CATHOLIC PIC SEPTEMBER 2025 by CPMM Media Group

A pilgrimage of hope

ST FRANCIS XAVIER’S ACADEMY 6TH FORM

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At St Francis Xavier’s Academy 6th Form, we are proud to offer a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive community where high standards meet high aspirations. Whether your next step is university, an apprenticeship or employment, you’ll leave us as a conﬁdent, capable, and well-rounded individual, ready for the future.

Why

Why Choose St Francis Xavier’s Academy 6th Form?

Choose St Francis Xavier’s Academy 6th Form?

Academic Excellence

Our Sixth Form prioritises excellent teaching and achievement across a wide range of A Level and vocational courses, tailored to each student’s strengths and ambitions.

First-Class Facilities

Beneﬁt from our state-of-the-art Science and Sport facilities, modern 6th Form classrooms, and free WiFi access for study and collaboration.

Enrichment that Inspires Opportunities include:

• Oxbridge & Russell Group preparation

• Apprenticeship workshops

• Lectures and university shadowing

• Volunteering & leadership roles

• Reading support for younger pupils

• Chaplaincy and student council involvement

• Senior Prefect Team

Join a 6th Form That Feels Different

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6th Form That Feels Different

Join a 6th Form That Feels Different

Separate from the main school, our dedicated 6th Form Centre offers the space, resources, and atmosphere to foster growth and independence while keeping you connected to a caring, values-driven community.

2025 Results

• 67% of students achieved A–C grades*

• 61% of vocational students achieved Distinction or Distinction*

67% of students achieved A–C grades* 61% of vocational students achieved

• 67% of students achieved A–C grades*

• 72% secured a place at their ﬁrst-choice university, with many progressing to Russell Group institutions

university, with many progressing to Russell Group institutions

• Record numbers progressing into higher apprenticeships and employment

From the Archbishop’s Desk

September is always a time of new beginnings. Children begin reception, move to year 1, and later there is move from primary to senior schools. Colleges open, or work begins. There are new contexts to be faced with both challenges and opportunities. Transition can be exciting, but can also create fears for many people.

While we live in a world of constant change, Christ is our foundation. We depend on Him. ‘With Mary, Pilgrims of Hope’ was the theme of the recent Lourdes pilgrimage which brought together 1,200 pilgrims who created a lively and prayerful presence in Lourdes. The yellow shirts of the younger pilgrims created a ‘yellow brick road’ to the grotto and chapels. I would like to thank everyone who generously participated in this wonderful pilgrimage and served others.

We are ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ not because we are naively optimistic, nor expecting that we will always be happy, but rather believing that we depend on Christ as our foundation and rock. We need to constantly remind ourselves that he loves us, has saved us, and walks at our side. I ask the young people who are being confirmed to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit every morning. I invite you to do the same. The ‘Our Father’ is also a prayer of trust for our daily prayer.

In Lourdes, we trusted in the help of Our Blessed Lady, our Mother. Like any mother, she shared in all of Jesus’ joys and sorrows; his childhood, the wedding of Cana, the path to Calvary and the cross. She watches over each one of us with love and tender care. We can ask her help.

A deeper trust in Christ is necessary as we continue to think about the best way we can proclaim Christ to others and serve the mission of the Church in the years ahead. As we continue to reflect on the best structures to serve the proclamation of the gospel, we need to ask the help of the Holy Spirit to make us agile and respond to the needs of those around us, especially the poor.

On the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross, 14 September, I celebrate my 14th anniversary as a bishop. This feast reminds us of Christ’s triumph over evil, suffering and death. He gives us confidence and hope. Please pray for me.

May God bless you all at the beginning of this school year and may it open new opportunities for our children and young people in the life of the Church.

Archbishop John Sherrington Archbishop of Liverpool

Monthly prayer intentions

SEPTEMBER

For our relationship with all of creation.

Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.

Contents:

4 Main Feature A pilgrimage of hope

7 Sunday Reflections

8 From the Archives “Never aim at being eloquent” St John Henry Newman

9 News News from around the archdiocese

13 Care for Creation

14 Pastoral Ponderings

16 What’s On What’s happening in the archdiocese

18 Catholic Life

19 Profile Monsignor John Devine

35 Animate Youth Ministry

36 Pic Extras Mums the word News from the KSC

38 Dialogue and Unity

Editor Harriet Anwyl

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“It gave them tremendous strength –that sense of hope and trust in God that underlines what the miracle of Lourdes is.”

A pilgrimage of hope

With the official recognition of Jack Traynor’s miracle, this year’s Liverpool Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes had a special resonance.

by Simon Hart

“Lourdes is a place of calling – a calling and a reaffirming of who we are and how God is calling us in our lives.” Archbishop John Sherrington’s words came during his homily at the Grotto Mass on Sunday 27 July, as he took part in his first pilgrimage with the Archdiocese of Liverpool in its 102nd Pilgrimage to Lourdes.

This was the first archdiocesan pilgrimage led by the new archbishop, and the first too since the announcement back in December that the cure of John ‘Jack’ Traynor in 1923 had been confirmed as the 71st miracle of Lourdes.

That sense of calling had fresh resonance, therefore – not only for the theme of this Jubilee Year, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, but for the miracle of Traynor, who featured prominently throughout the pilgrimage, which ran from 24-31 July.

“We carried a flag with his picture on all the way through the week in the processions and his picture at every Mass,” explained Father Grant Maddock, the pilgrimage director. “It was a seamless thread that ran throughout the week and was enriching for everybody.”

Indeed, bookending the week were visits from two of Traynor’s great-great grandsons. At the Mass of Welcome and Anointing at St Bernadette’s

Basilica, Alex Taylor handed over his great-great grandfather’s rosary beads, a souvenir from one of his many Lourdes pilgrimages, and said: “To me and my family, Jack was always a miracle. When the official declaration happened, it didn’t change anything for us. What it did was it reinvigorated Jack’s story for countless people.”

According to Fr Grant, there was something deeply moving about the physical connection between Traynor’s century-old black beads, a symbol of his own devotion, and this year’s assisted pilgrims. “It gave them tremendous strength – that sense of hope and trust in God that underlines what the miracle of Lourdes is.”

Another of Traynor’s great-great grandsons, Stephen Gavin, spoke at the Mass of Thanksgiving in the Underground Basilica on the penultimate day, when the Liverpool pilgrims were joined by the Rector of the shrine, Fr Michel Daubanes, and Alessandro de Franciscis, president of the Lourdes Office of Medical Observations.

A video of Traynor’s story was played on the big screen beforehand, while a subsequent procession featured objects including Lourdes water, his rosary beads and the bretelles (or shoulder straps) of the kind he wore in his days as a brancardier, following his recovery.

Fr Grant added: “We also had youth coach leaders speak about what Jack Traynor’s story had done for the faith of the young people during that week and since the declaration. Then we processed the pilgrimage candle with Jack’s photograph on, and all the prayers of the week, together with the petitions gathered from around the archdiocese.”

In all, over 1,000 pilgrims made the journey from Liverpool including 33 priests – among them Archbishop Emeritus Malcolm McMahon – and five deacons. There were 286 youth pilgrims and 135 Hospitalité helpers, including the healthcare team. As always, they provided wonderful support for the assisted pilgrims, who numbered almost 60.

Another highlight, added Fr Grant, was the ‘Lourdes, a Place of Prayer’ service on the Saturday evening with, as a nod to the theme of ‘With Mary, Pilgrims of Hope’,

was led by female pilgrims Julia Ashton, Julie Spofforth and Rebecca Wall. “That was so enriching, because they brought the pattern of their own way of praying, and insight into the womanhood of Mary and the very fact that Lourdes actually is the story of a woman’s faith.

As for the yellow-shirted youth pilgrims, each received a special Pilgrim Pack this year which contained practical items for a journey, as well as a rosary and a bracelet with the symbol of an anchor. According to Father Simon Gore, director of the Youth Pilgrimage, the purpose was “to remind the young people that you need to be equipped for the journey”.

As he explained, the ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ logo was a useful motif for the week. “With the waves being our difficulties, we reminded them that faith, through the cross, could help them get through those waves along with people being together –those communities depicted in the logo.”

Yet ultimately, as Fr Simon underlined, the defining image for pilgrims young and old was that picture of Jack Traynor. For his great-great grandson Alex, to be part of Liverpool’s first pilgrimage since the official recognition of the miracle “was really special”.

He added: “I hope that other people can pick up his story now, now that it’s official, and use that to inspire others.”

Read more about the Youth Pilgrimage on Page 35.

Helen Lockley RIP

It was with great sadness we share that a few weeks after the Lourdes Pilgrimage, Helen Lockley, the lead nurse for the archdiocesan pilgrimage, passed away suddenly.

Helen played a key role in the pilgrimage for over a decade.

Fr Grant Maddock said: “Helen was an amazing woman who changed so many people’s lives for the better. She was one in a million.

“She made everyone smile and laugh with her antics but also made them feel safe in their deepest needs. She truly was a remarkable woman. Our prayers are with her family who she adored and also her Lourdes family.”

Dr Jim Connolly, Senior Medical Officer for the pilgrimage, paid his respects to a ”wonderful and caring friend” on the pilgrimage’s Facebook page, saying: “No matter how hectic things got, she always had time to listen to anyone who needed an ear, regardless of the time of day or night.

“She was without doubt the first person I would turn to ask advice for people in crisis, not just in Lourdes. We will deeply miss you, your generosity and your craziness.”

Hospitalite president Cath McCarthy also paid tribute saying: “Helen was a cherished member of the Hospitalité’s health care team. She served for many years with unwavering dedication, and this year, she stepped into the role of lead nurse—a position she embraced with compassion, grace, and a deep sense of purpose.

“Helen led by example. Her commitment to ensuring the very best care for our assisted pilgrims was evident in every action she took. She was respected and loved by all who had the privilege of working alongside her. Her leadership was not only professional but deeply human, marked by kindness, empathy, and an infectious sense of joy.

“Helen exemplified everything our Hospitalité stands for. Her legacy is one of love, joy, and unwavering care. We will miss her deeply, but her spirit will continue to guide us.”

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for her. St Bernadette, pray for her. St Helen, pray for her.

‘With Mary, Pilgrims of Hope’

My first Lourdes pilgrimage as Archbishop was one of great joy. I appreciated the generosity of the many people who ensured the assisted pilgrims could travel on pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. We walked together ‘With Mary, Pilgrims of Hope’ in the footsteps of St Bernadette.

For me, it was again a time to thank God for the blessings of my call as a priest, bishop, and now Archbishop of Liverpool. My first pilgrimage on the Jumbulance to Lourdes in 1980 stays in my mind and helped me confirm God’s calling to be a priest. Jesus said, “you did not choose me, I chose you”. I know the pilgrimage renewed many people’s love of Jesus.

This year, we celebrated the blessings of Jack Traynor’s miracle in Lourdes in 1923. Bishop Jean-Marc of Tarbes-Lourdes and Doctor Alessandro de Franciscis, president of the Lourdes Office of Medical Observations, welcomed us warmly and remembered the joyful and generous hospitality they had received in Liverpool in February. Some of Jack’s family joined us and shared their story with us. It was also a great honour to meet Mrs Antonia Raco, who was proclaimed the 72nd miracle in April. As she said, “My miracle is not only for me, but that you will believe.”

As we walked to the grotto or the various churches where we celebrated sacraments, the yellow shirts showed us the way. As one girl said, “We are showing you the yellow brick road” – a road that leads to joy and peace which is Jesus Christ.

The young people, the members of the Hospitalité, the coach leaders, priests and deacons, all played their part in helping everyone to enjoy a wonderful time in Lourdes. Prayer, love, fun and joy were shared and many new friendships made. I returned home to Liverpool knowing many more dedicated people who serve the archdiocese with love and prayer. It was a good start to my ministry as shepherd among you. Thank you.

I hope that the graces and blessings of Lourdes will encourage and support you to build up the witness to Jesus Christ in our parishes, schools, and places of outreach. Jesus knocks on the door of our hearts, calling us to go out of ourselves, just like in Lourdes, and to reach out to others in love. May the energy of Lourdes continue at home.

On a liturgical note

Canon Philip Gillespie

For the past 10 years, I have been used to packing my bags in September and returning to the Beda College in Rome, ready for the arrival of our new seminarians and the unfolding of the events and challenges and joys of the months ahead of us. Not so this year!

As others adjust to their new schools, new universities and perhaps even new jobs, I, like several of my diocesan brethren, will be getting used to a new position following fresh pastoral appointments – in my case, on the Isle of Man.

