May is a month of devotion to Our Lady, marked by joyful processions and prayers. This year, our archdiocese saw several beautiful May Processions, highlighting the deep-rooted traditions and vibrant faith of our community.

St Patrick’s Church, Wigan

On Friday, 24 May, St Patrick’s Church in Wigan held its annual May Procession and Crowning Service. The route from St Patrick’s Primary School to the church was lined with parishioners eager to witness this cherished event.

Clergy, parishioners, and children processed into the church, carrying Walking Day Banners and specially created artwork representing various titles of Our Lady. The centrepiece was a statue of Our Lady, carried on a bier adorned with traditional May flowers.

During Mass, Parish Priest Fr Ian O’Shea encouraged the children to always turn to Our Lady in prayer. He was assisted by Father Hugh Donleavy and Deacon Anil Lukose.

The service included the Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s statue, Marian hymns, devotions, and the Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The celebrations concluded with Benediction for the children. Layla, the parish’s 2024 May Queen, wore a beautiful blue train previously worn by the 1957 queen and long-time parishioner Christine Campbell.

Eucharistic Procession in Warrington

In Warrington, the clergy from the shrine of St Mary’s FFSP organized a solemn Eucharistic procession. Parishioners from St Mary’s, St Benedict’s, and St Oswald’s participated, led by Father Matthew Goddard, the Rector at St Mary’s, and Father Dave Heywood from St Oswald’s.

This event further exemplified the unity and devotion within our community.

Missionaries of Charity, Liverpool

On Saturday 25 May, the Missionaries of Charity organised a May Procession in Liverpool City Centre. Starting at St Peter’s Square at 2:00 PM, the procession moved through Seel Street, Berry Street, Bold Street, Church Street, and Whitechapel, concluding at the Shrine on Queens Square.

A special invitation was extended to children making their First Holy Communion in May 2024, adding an extra layer of significance to the event.

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