The Heritage Exhibition in St Wilfrid’s parish, Widnes has been officially blessed and opened by Parish Priest Fr Mark Moran. “The exhibition took over two years to bring together, but the beauty of what’s on display has been worth the effort,” says Fr Mark. “The exhibition centres on the Catholic community in Widnes. It is a record of the history of our faith.”

The exhibition features a large collection of Victorian religious art, along with chasubles from the 16th century, ornate Victorian copes and humeral veils, and altar stones from former churches in the town.

“We have received some amazing donations to the exhibition,” said Fr Mark. “Bishop Tom Williams donated his Pectoral Cross given to him by Pope John Paul II.  Bishop Tom Neylon donated his Mitre from his ordination, and Bishop John Rawsthorne his Crozier and cassock.”

Parish life is also reflected through exhibits from the UCM, the Legion of Mary and The Guild of St Stephen. The wider commitment of parishioners includes exhibits of war medals; rugby medals; and long service awards for the Chemical Industry, which brought some many immigrants from Ireland, Poland, and Lithuania.

Among the exhibition’s highlights are 19th-century letters from Bishop Thomas Whiteside, which give a fascinating insight into life at that time. “They cover all topics from the Boer War to the Irish Famine; from concerns about the drop in church attendance (yes, even then!) to the death of Pope Leo XII and the election of Pius X,” said Fr Mark.

Fr Mark found one particular letter amusing - “it was advice from the Bishop to all clergy who used bicycles and the Bishop not allowing any leniency in the wearing of clerical garb while doing so.”

There are over 100 exhibits at the exhibition, including a biretta donated by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, which he wore at the coronation of King Charles III.

This remarkable exhibition celebrating Catholic heritage is open for the next six months at St Michael’s Church, Widnes.