I wish Canon Marcus Holden, the new Rector of the Beda College in Rome, every blessing and happiness in his new role. It is really a great privilege to be involved in the vocational journey of the men entrusted to our care, learning day by day the appropriate gentleness and encouragement necessary in fostering and nurturing the response to the call of the Lord through His Church.

In the midst of this month, the Liturgy has the Feast of the Exaltation (or finding) of the Holy Cross, which falls by date (14 September) on a Sunday in Ordinary Time. While historically it commemorates the discovery, by Bishop Macarios or by Helena, Mother of the Emperor

Sunday thoughts

I still lapse into praying for Francis and Malcolm instead of Leo and John in the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass. I hope these misdirected prayers still stand them in good stead: Pope Francis in heaven and Archbishop Malcolm in retirement.

I recall the day Pope Leo XIV was elected. The Cardinal Protodeacon proclaimed in Latin the name of an unknown prelate who would take the name ‘Leone’. Commentators on the TV scrambled to identify him as a North American. In the days following we were reassured to hear that although his measured, serene personality contrasts with that of Pope Francis, he is inspired by the same vision of the Church and formed by his time in Peru.

On 1 September, exactly ten years since I was appointed, Canon Philip Gillespie is replacing me as parish priest and dean on the Isle of Man. While getting parish paperwork in order prior to retirement, I re-read the 2023 Vatican document designating the Church of Saint Mary of the Isle, Douglas, as a Co-Cathedral. Closer reading revealed that this decree from Pope Francis was signed off by ‘+Robert F. Prevost’.

Today he is no longer an unknown Vatican official but our very own Pope Leo XIV. As Cardinal Robert Prevost, he was head of the Dicastery for Bishops, the Vatican department responsible for selecting bishops and regulating cathedrals.

Constantine, of the relics of the true cross in Jerusalem and the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in the year 335, the centrality of the Cross and Resurrection is obviously highlighted. Hence it is allowed to stand in the Liturgical calendar on a Sunday, the day of Resurrection.

In the Byzantine tradition, this is named as a celebration of “the precious and life-giving Cross” and this perhaps gives it a slightly different ‘mood’ to the commemoration which is Good Friday.

Given the current situation in which our Christian brothers and sisters find themselves in Jerusalem and in the Holy Land, it would be good to pray for them on this Sunday, and perhaps the words of Saint Francis of Assisi prayed before the Crucifix in the church of San Damiano may help us:

‘Most High glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Grant me an upright faith, secure hope and perfect charity. Fill me with understanding and knowledge that I may fulfil your command. Amen.’

Building the Kingdom

Years ago, I went to listen to a priest from South America who travels all over the world sharing with people his reflections on the base Christian communities which emerged in South America.

Different experiences of the Church widen my own vision and remind me that my narrow understanding never captures all of the truth.

This man was extremely interesting and I found myself warming to him as I listened to his reflections. At one point, he made a particularly challenging statement. He said that the future of the Church does not depend on how many priests we have, or whether we can get to Mass each week.

He said that the future of the Church depends on how willing the followers of Jesus are to love our brothers and sisters, particularly those in need, because he said that is where our credibility lies. It was a real slap in the face to those within the Catholic tradition who think our life of faith depends on the sacramental celebration of the presence of Christ. It is much deeper than that.

If we are learning to love more and more, then the poor and the needy become our brothers and sisters because of the real presence of Christ within them. When that happens, our love becomes a real and credible witness to the Gospel.

Mgr John Devine OBE

I hastened to frame the decree and display it at the back of St Mary’s. It sits alongside the Decree of Execution, another document which was dispatched to Cardinal Prevost and signed by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Malcolm and Canon Sean Riley. It confirmed that the inauguration of the new cathedral had taken place on 3 November 2023.

Since Pope Leo took the trouble to sign off our cathedral status, maybe, one day, he might follow it up with a personal visit.

My grandfather was John Devine. So was my father and so am I. There were two Johns in our house. I always knew which John my mother was calling. If it was to say the dinner was ready, it didn’t really matter; we both responded. Other times, the tone of her voice made it clear which John she meant. She often called my name with a degree of exasperation over what I had done or failed to do.

Previous archbishops of Liverpool were Derek, Patrick and Malcolm, all distinctive. Simple use of their Christian names in clerical circles and beyond left no doubt that we were referring to the Archbishop. In times past we also had John Carmel and George Andrew, never plain John or George. As we take Archbishop John into our hearts, will the inflexion of our voices be sufficient to identify which of the many Johns we are referring to? John Francis?

Jesus called his disciples to do what Jesus does: healing and reconciling. If we are listening, really listening, then we will do what Jesus did. Three words characterise their mission: authority, dependency, urgency.

Authority is one of the main words to describe Jesus’ ministry. People everywhere are astonished at the authority with which Jesus teaches. It is not just that Jesus taught with authority, He acted with authority as well.

The disciples have witnessed this authority on many occasions. They have been comforted by this authority and on other occasions been afraid of it. And now that authority is given to them. It is given to us too when we are baptised. We have authority and yet we are always waiting for Father to tell us what to do. We have authority in the mission that Jesus has given to each of us. It is an authority that is not rooted in ourselves, but in His Word.

It seems from the Gospel accounts that the disciples must depend on what God will provide. Why is it important that we learn dependency then? Without it, we become proud and arrogant or paralysed by our own weakness. We are sent out in the authority of the name of Jesus, yet dependent on the provision of Jesus.

To build the Kingdom of God, we have to see differently and move away from our destructive, negative thinking to see the power of God at work in the smallest of things. Hence, we are called and sent out to build the Kingdom of God with urgency, with authority, trusting in God and the Good News… though remember, it really doesn’t depend on you!

Father

Chris Thomas

“Never aim at being eloquent” St John Henry Newman

John Henry Newman continues to accumulate religious honours, more than 130 years after his death.

Canonised by Pope Francis in 2019, he is soon to be granted the title “Doctor of the Church”, the announcement being one of Pope Leo’s first acts as the new head of the Church. Only the 38th person to be given this honour, Newman will join learned figures from Catholic history including the Venerable Bede, St Francis de Sales and St Thérèse of Lisieux, among others recognised as having contributed significantly to Catholic doctrine by their writings or research.

Born in London in 1801, John Henry Newman was educated at Oxford and became an Anglican priest in 1825. A leading light of the high church Oxford Movement, he converted to Catholicism in 1845. This was still a controversial act for such a high-profile figure, despite the passing of the Catholic Emancipation Act in 1829, which removed many of the barriers to public life for Catholics. Following his conversion, relationships with family and friends broke down, and newspapers suggested he was mad and often branded him “the traitor Newman”. Ordained as a Catholic priest in Rome in 1846, he was created a Cardinal in 1879.

Newman was committed to Catholic education and was a key figure in the creation of the Catholic University of Ireland (subsequently University College Dublin), of which he became the first Rector in 1854 – “a great task under impossible conditions”, according to one report. In 1859, he established the Oratory School in Birmingham. His many published works made him one of the most influential philosophers and theologians of the Victorian period. He wrote the words of the popular hymn “Lead, Kindly Light”, and his poem “The Dream of Gerontius” was set to music by Edward Elgar. His religious convictions are explained in his autobiography Apologia Pro Vita Sua, published in 1864. One assessment a few years later described this as “a narrative whose simple candour carried conviction even to theological opponents. Few books have so triumphantly accomplished their purpose as that remarkable work.” His reputation as a prose stylist led some students from the Irish seminary at Maynooth to write seeking his advice on writing sermons. He recommended brevity and simplicity: “Never aim at being eloquent”, he said, “he who tries to say simply and exactly what he feels or thinks, what religion demands, what faith teaches, what the Gospel promises, will be eloquent without intending it.”

He had been received into the Catholic Church by Blessed Dominic Barberi, the Italian Passionist priest whose tomb at Sutton Monastery in St Helens is a centre of pilgrimage. This isn’t Newman’s only connection to our archdiocese. Prolific as a published author, he was also an assiduous letter-writer with a

by Neil Sayer, Archdiocesan Archivist

large circle of correspondents. Practically an industry of Newman studies has evolved, and a substantial library of his own works and those about him, formerly at the Seminary at Upholland, is held at Hope University Library; it includes many first editions and scarce pamphlets. Most of his archives are held in Birmingham, where he died in 1890. A few letters written by him are in our own archives at the Metropolitan Cathedral.

In themselves, these letters are not especially significant, having been saved from destruction by admirers or autograph-collectors. But they have contributed to an international project to digitise all of Newman’s writings that has been influential in the promotion of his cause. The American-based National Institute of Newman Studies (NINS) has spent several years scouring the world for original writings by Newman, digitising them to make them freely available for scholars (see digitalcollections. newmanstudies.org). NINS’s mission is “to promote the life, thought and legacy of St John Henry Newman”, and the Institute took a leading role in the scholarship and petitioning for the cause presented to the Vatican. Their work in partnership with individuals and organisations around the UK has helped expand and bring online the archival legacy of Cardinal Newman and his contemporaries.

According to NINS’s Senior Archivist, Lawrence Gregory, the success of the cause of St John Henry Newman to be made a Doctor of the Church shows “the vital importance of archives and archivists to the international Roman Catholic Church.”

of a 1905

Piece of the Confessional Stole used by Cardinal Newman in the last years of his life [Photo Credit: Neil Sayer]

Signature of John Henry Newman, on a letter written from Italy shortly after his creation as Cardinal in 1879

Title page

edition of Newman’s autobiography

News diary

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Lourdes at Home - St George’s RC Church Maghull

On Saturday 26 July, St George’s parish came together for a very special “Lourdes at Home” celebration a Mass with the Anointing of the Sick, held in spiritual communion with the Archdiocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes.

While pilgrims gathered at the Grotto in Lourdes, Fr Gerry Cobham took the names of all those in our parish to be anointed, promising to pray for each by name.

Preparations began weeks in advance, with invitations sent to the sick and housebound, encouraging them and their families to attend. Over 80 people requested to receive the Sacrament of the Sick.

The church was filled with a joyful spirit as friends old and new greeted one another. Canon Chris Fallon, as principal celebrant, was joined by Fr Lister Tonge, Chaplain at Hope University, and by Fr Tony Cassidy from Bishop Eton.

In his homily, Fr Chris reflected on St John Paul II’s deep connection with this sacrament — recalling the Pope’s 1982 visit to Southwark Cathedral when he taught that “the wisdom and power of Christ are revealed in the weakness of those who share in His suffering”. He also spoke of the Pope’s personal witness, choosing to live and die publicly, showing the Church how to face illness with faith, hope, and joy.

The priests moved among the congregation, anointing those who wished to receive the sacrament. Hymns, prayer, and a deep sense of unity filled the church.

After Mass, parishioners gathered at the newly refurbished “Venue St George’s” for refreshments. Feeling fully refreshed spiritually and physically, people returned home with the memory of a very special day.

For parishioners in local care homes, Damfield Gardens and Parkhaven Trust, who were unable to attend, Fr Chris and Dcn Keith will visit them in the coming days so they can also receive the Sacrament of the Sick.

This event was a testament to the dedication and teamwork of many parishioners. Thanks go to all who worked so hard to make this day of spiritual renewal, healing, and togetherness possible.

Hidden Spanish garden opens for charity at St Philip Neri Church

On Sunday 15 June, the Mediterranean-style garden behind St Philip Neri Church on Catharine Street was opened to the public, raising funds for the church’s adopted charity, Mary’s Meals. The event, held on the Feast of St Philip Neri, was hosted by students from the Catholic chaplaincy serving the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, and LIPA.

Universities’ Chaplain Fr Neil Ritchie described the garden as “a unique talking point,” often admired by passers-by. “Some years ago, a Liverpool Echo reporter rang me to say he saw the garden every day from the top deck of his bus and was sure there was a story behind it: there is.”

The area originally housed the presbytery, built with the church in 1920. However during the May Blitz of 1941, the church’s original presbytery was destroyed, and the plot sat empty for years. In the 1950s, parish priest Dr John Garvin transformed the empty plot into a “Spanish Garden”. Though modified over time, the garden still retains its Hispanic feel, complete with a shrine to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The garden now plays a central role in chaplaincy life. Monthly gardening mornings see students working alongside gardener Tony Brougham and assistant Dennis Smith. Engineering student Kaden

Broomhall said, “The garden is truly an extension of the Church as a community… we pray and socialise in such a beautiful space.” Most visitors also explored the Italian-Byzantine style church, which was open for quiet prayer. Fr Ritchie confirmed the garden will open again in future, with hopes for additional visitor days throughout the year.

