Saint Patrick’s Church, Wigan, was the venue for the Wigan and District Catholic Men’s Society’s Annual Rosary Sunday celebrations on Sunday 1 October.

Bishop Tom Williams was the celebrant, and was joined by Parish Priest Father Ian O’Shea, as well as four visiting priests: Canon Pat MacNally, Fr Andrew Unsworth, Fr Paul Grady and Fr Phil Gregory.

The service began with a procession of Our Lady’s Statue and banners from St Patrick’s Primary School into the Church, followed by the praying of the Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Later, the congregation retreated to the school hall to enjoy delicious refreshments organised and served by some of the members of St Patrick’s Ladies’ Group.

There was a celebratory atmosphere as presentations were made: Canon MacNally retired after 33 years as chaplain to the Catholic Men’s Society, and was succeeded by Fr O’Shea.

Tom Walsh, MBE, retired as President of the CMS and handed his Chain of Office over to Josh Marshall, a St Patrick’s Parishioner, to signal a new era for the society in this part of the archdiocese.

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