Fr Mark Moran, Parish Priest of St Wilfrid’s Parish in Widnes, together with Bishop John Rawsthorne and Fr Bill Murphy, also of St Wilfrid's parish, led a parish pilgrimage to Ushaw College and Holy Island in the north east.
Fr Mark said: “It was a truly amazing time in so many ways. It was spiritually uplifting for us all, but it also served to bring the group of pilgrims closer together.
“Northumbria is a beautiful part of England, which is steeped in history. It is one of the greatest centres for Christianity for our country. It is the land of St Cuthbert, St Oswald and St Bede and our own St Wilfrid.”
After a coach journey filled with prayer and laughter, the group had a short stop at Barnard Castle before arriving at Ushaw College.
Parishioners enjoyed a very interesting tour of the college before enjoying an evening meal in the dining room surrounded by 16th century paintings.
The following morning, the group set off for the Holy Island. Fr Mark added: “The dark clouds lay heavy in the sky which all added to the atmosphere as we crossed the causeway to the Island, thinking what it must have been like for those early saints.
Fr Bill celebrated Mass on the island, and then parishioners had time to visit the priory with the famous and beautiful rainbow arch.
The next day, Mass was celebrated in St Cuthbert’s chapel. It was very emotional occasion as Fr Mark’s mum watched him celebrate Mass and preach for the first time since his ordination there some 25 years previous.
Fr Mark concluded: “Journeying home with rosary, bingo and singing we all arrived back in Widnes spiritually enriched and with a warm sense of companionship and friendship from our pilgrimage.”