Lourdes at Home - St. Wilfrid’s Parish, Widnes

On Tuesday 29 July, the parishioners of St. Wilfrid’s Parish, Widnes mirrored a day in Lourdes: “We felt united with all pilgrims in Lourdes with the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage,’ said Fr Mark Moran, Parish Priest.

The day began at 7am with Mass of St. Bernadette and then continued with a Service of Anointing of the Sick and Conversion of Life, followed by friendship, fun and laughter over lunch in the parish hall.

In the evening, parishioners gathered again to pray the rosary and walk in a torchlight procession to the grotto behind St. John Fisher Church.

Fr Mark said, “It was day of prayer and service, especially to our sick parishioners who were brought to church to be anointed.

There were lots of happy tears, laughter and a real feeling of togetherness. We all felt the closeness of Our Blessed Lady and we prayed that she would direct our hearts to her Son, Jesus.”

“God bless all who worked so hard to make this day so wonderful!”

Historic Liverpool churches open doors for National Heritage Week

Two historic churches in Liverpool’s South Family of Parishes, St Vincent de Paul’s and St Anne’s, will welcome visitors during the second weekend of National Heritage Week (16–24 September), offering a chance to explore these architectural and historical gems.

St Anne’s, on Overbury Street, and St Vincent de Paul’s, on Hardy Street, were both founded in the mid-19th century to serve Liverpool’s growing Catholic population, particularly Irish immigrants arriving in the 1840s. Built by the Benedictine Order and the wider Catholic community, these churches reflect the city’s rich religious and cultural heritage.

St Anne’s, a Grade II listed building designed by Charles Francis Hansom, is notable for its striking Gothic architecture and stone-carved corbels, including one bearing the likeness of Irish nationalist Daniel O’Connell. Expanded in the 1880s by Peter Paul Pugin, the church features ornate side chapels and stunning stained-glass windows.

St Vincent de Paul, a Grade II* listed building designed by E.W. Pugin, has remained largely unchanged since its opening in 1852.

Highlights include stained glass by Hardman of Birmingham, intricate stonework, and furnishings originally from Alton Towers. Visitors can also see a sculpted tribute to Bishop Bernard O’Reilly, a key figure in the church’s founding.

Today, both churches serve diverse congregations and continue their legacy of community outreach—St Anne’s houses Asylum Link Merseyside, while St Vincent’s is led by the Missionaries of Africa.

St Anne’s will be open Saturday 20 September and Sunday 21 September from 12:00–4:00pm. St Vincent de Paul’s will open on Saturday 20 September from 4:00–5:30pm.

Visitors are warmly encouraged to step inside and discover the stories, spirituality, and stunning craftsmanship that make these churches cornerstones of Liverpool’s heritage.

Wigan Parish celebrates God’s creation

The three primary schools in the Parish of St William, came together to celebrate the beauty of God’s creation reflect on their role as stewards of the world He has Pupils from St Mary and St John Primary, St Patrick’s and St William’s Primary travelled together to the Laudato Centre at Wardley Hall, home of the Bishop of Salford.

The day, organised by parishioners, began with synodal-style discussions in which the children shared their thoughts on the environment, sustainability, and our response to God’s creation. They exchanged ideas for the future before learning practical ways they could make a difference - small, everyday actions that together can help care for the environment and promote a cleaner, healthier world.

In the beautiful grounds of Wardley Hall, the children enjoyed hands-on activities that deepened their appreciation of nature. The day concluded with a time of prayer and reflection, as they considered not only the environmental challenges we face, but also the social impact of our choices on our neighbours across the globe.

May these young ‘ambassadors for change’ carry their inspiration back to their schools, families, and parish communities - sowing seeds of care, responsibility, and hope for the future.

Sacred Heart Parish celebrates 150 years of faith and community

In June 2025, Sacred Heart Parish, Chorley, joyfully marked its 150th anniversary with a weekend of celebration, remembrance and community spirit. Founded in 1875 as a mission from St Mary’s, the parish has grown from a humble tin church into the beautiful Grade II listed building we know today, with its foundation stone laid in 1894.

Months of careful planning brought together parishioners, local schools, clergy and civic guests. The weekend began on Friday 27 June with a special Mass on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, celebrated by Bishop Tom Neylon and concelebrated with local and former Sacred Heart priests. The church was filled to capacity with parishioners, over 150 schoolchildren from Sacred Heart Primary, Holy Cross High School, and other Catholic schools. Distinguished guests included Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, the Mayor and Mayoress of Chorley, and representatives from the Da’watal Islam Mosque.

The children played a central role in the liturgy, leading readings and singing hymns—many written for the Jubilee Year. The theme, Pilgrims of Hope, was a fitting tribute to the parish’s enduring legacy.

Throughout the weekend, parishioners enjoyed a flower festival, historical displays, and social events including family bingo and a Saturday music concert featuring Chorley Silver Band and a stirring organ and trumpet recital.

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The celebrations culminated in a special Mass on Sunday, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, where the church once again filled for a joyous First Holy Communion celebration.

Parish Priest Fr Francis Ball remarked “It was a wonderful weekend which will be remembered for a long time to come… Many people from the parish and neighbouring parishes and schools contributed so much - they all deserve a very sincere word of thanks for making the weekend so memorable.”

“It truly was faith in action,” Bernadette Oakes, Parish Administrator, commented, “It showed how so much good can come from parishes and communities together.”

Call to Holiness – The Canonisation of two young saints of the Catholic Church

Written by Liz Parsons, Director of Pastoral Development

On Sunday 7 September, the Catholic Church will celebrate the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati—two remarkable young men whose lives continue to inspire the next generation.

Born in London, Carlo Acutis lived most of his life in Italy and died in 2006 at the age of 15. The first Millennial Saint, he held a deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. To this end, he created a website cataloguing Eucharistic miracles from around the world, stating, “To always be close to Jesus, that’s my life plan.” Carlo regularly explained Church teaching to his friends and classmates, and was responsible for leading many— including his own mother—toward a deeper faith.

Pier Giorgio Frassati, born in 1901, was a university student known for his vibrant spirituality, love of the mountains, and tireless service to the poor. His motto, Verso l’alto— “To the heights”—captured both his physical pursuits and spiritual aspirations. A committed participant in Catholic social action, his final act was asking a friend to deliver medicine to a sick man he had been helping, even as he lay dying of polio.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, these young saints remind us that the call to holiness is ever-present. Their lives bear powerful witness to the love of God and the joy it brings. As we celebrate their canonisations, we ask them to pray for us, and especially for the young people of Liverpool, that they too may discover faith and their own path to God.

We will mark this special occasion on Sunday 7 September at St Stephen’s Church in Warrington at 3pm. St Stephen’s will also host the Blessed Carlo Acutis Eucharistic Exhibition every Wednesday from 10am to 2pm throughout September and October. For more information, please email: ststephen@rcaol.org.uk

Thank you from the Congo

Fr Jean Paul Ilunga would like to thank the Archdiocese of Liverpool and all those across the archdiocese who donated for the metal roof of the church building in the village of his late mother in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Jottings of a Roman Pilgrimage

By Pat Murphy

It seems only natural in the Jubilee year to recall a few memories of fond visits to Rome. Those of you who know me will know I try and have an annual visit to Rome – it feeds the mind, the heart and the soul. We are already two thirds of the way through the Jubilee year, so my annual visit in November is drawing closer and will be very welcome.

From a very young age, my main interest in life has been art, sculpture and architecture. So, if you have been to Rome, you can understand I am in seventh heaven when I visit. My first visit to Rome was as a teenager, when my parents, last minute, sprung the trip on me - possibly because I would have been over excited for too long. It also involved having to take a couple of days off school to tag onto the half term – but studying art history was not a problem.

Rome then was a busy city, but nothing like the crowds of pilgrims and tourists that visit today. The introduction of budget airlines has made so many beautiful European cities so much easier to visit.

Staying just five minutes’ walk away, our visit centred around the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica. There were no security checks or queueing in those days. You just walked up the central steps into the fabulous façade of the Basilica. The huge doors, the Giotto (that most visitors miss) over the entrance, the vastness, and then into the Basilica itself. The first stop – you look to the right and you have one of the most beautiful pieces of sculpture in the world - Michelangelo’s Pieta, then seated on the altar rather than behind a Perspex bullet proof screen. I think I spent hours staring at this most exquisite work. How a young man of 21 could produce a piece of sculpture so beautiful from a block of Carrara marble is still a question I ask myself – I have always believed it was the hand of God working through Michelangelo.

I have been to Rome numerous times since that first visit, so I have many memories to recall from over the years. I spent a summer holiday as a student working for a travel company, ferrying tired pilgrims to and from the airport, and on occasions around the city. Around that time, I also helped organise the 1975 Holy year visit to Rome from my parish. Sadly, I did not manage to visit the city for the next Holy year in 2000 due to my work commitments – so I am delighted to be involved in organising and going on the parish pilgrimage in November – we are counting the days!

More of my jottings next month.

Care for Creation

You are the sign

by Dr Jennifer Jones, Scientist and nature writer

It seems to happen every year. Soon after the schools have broken up for the summer vacation, neighbours report ‘vandalism’, or ‘gangs’ roaming the area. And, of course, children are to blame. I am not naïve and realise that sometimes this is true, but this attitude fails to recognise the amazing good deeds that our youth accomplish. Anyone who has attended the Archdiocesan Lourdes Pilgrimages has witnessed the compassion, zeal and faith of our youngsters.

In August, one million young people from 150 countries gathered in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth 2025. On that occasion, Pope Leo XIV urged them to remember that “friendship is a path to peace” and “you are the sign that a different world is possible”. There is tremendous responsibility in these words, but we cannot forget that the younger generation is the one with the most to lose, as they will experience the impacts of the climate and biodiversity crises. Around the world, many children are showing how much they care for creation. Few can forget those poignant scenes of a teenage Greta Thunberg sitting alone outside her school in Sweden announcing the school strikes for climate. This resulted in the Fridays for Future marches which took place around the world, most ending when Covid-19 struck. Elsewhere around the world, other youngsters campaign

about climate change and biodiversity, some very young yet having the confidence to speak out.

In 2017, COP23 was held in Bonn, Germany. At that meeting, twelve year old Timoci Naulusala from Fiji spoke passionately and eloquently about the potential impacts of climate change. He explained how the previous year, an exceptionally severe typhoon had hit his village, destroying his home and his school and destroying or damaging 40,000 homes. At the end of his speech, he received a standing ovation from world leaders.

Here in the UK, two sisters, Amy and Ella Meek, launched Kids Against Plastic in 2016 when they were only 12 and 10 years old, respectively. Their aim was to empower youngsters to become agents of change on environmental issues, particularly with respect to plastic pollution. Their campaign has grown into a global movement. Along with their family, Amy and Ella have picked up 100,000 pieces of plastic litter, they have spoken at the three UK parliaments and addressed multiple UN youth parliaments.

Professor Wangari Maathi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, the first black African to do so. She founded the Green Belt Movement which, by the time of her death in 2011, had planted 45 million trees in Kenya. Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun

is a fourteen year old activist who wants to emulate the achievements of Wangari Maathi. By 2020, she had planted 250,000 trees and encouraged a community of tree-lovers. Although Ellyanne is focussing more on climate change at present, she remains passionate about tree planting and wants to be a catalyst for the planting of one-trillion trees, globally, by the time she is eighteen.

This month is the Season of Creation, a time dedicated to prayer and action for the protection of creation. This year’s theme is ‘Peace with Creation’. Sometimes it can feel challenging to translate our faith into actions. In their document, The Call of Creation, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales emphasised: “We must respond as Christians to the cry of creation and think hard about how we live our lives so that we are good stewards of our fragile planet and live in solidarity with the world’s poorest communities”.

Marking this year’s World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation, Pope Leo XIV said ‘now is the time to follow words with deeds....By working with love and perseverance, we can sow many seeds of justice and thus contribute to the growth of peace and the renewal of hope’. The good news is that children across the archdiocese are engaged in many activities that can help to renew hope. We are one of the dioceses with the highest uptake of the Live Simply programme across our schools. In November, to mark the COP30 meeting, the archdiocese, in collaboration with the Liverpool World Centre, will host an interschool Mock COP event. We can be sure that our students will take part in this with knowledge, understanding and passion.

