring true in every age. The Rosary is a powerful weapon in our times just as it was in his. The simplicity and repetitiveness of the Rosary do not take away the power it contains. Our Lady of the Rosary – pray for us! The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated on Wednesday, October 7th. Ursula Walker, Diocesan Spiritual Rep Spiritualrep@lrcd.org.uk 07312129900
October 2026 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13
What’s on...
October & November HYNING HALL +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Taize evening Sunday 4 October, 5:30 pm / Friday 9 October, 2:30pm / Thursday 8 October, 7:30pm. Monastery of Our Lady of Hyning, Warton, nr Carnforth, Lancashire LA5 9SE. Being Lost, Being Found – Day of Renewal - St Clare’s, Preston Saturday 3rd October, 10.00am - 4.00pm. Speaker: Fr Stephen Bamber. Mass at 10.00am or just come for co昀ee at 11.00am Blackpool Deanery Day at Hyning – Evangelii Gaudium Looking at Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation in view of the future of our Deanery. Saturday 24th October 2026, 10.00am -3.30pm. Tea and cake included. Price £20. For further details or any questions, please contact Sr Mary Helen at sistermaryhelen@hotmail.com or telephone 01524 732684. DONNA WORTHINGTON RETREATS +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Holy Island Retreats (Non-Residential) Monday 12th to Friday 16th October 2026 Web: www.christianretreatslive.com / Email: dworthington@live.co.uk Tel: 0777 0719198 BOARBANK +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Hope in Health 4th-7th December 2026. For more information or booking: Email: margaret@boarbankhall.org.uk / Web: www.boarbankhall.org.uk LANCASTER CATHEDRAL ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Mass for Healthcare Workers Lancaster Cathedral, Saturday 17th October at 12:15pm. All those working in healthcare (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, receptionists, porters, chaplains and many more) are invited to Mass with Bishop Paul Swarbrick. The Bishop will pray for all those in our diocese who work in healthcare and all those they care for. There will be a chance to meet up with other Catholic healthcare workers over a cup of tea in the social centre afterwards.
Corrections & Apologies Parish of The Holy Cross, Kirkham and Wesham In our report on the ordination of the Diocese’s new permanent deacons, we referred to Deacon John Bennett as being from Kirkham. We should have stated that John will exercise his ministry in the Parish of The Holy Cross, Kirkham and Wesham. We apologise to parishioners in both communities for the omission of Wesham. Father Stephen Bamber In our article marking the priestly ordination of Fr Stephen Bamber, we incorrectly stated that he had studied at the Venerable English College in Rome. Fr Stephen in fact studied for the priesthood at the Ponti昀cal Beda College, Rome. We are pleased to correct the record and apologise for the error.
Christopher Costello from the Knights of Columba Lancaster is delighted to announce a very special Heritage Open Day on Saturday 10th October 2026. We would love people from all over the Diocese to come along to support the Heritage Open Day. We are open from 1pm-5pm at St Peter’s Cathedral in Lancaster for a Heritage Open Day in collaboration with the Knights of St Columba Lancaster. It’s free but we will be taking donations on the day for a number of causes including the restoration works in the spire. We have lots to see and it will be a great day of interesting conversation and history.
All Welcome to
Heritage Open Day hosted by the Knights of Columba Lancaster
Our Lady of Fidelity
090699502
14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2026 The church needs religious sisters URGENTLY to bring Christ to others by a life of prayer and service lived in the community of Ignation spirituality. Daily Mass is the centre of community life. By wearing the religious habit we are witnesses of the consecrated way of life. If you are willing to risk a little love and would like to find out how, contact Sister Bernadette Mature vocations considered.
CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF FIDELITY
1 Our Lady's Close, Upper Norwood, London SE19 3FA Telephone 07760 297001
Introducing the Diocese of Lancaster Spirituality Team
Boarbank Hall Canonesses of St Augustine of the Mercy of Jesus
“She who the common A warm welcome toaccepts everyone lifeHome possesses God” St available Augustine Guest House, Nursing and courses Please see website A Warm Welcome to Everyone Prayer • Community • Hospitality • Care of the poor and sick Contact: Sr Marian Boarbank Hall, Grange over Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7NH Telephone: 015395 32288 Website: www.boarbankhall.org.uk
Curly Tail Storage AFFORDABLE VARIETY OF PERSONAL STORAGE SOLUTIONS SINCE 2004 • Large choice of ground floor units 50 to 125sq/ft • Additional smaller units on 1st floor • Unit access 7am - 8pm • Owner lives on-site - 24/7 CCTV
Need help choosing storage? Call 01524 791837 or pop in and visit! Mon - Sat: 9am-5pm | Sun 10am-4pm Curly Tail, Park Lane, Forton PR3 0JX www.curlytailstorage.co.uk
Martin’s The Funeral Directors
186-188 Tulketh Brow, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston PR2 2JJ Tel: 01772-733007 1 Stonebridge Parade, Preston Road, Longridge PR3 3AP Tel: 01772-782121 Windy Nook House Garstang Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 8JY Tel: 01772 500830 Proprietor W. Martin Wooton Dedicated and Blessed Chapels of Rest Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
The complete funeral service from a private family owned and run firm
Ursula Walker
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
H
ello everyone! I am Ursula Walker and I live in Blackpool. I became the Spiritual Representative for the Diocese of Lancaster over two years ago now. I currently work as a counsellor in private practice in Blackpool as well as doing some Spiritual Direction. I am also the Chair of our Deanery Pastoral Council (Blackpool/Thornton). During Advent and the time after Easter and before Pentecost I lead Lectio Divina prayer meetings. I also run a Medjugorje Prayer Group, where we meet once a month.
Stephen Hoyland
ello, I’m Stephen Hoyland, born in Blackpool and now living in Lancaster with my wife Kate. After teaching at Our Lady’s High School in Lancaster for a few years, I joined the chaplaincy team at the university. I became adept at playing frisbee, and did some work at times too. For the last 21 years I’ve worked for and with the Jesuits in Britain leading retreats and training prayer guides and spiritual directors.
ello, my name is Anne Stewart. I am a member of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. I live and work in Blackpool in the parish of Christ the King and St Kentigern’s. I am involved in a number of local community projects and I am a Foundation Governor at Christ the King School.
ello, my name is Maureen Ryan-Craig, and I was born and raised in Lancaster attending St Joseph’s parish. I now live in St John Henry Newman Parish in Morecambe and attend St Mary’s Church where I am a reader and since January this year have been an altar server. I am also president of the St Vincent de Paul Conference. My Catholic faith has always been an important and central part of my life. In 2013, I began formation to become an Oblate of the Bernardine
Sr Michaela Toulmin
A delight of my ministry is being able to show how many ways of praying there are in our tradition and helping people discover those ways that suit their personality and circumstances.
I have a Master’s degree in Pastoral Theology. I have been trained in Spiritual Accompaniment with the Jesuits and have exercised this ministry over many years. This has been on a one-to-one basis, and I have also been involved in running retreats, days of re昀ection and weeks of guided prayer.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
H
To advertise please contact Alfie Lang on 01440 730399 or email alfie@cathcom.org
Although my role is national, I’m always happy to be involved more locally. We’ll be having a Blackpool retreat in daily life next April which I’m looking forward to.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
H
Maureen Ryan-Craig
In the role of Spiritual Rep I hope to advertise or help organise activities with a focus to bring people closer to Jesus which is above and beyond what is already happening in a parish, e.g., weeks of Guided Prayer, Days of Renewal; Prayer Groups that may happen once a month, etc.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
H
Sr Anne Stewart
I was widowed at 34 after a few years of marriage to Mick. About ten years after this I felt God was calling me to give my life to Him in a more concrete way and, after a period of discernment and formation, I became a Consecrated Widow.
Cistercians of Esquermes at Our Lady of Hyning Monastery, in Warton, Carnforth. In 2015, I made my 昀rst commitment, and two years ago made a life commitment. Being an oblate has deepened my faith, and I wish to share my thirst and enthusiasm with others round the diocese. Being part of the Lancaster Spirituality Group has helped me grow in my faith and meeting people on the two events we have held this year reinforces the need for spirituality within the diocese.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
S
r Michaela Toulmin is a member of the Bernardine Cistercian Order based at Hyning Monastery in North Lancashire. She joined the community in 1991 after studying Theology at university. Sr Michaela taught RE and ICT in our former school, St Bernard’s, Slough. She moved back to the diocese
in 2006 and is one of the main retreat givers at Hyning. She loves God, football and community life! Sr. Michaela completed a Master’s in Spirituality at the Margaret Beaufort Institute in Cambridge in 2023 and is currently studying for her PhD in Salvation and Arti昀cial Intelligence. Her main ministry is giving retreats at the monastery and she is the community cook, librarian and archivist.
