July has been in every way a busy month, but a joyous one.  We have welcomed two new priests for the archdiocese with the ordinations of Father Derek Lloyd at St Francis de Sales church, Walton and Father Michael Harwood at St Peter and St Paul’s church, Crosby.  Let us remember them in prayer as they begin their ministry among us.  Father Derek will serve at the Metropolitan Cathedral and Father Michael at St Julie’s, Eccleston and St Mary’s, Lowe House, St Helens.

We also celebrate the ordinations of Pearse McDonagh, Daniel Piwowar and Graeme Easton to the Permanent Diaconate.  Pearse and Daniel were ordained at the Metropolitan Cathedral and Graeme at St Mary of the Isle, Douglas.  There will be a full report in the September edition of the ‘Catholic Pic’.
 

Our Lourdes pilgrimage returned last month after a three year absence due to the pandemic.  Archbishop Malcolm reflects on the theme of the pilgrimage and there will be more coverage next month.  Continuing the Lourdes theme we publish the itinerary for the visit of the relics of St Bernadette from 15-20 September.  We also look back on the celebrations for Archbishop Malcolm’s 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

Let us pray for our new priests and deacons and for all our pilgrims as they return from Lourdes.