It is clear that many young people are worried about human impact on the environment, some even experiencing eco-anxiety. They should not feel isolated in their concerns or activities. We adults can shepherd and support them, listen closely to their messages and act with them to work towards a just and peaceful world, one they deserve. In the penultimate evening of the Jubilee of Youth 2025, Pope Leo XIV urged his young audience: “study, work and love according to the example of Jesus, the good teacher who always walks beside us”. Let us walk beside our young people in their efforts to show us that a different, better, world is possible.

Pastoral ponderings

by Paul Pimblett

One of the highlights of my year is the archdiocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. It is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the love and presence of Our Lady and how she guides us towards her son. As the mother of the great high priest, Our Lady is also a great help to us seminarians in our formation.

Lourdes is a special time to come together with friends and those you only see once a year. It is also a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and to encounter people and their own stories and experiences of faith. One of the most miraculous things about Lourdes is how it brings pilgrims from all around the world together in one common spirit of prayer.

The diocesan pilgrimage is always a very busy time, so it was great that I had the chance to find some space to pray and to spend time in silence in front of the grotto, reflecting on our Blessed Mother’s role in my life as a seminarian. I have always had a strong devotion to Our Lady and will continue to do so throughout my time in seminary. Our Lady is an incredibly powerful intercessor for us all, especially for priests and future priests as we try to imitate her son.

I was incredibly privileged to be able to travel with my parents to Lourdes this year as part of the pilgrimage. I found myself reflecting on how the close love I have for them resembles that of the love I have for our Blessed Mother. My own mother has often remarked she knows me more than I know myself and I am certain this is very much the case with Our Lady.

After returning from Lourdes, I was able to begin my summer break. I was incredibly lucky to have time to relax and to rest before the busy new term begins in September and I enter my fourth year of formation for the priesthood. It is incredibly important for seminarians and priests to find time to be alone and to come away as our Lord Himself often did to pray and rest.

As I prepare to enter the next year of studies, please continue to pray for me and for all our seminarians as we begin a new chapter in our formation.

Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for us.

Celebrating the Season of Creation

By Chris Higgins, Parish & Deanery Adviser and Lucy Rauer, Catholic Social Action Coordinator

Higgins about the celebrations the On Archdiocese join Walk

This July, the Church welcomed some new and exciting additions to the Roman Missal - the book that contains the prayers and readings used to celebrate Mass in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. Grounded in the ancient prayers of the early Church and evolving through centuries of tradition, the Missal offers us a window into the past, echoing the prayers and devotions of countless generations before us. But far from simply a historical document, the Missal is alive and grows with us. Each generation faces the task of finding renewed ways to express devotion in its own age, bringing the realities faced at present into the prayer of our day.

Among the latest additions to the Missal is a special new formulary for a Mass dedicated to the Care of Creation. In a time when many of us are trying to make sense of our ongoing ecological crisis, experiencing grief in an era of ecological damage, and anxiety about the future to come, the Mass for the Care of Creation “renews our gratitude, strengthens our faith, and calls us to respond with care and love, in an ever-growing sense of wonder, respect, and responsibility”, as told by Cardinal Michael Czerny.

OPEN EVENT

Thursday 2 October 4.30pm – 7.30pm

what’s on September

Tuesday 2 September

Film Screening – “Love Reaches Everywhere” (Mary’s Meals)

1:00pm at Pauline Book Centre, 84 Church Street, Liverpool, L1 3AY

There will be a film screening of the Mary’s Meals film Love Reaches Everywhere in the upstairs room. This event is free, and those attending will receive a complimentary copy of their founder’s book, The Shed that Fed 2 Million Children, which tells the story of how the charity came to exist.

Saturday 6 September

Diaconate Ordinations

12pm at Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, L3 5TQ

Archbishop John Sherrington will celebrate the ordination of new deacons for the archdiocese.

All are welcome to attend this special liturgy as we pray for those being ordained and their future ministry.

Sunday 7 September

Benediction and Evening Prayers for Bl. Carlo Acutis and Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati

3:00pm at St Stephen’s Church, Sandy Lane, Orford, Warrington, WA2 9HS

You are invited to Benediction & Evening Prayers to celebrate the canonisation of Bl. Carlo Acutis and Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, presided by Bishop Tom Neylon. There will also be an exhibit of Eucharistic Miracles designed by Bl. Carlo Acutis on display in the church. All are welcome.

Saturday 13 September

Annual Pilgrimage Mass to the Shrine of Venerable Elizabeth Prout

12:00pm at St Anne & Blessed Dominic, Monastery Road, St Helens, WA9 3ZD

Join the Sutton Shrine Trust for their annual pilgrimage Mass for Venerable Elizabeth Prout. The chief celebrant will be Bishop Mark Davis (of Shrewsbury Diocese). All are welcome to attend.

Sunday 14 September

Bach: Herr Jesu Christ Wah’r Mensch und Gott – Evening Prayer and Cantata

6:30pm at St Francis Xavier, Liverpool, Salisbury Street, Everton, L3 8DR

The Liverpool Bach Collective will be performing Herr Jesu Christ Wah’r Mensch und Gott at St Francis Xavier Church. Large-print Orders of Service are available. If you would like one, please email at least seven days before the service: liverpoolbach@icloud.com

Saturday 20 September

Care for Creation Walk and Mass

11:00am at St Mary’s Public Oratory, Prescot Road, Aughton, L39 6TA

There will be a pilgrim walk at St Mary’s Public Oratory in Aughton, following a 3.5 mile circular route from the church and back again, including three prayer stops. Mass will be celebrated upon the return of the walking pilgrims at 1:30pm. All are welcome.

Saturday 20 September

Heritage Open Days at St Patrick’s and St Vincent de Paul Churches

2:00pm–4:00pm at St Patrick’s, Park Place, Liverpool & 4:00pm–5:00pm at St Vincent de Paul, St James Street, Liverpool

Join us for two Heritage Open Day events, beginning with St Patrick’s (built 1827 by Slater) and followed by St Vincent de Paul (built 1857). Each will feature a talk from Michael O’Neill on the architecture and history of the church, a question-and-answer session, and the opportunity to purchase copies of Michael’s books on both churches. At St Vincent’s, the Gray and Davison pipe organ will be available for demonstration. Due to parking restrictions, visitors are advised to park near St Patrick’s and walk to St Vincent’s.

Sunday 21 September

Mass of Celebration – Mary’s Meals

3:00pm at St Teresa’s Catholic Church, Church Road, Upholland, Wigan, WN8 0PY

All are invited to a special Mass of celebration for the work of Mary’s Meals, the global charity providing school meals to children in some of the world’s poorest communities. Archbishop John Sherrington will preside at the Mass. Light refreshments will be served in the church hall after Mass.

Saturday 27 September

Day for Catechists – Formation & Reflection 9:30am – 4:00pm at St Margaret Clitherow Centre, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool L17 1AA

Are you a catechist looking for spiritual refreshment? No matter what kind of ministry you are serving, there is a good opportunity for you to refresh your vocation of being a catechist. With the facilitation of Sr Carino and Sr Hyacinthe from the Dominican Sisters of St Joseph, there will be spiritual input and practical discussion on the mission of catechesis. For more details visit: archdioceseofliverpool.org/ DayForCatechists or contact m.mui@rcaol.org.uk.

Saturday 27 September

Annual Mass for the SVP

(St Vincent de Paul Society)

1:30pm at St Luke’s, Whiston, L35 5AT

Join us for our annual Mass of thanksgiving for the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society across the archdiocese. The principal celebrant will be Bishop Tom Williams. This special celebration is an opportunity to thank our members for their dedicated service in accompanying those in need. The Mass will include a renewal of commitment to the SVP, a blessing of hands, and will be followed by refreshments and a time to reconnect and share encouragement. All are welcome.

Catholic Children’s Choirs Raise the Roof!

By Danny Townley, Director of Schools Singing Programme

Summer Term was an incredibly busy one for the Schools Singing Programme, including hosting a choir of around 1,000 for the Good Shepherd Mass and launching the new KS1 Celebration Mass at the Cathedral.

At the end of this summer term, the spotlight was on the combined forces of Knowsley and Widnes Catholic Children’s Choirs as they came together to put on a hugely successful fundraising concert to raise money for their trip to Huddersfield in October.

The singing of both sacred and secular songs was wonderful to listen to and incredibly uplifting for the attending audience. There was a raffle with bumper prizes (including an iPad and a stay at a luxury hotel!) and a bake sale which the parents of the choirs contributed to generously. The concert made an astonishing total of over £1,000, which will go towards travel and any costs of running the trip, and will be spent entirely on the children who make up both choirs.

The SSP are extremely grateful for the hosting of the concert at St Margaret Mary’s Church in Knotty Ash, and especially to Fr Roy for his warm welcome for the second year in a row.

The two choirs from the Archdiocese of Liverpool will travel to St Patrick (Parish of the Holy Redeemer) in Huddersfield and are looking forward to singing Mass jointly with Huddersfield Junior Choir on Sunday 18 October.

If you are interested in your child joining either of these choirs, please scan this QR code for more information.

My Journey of Integration: From Hong Kong to Liverpool

By Maggie Choi

Due to political circumstances, I migrated from Hong Kong to Liverpool last year. The transition was profound—my life changed dramatically, and I faced daunting challenges that filled me with anxiety. Yet, after a year, I found myself settling into this vibrant city and beginning a new chapter. What helped me adapt? And how did I integrate into Liverpool’s diverse community? This is my story of transformation and reflection as an immigrant.

The Bible speaks often of renewal and transformation. One verse that resonated deeply with me is: “New wine must be put into fresh wineskins” (Luke 5:38). Migration gave me a fresh start, and I realized I needed to let go of my old self and embrace the opportunities ahead. Another verse warns, “No one after drinking old wine desires new; for he says, ‘The old is good’” (Luke 5:39). This reminds me that clinging only to familiar cultural circles can hinder our enthusiasm for integration. Faith encouraged me to open my heart to change.

Liverpool is a city rich in cultural diversity—over 20% of its population is from non-White English backgrounds, including communities from Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. This multicultural environment made it easy to meet people from various ethnicities in everyday life. Understanding their histories, customs, and perspectives helped me interpret their actions more empathetically and build stronger relationships. Liverpool City Council and major businesses here actively promote racial inclusion. From organising Chinese New Year celebrations to supporting cultural events, the city fosters respect and engagement among ethnic minorities. I’ve felt welcomed and valued here, and I’ve come to understand that inclusion is a two-way street. Just as I’ve received respect, I strive to offer it in return—especially to those from marginalised communities.

Active participation in the community has been key to my integration. Volunteering has opened doors to connection, language practice, and career development. As a shop assistant in a charity shop, I interacted with locals and gained insight into daily life. Working in a food bank warehouse helped me build networks and strengthen my CV. Catholic charities like Nugent and St. Joseph’s Hospice offer many volunteering opportunities—perfect starting points for anyone seeking to integrate - as does membership of CARJ. Attending community events has also helped me feel part of Liverpool. Last year, I joined a Council-led event at the LFC Stadium, where local groups and services introduced their work and offered support. These events helped me discover resources like food pantries, libraries, and information services. They also gave me the chance to meet others, learn new things, and offer help to those in need. This year, I met fellow immigrants struggling with the cost of living and was able to guide them to free children’s events and local support centres. Migration is never easy, but as the Bible says, “Do not be afraid; just have faith” (Mark 5:36). With faith in God and a strong desire to integrate, I’ve found that settling down is not only possible—it’s deeply rewarding. I’m grateful to those who supported me, and I look forward to a bright future in Liverpool.

Catholic life Walking Pilgrimage of the Month

SEPTEMBER

St Mary’s Public Oratory, Aughton

Season of Creation Circular Pilgrimage Walk

Our walk for September is a circular walk, taking us from St Mary’s Oratory in Aughton through the fields and farmland of the area, back to the church for Holy Mass. During the walk, we will stop three times for 5 minutes of prayer and reflection based on the Season of Creation. These will be led by three different groups from across the archdiocese. You are welcome to join us on Saturday 20 September at 11am, or walk this journey yourself at any time.

The walk itself will take us along country footpaths and through farmland fields. Hopefully, at this time of year, we will see the changes from summer to autumn: changes in the colour of the trees; the production of many seeds we will pass along the way and migrating birds. Walking through this beautiful countryside will give us time to renew our relationship with God as Creator and with all of creation.