October 2026 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15
The Catholic Voice of Lancaster would like to hear from you! If your parish or school has any news or if you would personally like to submit an article for publication, please send us what you have. Contact details can be found on page 2.
Farewell to Fr Val Farrell - beloved parish priest and former editor of The Catholic Voice of Lancaster P
riests, parishioners, family and friends gathered at Holy Family Church to bid a 昀nal farewell to Fr Valentine (Val) Farrell, a much-loved priest of the Diocese of Lancaster whose ministry touched generations of people. Bishop Paul Swarbrick was the principal celebrant at the Funeral Mass, joined by many priests from across the Diocese and further a昀eld. Also present were members of Fr Val’s family, former parishioners from Holy Family and other parishes where he had served, together with former pupils from St Joseph’s College. The beautiful and 昀tting celebration of Fr Val’s life and priesthood was enhanced by singing from the choir of Holy Family Catholic Primary School. Proud of his Irish roots and his family heritage in Moynalty, County Meath, Val had a great love of history and photography. Long before the digital age, he took thousands of photographs, preserving many as slides and creating a remarkable visual record of people, places and events.
He also devoted many years to editing the Catholic Voice of Lancaster, helping to record and share the life of the Diocese through its pages — making it especially
昀tting that we should now record and celebrate his own life. In a warm and often humorous homily, Fr Tony Keefe recalled 昀rst meeting Val in 1975 at St Augustine’s, Preston, and later working alongside him for six years at Upholland College. He remembered Val’s particular gift for communicating the Gospel to young people, with homilies that were “fresh, imaginative and challenging”. There were a昀ectionate memories too of his occasional short fuse, including the occasion when pupils managed to rearrange his classroom despite Val having carefully locked the door. Fr Tony also recalled Val’s imaginative approach to parish life, including taking Holy Family parishioners by bus to Castlerigg Manor for re昀ective weekends. Fr Tony concluded by recalling Val’s faithful service, kindness and ability to make the truths of faith accessible and attractive. Re昀ecting on Christ’s promise that “there are many rooms in my Father’s house”, he prayed that Val had reached the room prepared for him — adding, with characteristic humour, that he hoped nobody had rearranged the furniture.
Following the Mass, family, friends, parishioners and clergy gathered in the church hall, sharing their own memories and stories of Val. It was a warm and 昀tting conclusion to the farewell of a much-loved priest, teacher and former editor of the Catholic Voice of Lancaster. May he rest in peace. Andrew Wygladala
Our advertisers are great supporters of the Lancaster Voice, so please help them by
Thank you Father Farrell On behalf of all the editorial team and editors past and present, I would like to give thanks to Fr Val Farrell for his dedication to The Catholic Voice of Lancaster, sharing the good news to parishes far and wide in our Diocese during his time as editor. We pray for the repose of his soul. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. Pearl Mina, Editor, The Catholic Voice of Lancaster
supporting their businesses
16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + October 2026
Thinking Faith at Boarbank Hall T
his year’s Thinking Faith group at Boarbank Hall took the theme ‘Our Lady: Mother of God and of the Church.’ One of the highlights was the chance for visits around the Diocese, and we were overwhelmed by the kindness of local Catholics who hosted us. We visited Ladyewell, where we explored the shrine, celebrated Mass and heard a talk from Sue Gornall, and were given refreshments by Sue and George; Claughton-on-Brock, where we sang Vespers in the lovely church, and were
provided with a wonderful range of home-made cakes by Cath and Linda, and Mater Amabilis, Ambleside, at the end of a walk over the fells with Bishop Paul.
Thinking Faith is a week that combines retreat and holiday for working Catholics. Next year’s event will be at Boarbank from 31st July to 7th August, on the theme ‘Places of Faith’. All welcome!
The Bishop said Mass for us there, and once again, Anne and other ladies of the parish produced a wonderful homemade spread for us. A huge thanks to them all.
For the programme for this autumn and winter, please visit our website for more information: www.boarbankhall.org.uk/ whats-coming-up-next-at-boarbank/
In between, we had various talks and discussions on the theme, lots of shared prayer, and just as much fun!
LOCATION: Boarbank Hall, Allithwaite, Grange-over-Sands, CUMBRIA LA11 7NH. Tel: 015395 32288 Sr Margaret Atkins
Sr Margaret Atkins Sr Margaret is a Canoness of St Augustine in the community at Boarbank Hall in Cumbria. She was a Senior Lecturer in Theology at Trinity and All Saints College, Leeds. She has particular interests in virtue ethics, in the ethics of healthcare and of the environment, and in St Augustine.