Awe and Wonder was how Fr Mark Moran, Parish Priest of St Wilfrid’s parish in Widnes described the feeling from parishioners during the recent Quarant’Ore period of reflection and prayer.

“Quarant’Ore was a wonderful opportunity for parishioners to come to church and sit and pray before the Blessed Sacrament,” said Fr Mark.

“Hundreds of parishioners visited the church over the three-day period, either for silent prayer or to join in various services such as the Divine Mercy Chaplet or reciting the Holy Rosary and the Litany of the Scared Heart” added Fr Mark.

Quarant’Ore closed each night with the celebration of Mass by candlelight. “Parishioners found the Mass by candlelight a wonderful, peaceful and prayerful way to end each evening,” said Fr Mark. “Importantly in these troubled times, as there is so much to pray for both on an individual level and a national and international level.”

The church was bedecked by flowers and candles paid for by donations from parishioners which added to the sense of tranquillity and peace.

Fr Thomas Clarke, Assistant Priest, added “As we are about to embark on the substantial work of restoring St Bede’s church it was a wonderful opportunity to have a time of prayer before The Blessed Sacrament to ask for guidance and wisdom during the months ahead.”

The celebration concluded with a Mass celebrated by Fr Thomas Clarke, Fr Mark Moran, Bishop John Rawsthorne and Fr Bill Murphy before a packed church. Fr Mark concluded “I think the numbers of parishioners that attended the three days are testament to the faith of the people of Widnes and the need for prayer for so many reasons in the world today.”

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