Distance: 3.4 miles

Estimated Time 1hr 50 minutes [+prayer time]

Start: St Mary’s Public Oratory, Aughton, L39 6TA

Begin your pilgrimage at St Mary’s Church, on Prescot Road. There is a car park on site. The mission here was established in 1784 and the present church built in 1823. It was reordered in about 1985, at which time the high altar, altar rails and pulpit were removed. Recently, the church’s use was changed from a Parish Church to a Public Oratory, served from the Parish of Catherine of Alexandria in Lydiate. The church has a well-constructed display at the back which charts its history – well worth a read. Turn left out of the car park onto Prescot Road and immediately on the left there is a public footpath through the trees that runs alongside the church grounds.

Prayer Station 1:

At the end of the field, the path turns a couple of times before becoming a track that runs through Mossock Hall Farm and car park. Stay on the track to the left part of the golf course. As the track bends right at the trees at the edge of the golf course, turn left onto a footpath following the tree line. As we leave the golf course behind, we will stop for our first prayer station.

Distance: 0.7 miles | Estimated time: 20 mins

Prayer Station 2:

Continue along the path through the fields, you will cross Bowker’s Green Lane into the opposite field. Cut across the field, turn left, then right on the next track towards Billinge Farm. Here, in the stillness of the open field, we recall the words of Psalm 24: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,” giving thanks for the gift of food and those who labour to bring it forth. As you approach the building of the farm, turn left, and then halfway past the next field, a right. At the end of this field, we will stop for our second prayer station.

Distance: 0.8 miles | Estimated time: 25 mins

Prayer Station 3:

Turn left past Graveyard Farm and keep following the footpath, Just before Moor Hall Farm, there is a track off to the left. After a wooded area, usually containing wildflowers and moss around this time of year, there is a bend to the left. We will stop here for our third prayer station.

Distance: 1 mile | Estimated time: 35 min

Return to St Mary’s:

Continue along the path until you reach Prescot Road. Here, turn left and follow the road, through Bowker’s Green back to St Mary’s on the left. As the spire of St Mary’s comes into view once more, consider how every pilgrimage is simultaneously a journey outward into the world, and a journey home to God. On return, Holy Mass will be celebrated for the Season of Creation at 1:30pm.

Distance: 0.9 miles | Estimated time: 30 mins

Saint of the Month

St Ambrose Barlow

A Benedictine, he was ordained as a priest in 1617 and returned to England, settling at Morley’s Hall in South Lancashire for 24 Years as a priest. He was arrested four times and was eventually martyred at Lancaster for his priesthood in 1641. His cousin, Francis Downes, Lord of Wardley Hall, a devout Catholic, rescued his skull and preserved it at Wardley (the home of the Bishop of Salford) where it remains to this day.

Monsignor John Devine

Turning a new page

“I was taking the new Archbishop around for a few days,” says Monsignor John Devine, beginning a brief anecdote from his final months on the Isle of Man. “I took him to the south of the island, which has the Calf of Man, a small island off the coast of the island itself. There’s a confluence of different currents and you have lots of seals and even dolphins, and it’s amazing.”

After ten years living on the Isle of Man, where he was parish priest at St Mary’s Co-Cathedral in Douglas and St Anthony of Padua in Onchan as well as Area Dean, there are inevitably things that Mgr John will miss, and the natural beauty of the place, further highlighted by a recent flying lesson over the island – “a wonderful gift from a parishioner,” he says – is prominent among them.

Equally, though, as the 77-year-old boarded a ferry on 31 August, bound for Liverpool and retirement, he had plenty to look forward to also. As any reader of his monthly Sunday Thoughts column in the Pic will know, he has a longstanding love of motorbikes – and a biking holiday in Spain is coming up soon – while revisiting some of his favourite books will feature in his new routine too.

“I’ve been packing up my books,” he says, “and it’s taken ages because every book you pick up tells a story. I know where I bought the book, and what the connection was. Some of them go back to my student days.”

A bookworm since his teens, he recalls: “I was always a good storyteller. In the junior seminary at Upholland we had a very good English teacher, Father Bill Maxwell, who encouraged us to read a lot and lent you books.” It was in senior seminary that he began honing the writing skills that have enriched the Pic’s pages since the 1980s. “We were expected to read and produce essays like you would in a university,” he explains.

“We weren’t allowed out much, so I read a lot too. Later, when I was in the mountains of Peru, in the middle of nowhere, where everyone went to bed at half past six at night because there was no electricity, I would read with one of these paraffin pressure lamps.”

Mgr John wrote regularly for this publication during his nine years in South America in the 1980s. He describes as “a crash course in reality” the experience of leaving Skelmersdale team ministry – his first posting as a young priest – for life on the Liverpool Archdiocesan Missionary Project (LAMP). In Peru he learned there were times “you can’t sit on the fence”.

By Simon Hart

He elaborates: “The example I often give is of a manicured golf course right on the outskirts of Lima with irrigation even of the fairways. Alongside you’ve got a shanty town of a few hundred thousand people with no running water. That brings a very sharp focus.”

Mgr John’s rich and varied experiences as a priest were documented in our last issue after he received an honorary doctorate from Liverpool Hope University in July.

Ordained by Archbishop George Andrew Beck, he returned from Peru in 1990 for spells in Upholland and Warrington before his 2015 move to the Isle of Man. “I imagined when I was going to the Isle of Man that I’d be going into semi-retirement,” he reflects yet the reality was rather different as he combined duties on the island with trips back to Liverpool for his work as episcopal vicar for finance.

Now that retirement is finally here, he is “hoping I’ll be able to help out in parishes” as well as continuing his regular contributions to the Pic, having featured in every issue since the start of the 1990s when he was chair of the editorial board.

As well as his writing, there is all that reading to do too. He adds with a smile: “At my age, by the time evening comes round, if I try reading, I fall asleep. So I’m looking forward to reading in the mornings!”

Mgr John and friends at his farewell party on 20 July

‘Record-breaking’ success at Carmel College

Carmel College is celebrating a phenomenal year for its class of 2025, with students achieving outstanding exam results.

The campus was buzzing with excitement as students, families, and staff came together to mark this remarkable milestone.

The college is delighted to announce that the Times league tables place Carmel College as ‘the top sixth form college in the North West of England’ and is one of the ‘top 4 sixth form colleges in the country’.

This year, Carmel students achieved a 99.6 per cent Level 3 pass rate, with 68 per cent of grades in the top tier (A*-B / Dist*-Dist) and 89.4 per cent of grades rated high (A*-C / Dist*-Merit) – a true reflection of their dedication and hard work.

Principal Janet Gater said: “We are thrilled with the outstanding results our students have achieved today and could not be prouder of every one of them. Their hard work, determination, and resilience have been inspiring, and we are equally grateful to our dedicated staff, whose commitment and encouragement have been key to this success. It has been a privilege to support our young people in reaching their goals, whether that means moving on to university, a degree apprenticeship, or starting work.

“Our students have already made an exceptional contribution to life at Carmel College, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will go on to make in the wider community.”

The day also highlighted some extraordinary individual successes, with students gaining offers at prestigious universities including Oxford and Cambridge:

• Lydia Baldwin – geography, Mansfield College, Oxford

• Adam Hale – biochemistry, St Catherine’s College, Oxford

• Dion Josh – chemistry, St John’s College, Oxford

• Vyara Mihova – law, Worcester College, Oxford

• Karolina Szpilko – biology, Hertford College, Oxford

• Kendi Blackstock – architecture, Selwyn College, Cambridge

• Grace Brophy – English, Murray Edwards College, Cambridge

• Oliver Buckley – law, Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge

• Cerys Burch – English literature, Murray Edwards College, Cambridge

• Abi Mannion – geography, Jesus College, Cambridge

These results reflect not only the hard work and talent of Carmel students but also the supportive community that nurtures their growth. The college wishes all its students every success as they embark on their next exciting chapter.

Maricourt Catholic High School celebrates Mission Week

Maricourt Catholic High School has marked Mission Week 2025 with a powerful celebration of faith, service, and community under the Jubilee Year theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.

The week-long programme united students, staff and local primary schools in a rich variety of experiences, including trips, guest speakers, prayer and hands-on activities, all rooted in Catholic Social Teaching.

From exploring faith and heritage to serving others and caring for creation, the school community embraced Gospel values of dignity, solidarity, peace, environmental stewardship, and the common good.

One of the most moving highlights came from guest speaker John Pridmore, a former gangster whose life was transformed by faith. His story of redemption and hope left a lasting impression on students and staff alike.

Year 9 pupils also deepened their spiritual journey with a pilgrimage through the Holy Door at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, alongside interfaith encounters at local synagogues. At Maricourt, they welcomed Mary’s Meals, who spoke about tackling global hunger and the power of education to change lives.

Faith in action extended across all year groups. Year 8 explored environmental responsibility at Chester Zoo, bringing Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ to life through science and faith. Year 7 students connected with their heritage and aspirations at Liverpool Museum, Tate Liverpool, and Edge Hill University, reflecting on identity and ambition as pilgrims of hope.

The school also opened its doors to feeder primary schools St Gregory’s, St John Bosco, St George’s, and Holy Rosary, offering pupils an inspiring first taste of life at Maricourt.

Meanwhile, older students in Years 10 and 12 carried their learning into the community through work experience and

volunteering placements, putting compassion and responsibility into practice.

Staff also embraced Mission Week, joining together in prayer and reflection in the chapel, reaffirming their commitment to guiding and nurturing students as faithful witnesses of hope. Celebration was central too, with the whole school enjoying a vibrant Sports Day filled with team spirit and laughter.

Mission Week concluded with a joyful whole school mass of thanksgiving, followed by ice cream for all. That evening, Year 13 students celebrated their leavers’ party at The Bentley in Liverpool, marking the end of their Maricourt journey with gratitude, laughter, and friendship.

Students and staff now look ahead with a shared commitment to live as pilgrims of hope, carrying their faith into action through service, prayer and compassion.

Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy students shine on GCSE results day

Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic and Church of England Academy in Runcorn celebrated the efforts and achievements of its Year 11 students as they received their GCSE results.

The school, part of the St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust (SJCMAT), reported strong improvements across key measures this year. 47 per cent of students gained five or more strong GCSE passes at grade 5 and above. Results in English and maths also rose, with grade 4+ increasing by 7.2 per cent and grade 5+ by 12.3 per cent compared to last year.

These outcomes reflected not only academic progress but also the school’s core values of responsus, respicio and perseverantia.

Among many success stories, Sophia MacGugan achieved six grades at 7+, earning

praise as a hardworking role model. Majka Bartosik exceeded expectations by securing six grades more than two levels above her original targets. Joe Kelly, who attended every revision session offered by the school, was rewarded with eight grades at 6 or above.

Headteacher Miss Alicia Freeman expressed pride in the results, saying: “I am extremely proud of our students’ successes this year. This group applied themselves throughout, even attending school on Saturdays. Their results are a testament to their hard work.

“I arrived as headteacher when the class of 2025 had just started Year 9, and they epitomise our value of perseverantia – never giving up and pushing through adversity.

I am more than proud to lead this school and especially this group of young people who will go on to be the best versions of themselves

and contribute positively to their community.”

Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy continues to provide a vibrant, inclusive and ambitious education for families across Runcorn. Guided by its Christian mission within SJCMAT, the academy supports students to fulfil their God-given potential and flourish in all aspects of life.

A day of pride at St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Academy

St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Academy , part of the St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, is celebrating a significant achievement following the release of this summer’s GCSE results.

The academy proudly reported that 53 per cent of pupils attained grade 4 or higher in both English and mathematics, reflecting the dedication of students and staff alike. These outcomes highlight the progress the school continues to make and the determination of its learners to succeed despite challenges in recent years.

Among the many success stories was Ini, who achieved an exceptional six grade 9s across a range of subjects. Ini’s remarkable performance was hailed as a source of inspiration for fellow students and demonstrated what can be achieved through resilience and ambition.

Several other pupils also excelled, including

Natalia, Nicola P, Jan and Marius, who each secured grade 9 successes. Their results showcased the depth of talent at the academy and the high aspirations nurtured among the student body.

Staff at St Augustine’s also emphasised the crucial role played by parents and guardians in supporting pupils throughout their studies. Their encouragement and involvement helped create an environment where young people could thrive, grow in confidence and meet their potential.

Headteacher Giselle Lynch praised the students for their commitment, saying: “These young people began their secondary school journey at the height of the COVID pandemic. The past few years have presented them with many challenges. They have worked hard to ensure they have the qualifications needed to progress to the next stage in their education or to secure employment. We are proud of their success

and wish them well for the future.”

As students look ahead, many will move on to sixth forms, colleges and apprenticeships across the region, supported by the solid foundations they built at St Augustine’s. Their achievements have brought pride to the entire school community, marking this results day as a memorable milestone in the life of the academy.

