It has been the practice of the Knights of Saint Columba in recent years to attend the Annual Memorial Mass at Harkirk Chapel in Little Crosby. This is a site of no little historical significance for Catholics: because those who refused to conform following the Reformation were denied burial in parish churchyards, the Blundell family of Crosby Hall provided land there for local Catholics as a burial ground.
This year’s Mass took place on 14 July and it was an occasion not only to remember the dead from penal times; coming during our centenary celebrations, and with the visit of the Fraternal Cross, we also took the opportunity to elevate three brothers to full knighthood.
For the outdoor Mass, celebrated outside the chapel, we were blessed to have Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, Emeritus Bishop John Rawsthorne and Fathers Dunstan Harrington, John Cullen and Chris McCoy with us to concelebrate the Mass. We wish to thank them for finding the time in their busy schedules to be with us and we also thank the Squire of Blundell for allowing us to use such a historic setting.
Our photo shows Brothers Sean Morgan, Eric Parkin and Michael Turton (together on the left) following their elevation to full knighthood, along with the Mass celebrants and provincial grand knight Ray Pealing.
The Mass was followed by a centenary buffet held at St William of York Parish Centre arranged by provincial action and youth officer Alf Swain, whom we wish to thank.
Our thanks also go to provincial secretary Justin Malewesi who recorded a video of the Mass:
https://youtu.be/hNo7wkKhdno
https://youtu.be/xw2Ez-_ROtc
• Council 12/13 has succeeded in raising over £200 for Headway, a charity offering support for people who suffer brain injuries.
Websites: www.ksc.org.uk/ www.kscprov02.weebly.com
Email: dpokeane@aol.com