St Cuthbert’s students celebrate

Students at St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School celebrated an excellent set of GCSE results this summer, with improvements across several subjects.

The outcomes reflected the hard work, resilience and dedication of the cohort, supported by staff and families.

Charlie M emerged as the school’s highestachieving student, securing seven grade 9s and maintaining 100 per cent attendance throughout five years. Other top performers included Riley K, Olivia R, April P and Tian W, who each achieved a range of grade 8s and 9s. The school emphasises that success takes many forms, and every student reaching their personal best had reason to be proud.

Headteacher Stuart Holland said: “Our students have worked exceptionally hard

throughout the last five years and have achieved the results they truly deserve. We’re particularly proud of them for overcoming the challenges they faced as the year group who joined us during COVID. I’d also like to thank our staff for their dedication and our parents and carers for their continued support. We wish our students every success as they move on to the next stage of their education and continue to live life in all its fullness.”

Many students will now progress to local sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships and training providers, taking with them the confidence and character nurtured at St Cuthbert’s. Families considering secondary school places are invited to the open evening on Thursday 25 September, 5.00–7.30pm.

Visitors can meet teachers and students, tour departments, and learn how St Cuthbert’s

supports young people to thrive. Parents and carers of pupils in Years 5 and 6 are especially welcome.

For more information, visit stcuthberts.com or contact the school on 01744 678123 or hello@stcuthberts.com.

Many Hands, One Mission: Serving Education in the Spirit of Lourdes

When we think of a school, we might picture classrooms, pupils, and lessons. But a school is far more than that — it is an entire ecosystem of people whose daily work shapes the lives of young people. Governors, headteachers, priests, teaching staff, teaching assistants, catering teams, maintenance and site staff, volunteers — each one plays a unique role in forming a community where learning, faith, and care flourish.

This was brought into sharp focus during our recent pilgrimage to Lourdes. As part of our time at the sanctuary, we gathered for a photograph — not just teachers, but everyone involved in Catholic education. Standing shoulder to shoulder were those who guide strategic vision, those who lead prayer and worship, those who prepare meals, maintain buildings, greet visitors, and offer countless acts of unseen service.

The resulting image is striking. It is not simply a group portrait; it is a visual testimony to the diversity of service in education. In that moment, we were reminded that every role, whether in the classroom, the kitchen, the chapel, or the schoolyard, is a vocation — a calling to serve.

For some, Lourdes is a place of physical healing. For others, it is a place where perspective is restored — where we remember why we do what we do. The sanctuary is a place of pilgrimage, prayer, and solidarity, and as we stood together, our shared commitment to education became a kind of prayer in itself — an offering of all our work for the good of our young people and the glory of God.

The photograph we took will serve as a reminder: Catholic education is not the work of a few; it is the mission of many. Together, guided by faith and sustained by the example of Our Lady, we continue to walk this path — for our children, for our Church, and for the Kingdom of God.

Please pray for all who are starting or returning to schools, colleges, and all forms of education this September. May their year be blessed with wisdom, joy, and growth in faith.

Joan McCarthy Director of Education Archdiocese of Liverpool

All Hallows pupils celebrate GCSE success

All Hallows Catholic High School celebrated the achievements of its Year 11 pupils, who once again rose to the challenge of their GCSE examinations this summer.

Headteacher Mrs A Cooper expressed her pride in both their results and the journey they had taken over the past five years.

“This year’s GCSE results were a testament to the resilience, determination and faith of our pupils,” she said. “They faced unprecedented disruption at the end of their primary education and the beginning of their secondary education due to the pandemic, yet they showed remarkable perseverance and commitment.”

Staff at All Hallows praised the cohort not only for their academic progress but also for their personal growth.

Mrs Cooper said: “We were thrilled with their academic achievements, but we were equally proud of the people they had become. Their kindness, their friendships and their willingness to support one another were just as inspiring as their exam success.”

The school’s mission statement, Growing Together in the Spirit of Christ’s Love, guided students throughout their time at All Hallows. Teachers said this was reflected in daily life, from acts of service in the local community to leadership roles in school.

As pupils prepare for their next steps in education, training or employment, All Hallows looks forward to seeing the difference they will make in the wider world.

Mrs Cooper added: “Each of them has something special to offer, and we know they will continue to flourish. They will always be part of the All Hallows family.”

Celebrating exam success

Maricourt Catholic High School has celebrated another year of outstanding success across both GCSE and sixth form results. Students, families and staff came together to mark the achievements, which have once again confirmed the school’s reputation for academic and vocational excellence.

At sixth form, students achieved top grades across a wide range of subjects, enabling them to realise their ambitions at university, in creative industries and in higher-level apprenticeships. Harry Moore secured an A* and an A in maths and further maths, earning his place to study aerospace engineering at the University of Liverpool. Amber Paterson achieved an A* in history and will also study at Liverpool, where she will continue her passion for the subject through a degree in ancient history. Twins April and Isobel Daly celebrated Distinction*s in business studies alongside strong A and B grades, and will both progress to Liverpool to study psychology and evolutionary anthropology.

Several students chose creative pathways, including Alex Quigg, who will study illustration and design at the University of Sunderland, and Zofia Witan, who will pursue theatre and production technology at LIPA. Apprenticeship success was also strong, with Luke Curnyn joining the NHS as an electrical engineer, Mia Scott entering NHS accounting, and Eleanor Curtis beginning her career in IT with Barclays. Vocational courses in business, sport and health and social care again delivered excellent results, with many students achieving Distinction* and Distinction grades.

GCSE results at Maricourt also reflected a continued upward trend. A remarkable proportion of pupils achieved multiple grade 9s, 8s and 7s, highlighting both individual excellence and the strength of teaching across the curriculum. The number of grade 9s and

8s continue to rise, while improvements were seen across every subject. Notably, more students secured five or more grades at grade 4 and above, including English and maths, ensuring firm foundations for their next steps.

Many Year 11 students will now stay on in the thriving sixth form, which received record numbers of applicants this year. Others will move into apprenticeships, training programmes or college courses, each pathway supported by the strong qualifications achieved.

Headteacher Mrs Hatton praised the students’ achievements, saying: “We are incredibly proud of our students. Their resilience, determination and ambition have been inspiring to see, and these results are richly deserved. Alongside the unwavering support of their teachers and families, our students have once again demonstrated what can be achieved with hard work and belief.”

Maricourt Catholic High School now looks forward to building on these successes as students take their next steps with confidence and ambition.

Notre Dame Catholic Academy celebrates GCSE and sixth form achievements

Notre Dame Catholic Academy, part of the St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust (SJCMAT), celebrated an outstanding year of results across GCSE and sixth form examinations. Students, staff and families came together to mark achievements that reflected resilience, dedication and the academy’s high expectations.

At sixth form, students achieved strong A-level outcomes, with standout results in biology and English securing a 100 per cent A*-C pass rate. Overall, the cohort showed positive value added, and many students progressed to their first-choice universities, including Russell Group institutions. Record numbers also moved into apprenticeships, gap years and employment.

Notable successes included Jennifer Hyland, who achieved double distinction* in health and social care and a C in English, heading to the University of Chester, and Jake Ratchford, with an A in art and B grades in criminology and history, progressing to study fine art at Liverpool Hope University.

Other high achievers included Anais Jones McGrath, Poppy Atkinson, Gabriella Bennett and Ieva Grizeviciute, each moving on to exciting post-sixth form pathways.

Headteacher, Victoria Taylor said: “I am incredibly proud of our students’ A-level results. Their dedication, resilience and pursuit of excellence reflect the true spirit of our community. Inspired by the words of St Julie Billiart, ‘How good is the good God,’ we celebrate not only academic success but the values that underpin it – faith, compassion and perseverance. These achievements are a testament to the hard work of our staff, families, and, most of all, our students. Today, we celebrate their accomplishments and look ahead with hope, knowing they are well-prepared to shape a better world.”

Year 11 students also excelled at GCSE, with many exceeding

expectations. Anthony Doyle achieved grade 9s in biology, chemistry and physics, alongside strong grades in maths, history and English. Shemaiah Oyeyemi, Harvey Lewis and Hannah Wilson also performed exceptionally, with top grades across a mix of academic subjects, opening doors to sixth form and university pathways.

Headteacher Victoria Taylor added: “Notre Dame Catholic Academy’s GCSE results day was a tremendous celebration of achievement and perseverance. These results reflect the dedication of our staff, the resilience of our students, and the supportive environment we provide. Our students have faced challenges with determination, embodying the hard work and faith that are central to our Catholic ethos. Many will continue their journey at Notre Dame Sixth Form, building bright futures with confidence.”

The academy continues to provide a welcoming, inclusive environment, supporting students from all schools, faiths and backgrounds to achieve their full potential and take the next steps with confidence.

Proud days of celebration at St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy for GCSE and A-level results days

St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy, part of the St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust (SJCMAT), celebrated another year of outstanding results across GCSE and sixth form examinations. Students, staff and families came together to mark the achievements, which reflected dedication, resilience and the school’s commitment to excellence.

At sixth form, students achieved exceptional outcomes in both academic and vocational courses. 67 per cent gained A–C grades, and 61 per cent of vocational students achieved distinction or distinction*. 72 per cent secured a place at their first-choice university, including many progressing to Russell Group institutions. Record numbers also moved into higher apprenticeships and employment.

Highlights included students studying maths and science who achieved top grades, while others excelled in creative subjects and vocational pathways. Sixth formers benefitted from a supportive learning environment, state-of-the-art facilities, personalised pastoral care, and enrichment opportunities including Duke of Edinburgh, Cxbridge preparation, volunteering and apprenticeship workshops.

At GCSE level, Year 11 students recorded strong academic performance across all subjects, underpinned by the Xaverian standards of faith, integrity, ambition and respect. Students with over 90 per cent attendance achieved higher than previous cohorts, with five or more passes at grade 5 and above in English and mathematics well above the national average. Notable improvements were seen in science and music, while disadvantaged students made strong progress.

Headteacher David Hayes praised the students’ achievements, saying: “I am immensely proud of our students and their hard work in achieving this year’s results. These improved outcomes reflect their dedication, the commitment of our staff, and the support of our wider school community. While we know there is still more we can do to reach the highest standards, today is a moment to celebrate our progress and our young people’s successes.

“It is a personal honour to serve this community and see our students thrive. Today is a testament to their determination and the strength of our mission to ‘inspire life in all its fullness.’ These young people reflect our values and we are incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”

St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy, located in Woolton, Liverpool, continues to blend its long-standing Catholic traditions with high aspirations for the future, supporting students to realise their full potential and take their next steps with confidence.

Impressive results at St Mary’s College

Students and staff at St. Mary’s College in Crosby celebrated another excellent year of exam results for the class of 2025, reflecting the dedication of both students and staff. At A-level, the vast majority of students secured their first-choice university courses, and almost a quarter achieved three or more A*, A or B grades. Nearly half of all A-level passes were at A*, A or B, with a fifth at the highest A*/A grades.

Top performers included Marco Ciatelo Vallejo, originally from Spain but now living in Liverpool, who achieved five A-level passes at the highest grades, including A* in maths and Spanish, and A grades in IT, physics and further maths. Marco plans to study aerospace engineering with private pilot instruction at the University of Sheffield. Sophie Jones from Waterloo achieved four A grades in classics, Latin, English and religious studies, and is set to study ancient history and philosophy at the University of Leeds. Head girl Jessica Edwards achieved high grades in English, classics and religious studies and is going on to study Law at the University of York, while Charlie Bolger from Formby is heading to Newcastle University to study medicine. Three students chose more unusual paths: head boy Ben Kirby is joining the Royal Marines Band Service, and Archie Davies and Ethan Mills, both former cricket first XI skippers, are off to Australia to play club cricket.

At GCSE level, well over a third of passes were at the highest 9–7 grades, up from previous years, and more than a quarter of candidates achieved seven or more top grades. Almost two thirds of students recorded ten or more passes, with many taking 11 or 12 GCSEs. Joint top performers were Anna Sugden and Callum Critchlow, who both achieved ten grade 9s and one grade 8 in 11 GCSEs, just missing a clean sweep in further

mathematics. Both plan to continue into the sixth form to study science and maths-based A-levels.

Principal Mike Kennedy said: “These results reflect years of hard work from our students and the outstanding support they have received from staff and families. At both GCSE and A-level, they have achieved academic excellence while also excelling in music, sport and so many other areas of school life.

“We are proud not only of the grades they have secured but of the young people they have become. As they move on to universities, apprenticeships, careers and other exciting paths, we wish them every success. They leave St Mary’s with strong foundations for the future and will always remain part of our community.”

Students celebrate A-level, GCSE and BTEC results

It has been a fortnight of celebration at St John Plessington Catholic College in Bebington, as students received their A-level, BTEC and GCSE results.

On A-level and BTEC results day, families and staff gathered from 8am to share in the successes of students after two years of hard work and commitment.

The school has reported significant improvements in Key Stage 5 outcomes, with 91 per cent of students securing their first-choice university place – well above the national average of 82 per cent. 60 per cent of A-level grades were A*–C, while vocational subjects achieved a 100 per cent pass rate, with over 70 per cent graded at Distinction* or Distinction.

Among the many outstanding achievements was Peter NielsenScott, who secured A*, A, A in maths, biology and physics. Peter has gained the grades to study mechanical engineering at the University of Liverpool and is also considering a degree apprenticeship.

He said: “I am very pleased with the results and I am looking forward to starting my university course. Thank you to my teachers for all of their support. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

A week later, on GCSE results day, excitement filled the school hall once again as Year 11 students collected their results, marking the end of their compulsory education. The college reported continued year-on-year progress, with an increase in the number of pupils achieving grades 9–7 and 9–5 in both English and maths.

One of the standout successes was David Fatokun, who achieved grade 9s in biology, chemistry, English language, English literature,

geography, mathematics, physics and religious studies, as well as a grade 8 in computer science.

David said: “This shows that if you aim high, anything is possible.”

Many GCSE students will now continue their studies at the newly established HFC Sixth Form College, based at St John Plessington. Headteacher Mr Peadar McLoughlin praised all students for their commitment and achievements across both results days.

He commented: “I always feel hugely privileged to witness the joy on students’ faces as they open their results, and this year has been no exception. From GCSE to A-level and BTEC, our students have shown remarkable resilience, determination and pride.

“These outcomes are a testament to their hard work, the unwavering support of their families, and the dedication of our staff. On behalf of everyone at St John Plessington and Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, I wish all of our students every success in the next stage of their journey.”

St John Bosco Arts College students achieve exam results success

It has been a summer of pride and celebration at St John Bosco Arts College in Croxteth, as both Year 13 and Year 11 students marked their achievements in A-levels, BTECs and GCSEs.

On Thursday 14 August, sixth form students gathered with staff, family and friends to receive their results, bringing to a close two years of hard work and dedication. The co-educational sixth form continues to go from strength to strength, with students securing places at top universities and on prestigious degree apprenticeships.

Among those celebrating was Lois Murphy, who achieved AAB and will now progress to the University of Liverpool to study archaeology.

Fellow student Demi-Leigh Woods secured a Distinction* and Double Distinction and will begin a highly competitive law degree apprenticeship at Edge Hill University.

The celebrations continued on Thursday, 21 August, as Year 11 students collected their GCSE results. The results reflected significant progress compared to last year and marked an important milestone in the school’s overall exam performance.

Teigan Dunleavy, who achieved two grade 9s, a Distinction and a Distinction*, is staying on at St John Bosco Arts College to continue her studies.

Another standout success was Maria

Douba, who is continuing at St John Bosco Arts College’s sixth form.

Maria said: “I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved and grateful to my teachers for all their support. Opening my results today was a mix of nerves and excitement, but seeing my grades has made it all worth it. I can’t wait to start sixth form at Bosco in September to study A-level biology, chemistry and physics, and I’m looking forward to taking the next step towards my future career.”

Headteacher Mr Darren Gidman said: “These results days have been a wonderful reminder of the determination, talent and spirit of our students. From A-levels and BTECs to GCSEs, our young people have shown that, with hard work and the support of family, staff and community, they can achieve incredible things.

“Guided by our Salesian values of love, faith, community, respect and hope, our students leave us ready to flourish in their next chapter. Whether continuing at our sixth form, heading to university, beginning an apprenticeship or starting work, we are immensely proud of each and every one of them. Congratulations, Class of 2025!”

The college also hosted its annual summer school for incoming Year 7 students. Themed around ‘Alice in Wonderland’, the week-long programme helped new students settle into secondary school life through creative activities such as Mad

Hatter crafting in the library. Designed to ease the transition from primary school, the summer school ensures that the newest members of the Bosco community feel confident and excited about beginning their journey in September.

St Mary’s students shine

There was plenty to celebrate this August at St Mary’s Catholic College, as Year 13 and Year 11 students marked the achievements of their hard work with impressive A-level, BTEC, T-Level and GCSE results.

On Thursday, 14 August, sixth form students were the first to open their envelopes, with staff, families and friends on hand to share in their success. The college, part of Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, reported strong improvements across subjects, with students securing places at leading universities as well as apprenticeships and employment opportunities.

Among the success stories was Katie Welch, who achieved Distinction, Distinction and a grade B in child development, health and social care and psychology, respectively. Katie will now go on to the University of Liverpool to study psychology.

The school’s first ever T-Level students also excelled, with results equivalent to three A-levels. They are now progressing to universities including Liverpool, Leeds and York to study courses ranging from physics to policing, while others have secured sought-after apprenticeships, including at Airbus.

Just a week later, on Thursday, 21 August, the focus turned to Year 11 as students celebrated their own results. Excitement filled the school as envelopes were opened, revealing the rewards of months of determination and commitment.

One standout was Nathan Richards, who achieved grade 9s in design technology and art, alongside grade 8s in religious education and geography.

Many students will continue their studies at the brand-new HFC Sixth Form College, opening in September 2025, while others look forward to apprenticeships and further education.

Headteacher of St Mary’s Catholic College, Mr Kevin Maddocks, said: “It has been an unforgettable August here at St Mary’s, with students across Year 11 and Year 13 celebrating fantastic outcomes. From GCSEs through to A-levels, BTECs and T-Levels, our young people have shown real determination and ambition.

“These results are a credit to their hard work, the support of their families and the dedication of our staff. Whether they are moving on to sixth form, university, apprenticeships or employment, I wish every single one of them the very best for the future. Congratulations, Class of 2025!”

Our Lady Queen of Peace celebrate positive GCSE and vocational results

Year 11 students from Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic College, Skelmersdale, were jumping for joy as they received their GCSE and vocational results in August.

The secondary school, located on Glenburn Road, has continued to build on its success this year with improvements in student outcomes. Highlights of this year’s achievements include:

• A rise in the number of students achieving grades 9–5 in both English and mathematics, reflecting the school’s commitment to academic outcomes.

• Seven exceptional students securing grade 9s in religious education, alongside many others who achieved clusters of grade 9s across a range of subjects, including English, geography, maths, biology, history and photography.

• Outstanding results in separate sciences, with an impressive 89 per cent of students achieving grades 9–4 in biology, chemistry and physics.

• Excellent vocational outcomes, with 40 per cent of students achieving the top grades of Distinction or Distinction* in sports studies, and an outstanding 83 per cent of students securing a Level 2 pass or higher in health & social care.

Students were full of pride as they opened their envelopes, with smiles, cheers and relief shared among friends. Staff joined in the celebrations, offering congratulations and advice for the future, while many students marked the occasion as a fond farewell to their time at Our Lady Queen of Peace.

The highest-performing student was Olivia Fairclough, who achieved an outstanding set of results in 10 GCSEs, including grade 9s in RE, English language, English literature, biology and history and top grades in maths, chemistry, physics, French and fine art.

Olivia’s exceptional achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication. She is now looking forward to the next stage of her education and is excited to be going to college to study for A-levels in modern history, law and psychology.

Mrs Mary Henshaw, headteacher of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic College, said: “I am incredibly proud of our students and their achievements. Seeing the pride on their faces as they opened their results was a wonderful reminder of what today is all about”.

“Their hard work and determination have truly paid off, and we celebrate not only their exam success but the exciting futures that now lie ahead. I would also like to thank our dedicated staff and supportive families who have been such an important part of this journey.”

Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic College will be holding its open evening on Wednesday, 25 September.

The Academy St Nicholas celebrates results day

On Thursday, 21 August, The Academy of St Nicholas in Garston welcomed its Year 11 students as they collected their GCSE and BTEC results.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as students returned to the Horrocks Avenue-based academy. Supported by their families and staff, they eagerly opened their results and celebrated their achievements.

Overall, the academy has seen exceptional performances in art with 88 per cent of students obtaining grades 9-4. Additionally, 52 per cent of students achieving a grade 6 or above.

There has been a significant improvement noted in students obtaining a grade 4 or above in both maths and English language.

Vocational subjects have also shown marked progress, with an additional 10 per cent of students gaining Level 2 qualifications.

Many students will go on to study A-level and vocational courses at All Saints Sixth Form College, which is located on the same campus as the academy. From September, the sixth form college will offer a new and diverse curriculum, providing students with a wider range of academic and vocational pathways to suit their interests and career ambitions.

Notable successes this year include, Larissa Barreto who achieved an average GCSE points score above 7, including three grade 8s and five grade 7s.

Jack Newton also achieved an average GCSE points score above 7, including three grade 8s, three grade 7s and a Level 2 Distinction*.

Fellow student George Collison secured five grade 7s and one grade 8, while Kate Jones achieved a fantastic grade 9 in English Literature.

Headteacher, Mr Gary Lloyd, said: “We are extremely proud of our Year 11 students and all they have achieved during their time with us. Their results highlight just how hard they’ve worked and the progress they’ve made.

“It’s great to see so many of them moving on to different paths –whether that is staying on at All Saints Sixth Form College, starting an apprenticeship, or heading into employment. We’re confident they’re ready for whatever comes next and wish them all the best for the future.”

GCSE and BTEC success at The Academy of St Francis of Assisi

Year 11 students from The Academy of St Francis of Assisi were in high spirits as they collected their GCSE and BTEC results in August.

The morning was filled with excitement and celebration as students shared their achievements with family, friends, and staff who supported them throughout their studies.

The academy, which is part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, is celebrating its third consecutive year of improved results.

In English literature, 55 per cent of students achieved grades 9–4, up from 50.6 per cent in 2024, while maths saw an increase from 43.9 per cent to 48.5 per cent at grades 9–4.

Combined results for English and maths at grades 9–4 also rose significantly, from 36.7 per cent to 44.4 per cent.

Alongside these successes, notable improvements were seen in attainment across English, history, maths, languages and science, contributing to the academy’s sustained rise in overall achievement.

Talal Al-Mashehari achieved seven grade 9s for English literature, computer science, maths, combined science, history and Arabic, two grade 8s for religious education and English language. He is going on to study computer science, maths and physics at Archbishop Blanch Sixth Form.

Talal said: “I am very proud to achieve these grades for which I worked so hard for.”

With over 55 different languages spoken at The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, this year’s achievements reflect the school’s rich diversity. More than 45 per cent of Year 11 students speak English as an additional language, and many have gone on to achieve GCSEs in their first languages.

Ms Jo Leech, headteacher of The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, said: “Our Year 11 students have worked incredibly hard and shown great determination throughout their time here. Their results truly reflect their efforts, and we’re proud of every one of them.

“These achievements mark an important milestone, and we hope our students take real pride in all they’ve accomplished as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.”

Hope Academy marks impressive GCSE and vocational results

Hope Academy in Newton-le-Willows marked another successful results day, with Year 11 students achieving strong GCSE and vocational outcomes across a wide range of subjects.

Students arrived early on Thursday, 21 August, to collect their results with proud parents and carers. The day was the culmination of years of hard work and determination, with many surpassing their target grades and securing places on their chosen post-16 pathways.

Students have achieved strong results in English, mathematics and science. There has also been a significant strong performance in religious education, geography, computer science and physical education.

Students studying vocational subjects have continued to perform very well.

This year’s cohort will go on to study A-level or vocational courses at local sixth forms and colleges, while others will embark on apprenticeships.

From this year’s cohort, some of the top achievers include:

• Zahra Bhatti, who secured 9s across every subject area.

• Grace Frame achieved six grade 9s and two grade 8s and a grade 7.

• Nicholas Tickle secured four grade 9s and four grade 8s.

• Violet Fuller achieved four grade 9s and five grade 8s.

• Logan Brinksman received three grade 9s, four grade 8s and two grade 7s.

• Jesicca Livesley secured one grade 9 and eight grade 8s.

Student Vin Stokes is part of the inspiring bursary programme with Hope Opportunity Trust and The Royal Springboard Foundation.

Vin secured four grade 9s, four grade 8s and a grade 7 and is going to Eton College, Berkshire.

Mrs Marie Adams, principal of Hope Academy, said: “This morning was filled with smiles, laughter and joy as our Year 11 students opened their results. It’s a milestone they have been working towards for years, and it was wonderful to see the pride on their faces as their hard work was rewarded.

“Congratulations to our Class of 2025, and my thanks go to our dedicated teachers and support staff who truly make a difference in the lives of our students. Through a well-rounded curriculum, we help our young people to achieve, grow and develop the confidence they need to take their next steps.”

Mrs Adams added: “We wish them every success as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives.”

Another outstanding year of achievement for St John Rigby

St John Rigby College (SJR) celebrated another exceptional year of examination results, marking the continued success of students and the dedication of staff. The class of 2025 showed that with ambition, resilience and support, there truly was no ceiling to achievement.

Students achieved near-perfect pass rates, with 70 per cent securing a high grade (A*/A/B/Dist*/Dist). These outcomes reflected not only academic excellence but also the determination and personal growth of each individual. At SJR, the focus was on nurturing the whole person, helping students to become the very best version of themselves. Behind every grade lay a story of perseverance, transformation and triumph. Whether progressing to prestigious universities, starting higher and degree apprenticeships or moving into employment, students are stepping into their futures with confidence and purpose.

Newly appointed principal, Paula Nolan, shared her pride in the cohort. She said: “The distance our young people travelled during their time at SJR was truly extraordinary. They left us not only with outstanding academic results but also with the ambition and readiness to thrive in aspirational destinations. This year, our students secured places on elite degree courses as well as highly sought-after apprenticeships with organisations including BAE Systems, Barclays, United Utilities, Wigan Council and Merseyside Police.”

Beyond academic success, SJR students continued to make their mark. From representing their country in national-level sports to leading community initiatives or winning Wigan’s Battle of the Bands, achievements went far beyond life at the college.

This summer, St John Rigby College received the National Award for Careers and Skills from the Sixth Form Colleges Association. The award recognised the college’s commitment to preparing students for the future, supported by national acclaim for its pastoral care. SJR stood out as a place where students were empowered to exceed even their own expectations.

As the class of 2025 was celebrated, the college looked ahead with excitement to continuing its work with the local community. This year’s results reflected what could be achieved when talent and determination were matched with opportunity – and at St John Rigby College, opportunity was limitless.

OPEN EVENING

In pictures:

Students from across the Archdiocese came together within their school communities to celebrate their GCSE and A-level achievements. Smiles, relief and pride filled school halls as young people collected the results of years of hard work and dedication. To capture the occassion we’ve gathered some of the best photos showcasing the joy and success of students.

Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy student Majka Bartosik

Olivia Fairclough from Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic College

Daniel Chung from St John Plessington Catholic College

Maricourt Catholic High School students

A student from St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School

St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Academy

Notre Dame Catholic Academy student Shemaiah

Students from St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy

St Mary’s Catholic College student Antonia Holt

Talal Al-Mashehari from The Academy of St Francis of Assisi Teigan Dunleavy from St John Bosco Arts College

Top of the class at St. Mary’s this year - Callum Critchlow and Anna Sugden

A group of students from All Hallows Catholich High School

Pictorial

Hope Academy student Zahra Bhatti

The Academy of St Nicholas student George Collinson

Sophie Smith from St John Plessington Catholic College

Ethan Mills and Archie Davies from St. Mary’s College, Crosby

St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy students

St Mary’s Catholic College students Katie Welch and Brandon Alderson

St John Bosco Arts College student Lois Murphy

A student from Notre Dame Catholic Academy

All Saints Sixth Form College student Gabija Majausktye

Carmel College A-level students holding results

A Maricourt Catholic High School student

St John Rigby students celebrate

A pilgrimage to give hope to our young people

Father Simon Gore from Animate Youth Ministries reflects on July’s Liverpool Youth Pilgrimage to Lourdes.

And so, to the final part of this summer’s trilogy of articles – one which was always going to be about the Lourdes pilgrimage.

I’m sure there will be other articles in the Pic this month about the pilgrimage as a whole, but here I want to concentrate specifically on the Youth Pilgrimage. With this being the Jubilee Year, we wanted to try to emphasise what that is all about. However, it can be a little complicated as there are so many strands involved in what makes a Jubilee Year. We decided to focus, therefore, on the theme of the year being ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and to reflect on what it means to be a pilgrim and to be on a pilgrimage; and then how that can offer us and those around us hope.

For us, one of the main aspects of being a pilgrim is to be equipped. A surprising amount of time in the preparation meetings before Lourdes can be spent on what clothes you should take in your luggage. It reminds us that to go on a pilgrimage, on any journey, there is always a sense of needing the correct kit to be able to enjoy the trip.

Therefore, to be a pilgrim of hope, what equipment do we need? With this question in mind, we thought that we would give the young people their own pilgrimage pack. Their own kit for the journey.

They received these kits after our first Mass in Lourdes, celebrated by Archbishop John Sherrington. In the packs they received different items that we thought would help them get the most from their pilgrimage and equip them to be people of hope, both in Lourdes and at home. These included a Jubilee Year t-shirt, rosary beads, and a bracelet featuring an anchor to

represent the ‘Anchor of Hope’ included in the Jubilee logo. Every ship has two anchors, the second of which is used only in an emergency. It is used when hope seems to be lost. As we told our young pilgrims, when you wear this bracelet, it is a reminder that we have hope in God; that when we might need help to stop or turn things around, we know we can ask God for it.

Our young pilgrims received practical items too, such as a bucket hat and water bottle, and there was also a less tangible item in their bags. This was the name of another person on the Youth Pilgrimage – in other words, that young person’s ‘pilgrim pal’. The purpose of this was for our pilgrims to find their pal and introduce themselves and chat together and maybe even pray together at the Grotto.

If we remember the logo of the Jubilee Year, it consists of four different characters all walking together. We wanted to encourage our youth pilgrims to see themselves as part of something bigger, to remind them that they do not walk and journey and pilgrimage alone. They are part of a wider Church community that extends beyond their own parish or school or Lourdes coach. They are part of the Body of Christ – the worldwide Church community. And to know that you are not alone on a journey can be an encouraging thing.

I hope, therefore, that this Lourdes pilgrimage has equipped our young people to come back full of the hope that only the Lord can offer – being Pilgrims of Hope in their own local communities, spreading the hope they may have received in Lourdes among their friends and families.

Pic extras

Mums the Word A century of service News from the Liverpool Province of the Knights of St Columba

At the end of July, the Archdiocese of Liverpool made its annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, and I was privileged to be part of it. It was the first year that we were led by Archbishop John Sherrington, and the love of Lourdes united us all as we made this pilgrimage with Our Lady as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.

It was wonderful meeting old friends and making new ones. The Liverpool Archdiocesan Youth, instantly recognisable as always in their yellow t-shirts, were amazing as they cheerfully assisted the sick and elderly in their wheelchairs. Those assisted pilgrims received the support of the Liverpool Hospitalité throughout the pilgrimage, 24 hours a day. They really are remarkable.

The Lourdes Music Group, meanwhile, worked tirelessly to enrich our prayer and liturgy throughout the pilgrimage. The music was joyful and uplifting, and it was great to see all the young ones singing and clapping along.

So many people gave their time and energy to ensure a wonderful, memorable pilgrimage was had by all. While there, I met two ladies from St Joseph’s UCM group, Maureen and Bernadette. They too were enjoying it very much.

This year in Lourdes – as is explained in this issue’s main feature – we paid tribute to the 71st miracle of Lourdes, John ‘Jack’ Traynor. Members of his family joined us and spoke of their happiness at this wonderful declaration.

I am looking forward to next year’s pilgrimage already.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Dates for the diary

Ladies, just a reminder that we have our Bi-monthly Mass at St George’s, Maghull, on Wednesday 10 September. A week later, on Wednesday 17 September, we will hold a study afternoon in the church hall at Blessed Sacrament, Aintree.

Maureen Finnegan, Archdiocesan Deputy PresidentMedia Officer

From Lourdes to Little Crosby

During the summer months, members of the order from all over Liverpool have attended events as far apart as Lourdes and Little Crosby.

There were Knights participating in the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes as members of Liverpool Hospitalité – and the photo above/below shows Archbishop John Sherrington and Archbishop Emeritus Malcolm McMahon with Knights and assisted pilgrims.

As for Little Crosby, that was the venue for the Annual Mass for the KSC at the Harkirk Chapel on the Crosby Hall estate – a lovely occasion in a woodland setting for which Mgr Stephen Alker was the main celebrant. For more information on the Harkirk Chapel, visit stmaryslittlecrosby.org.uk.

News from the councils

Council 584 – They recently presented a cheque for £500 to St Benedict’s RC Primary School as a contribution towards their Garden of Hope project. Archbishop John was present for the handover, together with Grand Knight Paul Marshall and Bro Joe Bennett.

Council 584 – Knights from the council recently returned from the Lourdes Pilgrimage having helped and supported assisted pilgrims. Their ever-popular fundraising jumble sales are continuing, with members happy to collect items locally.

Council 146 – a summer BBQ lunch is being held as part of the council’s centenary celebrations on Sunday 31 August, from 12.30-2.30pm in the gardens of St Patrick’s Church, Southport.

Regular Rosary

The Pilgrims of Hope weekly Rosary is continuing every Thursday at 7.30pm. You can join the Rosary via Zoom or on Facebook

Date for the diary

This year’s Supreme Council will be held at the Liner Hotel in Liverpool from Sunday 5 October until Tuesday 7 October. If you are interested in finding out more about the KSC or arranging a visit to your local council meeting, please email me at: Philonline2@btinternet.com.

Phil Woods, Provincial grand knight www.ksc.org.uk

Dialogue and Unity Looking towards Unity Week 2026

By Ultan Russell, Archdiocesan ecumenical officer

In the northern hemisphere, the week of prayer for Christian unity traditionally took place from 18-25 January. Increasingly, weather and other pressures on local congregations have meant the moving of some celebrations to the period around Pentecost.

Here, we have traditionally had the Two Cathedrals Pentecost Walk at that time, while during January’s Unity Week, the two cathedral choirs hold a united service – evidence of a vibrant and strong ecumenical partnership.

Looking ahead, the theme of the 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity comes from the Letter to the Ephesians: ‘There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling’ (Eph 4:4)

The prayers and reflections for this have been prepared by an ecumenical group co-ordinated by the Inter-Church Relations’ Department of the Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Church. As usual, an international team appointed jointly by the Vatican and the World Council of Churches worked with the drafters to finalise the materials at a meeting held from 13-18 October 2024 in Armenia.

The materials draw upon centuries-old traditions of prayer used by the Armenian people, along with hymns that originated in the ancient monasteries and churches of Armenia, some of which date as far back as the fourth century. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026, therefore, offers an invitation to draw on this shared Christian heritage and to delve more deeply into our fellowship in Christ, which unites Christians worldwide.

The materials include an introduction to the theme, an ecumenical worship service, and a selection of short readings and prayers for each day of the week. The resources can be drawn upon in many ways and are intended for use not only during the week of prayer but right throughout 2026.

There are other initiatives that parishes, schools, and lay organisations could be encouraged to undertake, either in January’s Unity Week or around Pentecost. These are:

• Schools could invite local priests or ministers from different denominations to lead an assembly;

• The UCM or house groups could invite a speaker from another denomination to a meeting;

• Pulpit exchanges are still popular in some places;

• The parish priest could host a meal and invite his local clergy colleagues;

• Organise a conference on a relevant theme – for the past few years, Merseyside church leaders have held a forum during Unity Week, and this year’s theme was ‘Youth’;

• Bidding prayers at Mass could include prayers for unity, perhaps mentioning your partner churches in the area notably if you are members of a Churches Together Group;

• The Unity Week material could be used for Religious Education lessons or assemblies.

Finally, here are two prayers from the Armenian tradition that you might consider using:

“O Christ, True Light of the world, my soul worthy to see the light of your glory with joy on the day of my calling, to rest with the hope of good things in the house of the righteous, until the day of your great coming. Have mercy upon your creation, and on me, a great sinner. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now and always and unto the ages of ages.

“Jesus Christ, you have brought us together in all our diversity as your family and Church. In the face of so many situations on earth where hope has given way to despair and wounded hearts, renew our hope in the Holy Spirit’s work of changing the world. Move us to spread this hope to everyone everywhere. You are the True Light, who casts out the darkness of sin, and shines into our hearts the joy and hope of your eternal love. Amen.”

The material can be downloaded from the Dialogue and Unity Commission section of the archdiocesan website: www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/ministries/commissions/dialogue-unity