The Archbishop of York is to make a pilgrimage on foot from Manchester Cathedral.Archbishop Stephen Cottrell is visiting Manchester and Salford on Thursday 5 May to mark the 600th anniversary of Manchester Cathedral and to make a pilgrimage on foot through Salford to MediaCity. He will stop off at various points along the way to see something of the variety of life in Salford, to find out about the challenges and innovations in this diverse area and to pray for the people he meets.In his first visit to Manchester and Salford since becoming Archbishop of York in 2020, Archbishop Stephen is keen to meet people from different walks of life and to hear about some of the interesting projects and ministries taking place here. Having undertaken several walking pilgrimages, including twice walking the Camino to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, he will experience the different sides to Salford: seeing first hand some of the social challenges and the enterprise that has transformed the city in recent years with the arrival of MediaCity UK. At the end of his visit Archbishop Stephen will visit the offices of the BBC and mingle with media at an evening reception.Speaking of his visit Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said: “I haven’t been able to get out and about much since I became Archbishop of York nearly two years ago so I’m really looking forward to being in Manchester, celebrating the 600th anniversary of the cathedral and then taking a walk through Salford. Meeting local people who are bringing change and transformation to lives and communities is always encouraging and I’ll be taking time with Bishop David to pray for this work and those it helps as we walk.”The Bishop of Manchester, Dr David Walker, said:“I’m delighted to be accompanying Archbishop Stephen on his pilgrimage through Salford. I look forward to deepening my own understanding of how this vibrant city is making the most of its present opportunities whilst not neglecting its challenges. It will be a privilege for us to hold the people of the city and their work before God in prayer.”The Archbishop’s itinerary on Thursday 5 May includes visiting the Volition project; St Philip’s Church - the first Resource Church in the Diocese of Manchester; Salford Lads Club, and the Salford Foundation, an organisation working on issues that affect women, including crime and domestic abuse, and with young people connected to serious violence.
CATHEDRALS across England and Wales are opening their doors free of charge after hours as part of a nationwide campaign “Cathedrals at Night”, co-ordinated by the Association of English Cathedrals. Delayed from 2020 by the pandemic, the project is the first of its kind to bring together cathedrals in England and Wales as well as Westminster Abbey. Lichfield and Wells cathedrals will host an event on 13 May; Bristol, Coventry, Derby, Ely, Exeter, Gloucester, Hereford, Lincoln, St German’s Cathedral Isle of Man, Portsmouth, Salisbury (online only), York Minster, and St Davids are due to open after hours on 14 May. Bradford, Chelmsford, Durham, Liverpool, Peterborough, St Edmundsbury, and Worcester Cathedrals will offer events throughout the year. It has been inspired by Les Nuits des Cathédrales, first launched in European cathedrals in 2008.
Some of you will know that Masha and her two sons have arrived in our village, refugees from the war in their homeland. Masha's husband remains in Ukraine.They are getting to grips with life in a new country and have received a warm welcome. When you see them please say 'hello" and make sure they know we support them in their plight.And as well as giving them the practical help they need, please don't forget that we are asked to remember Ukraine in our prayers. Here's a special prayer for Ukraine.Oh God of mercy and love,we pray for your Spirit's transforming powerto be at work in the present situation of war in Ukraine.We ask for softening of hard hearts and shelter for frightened souls.Give us eyes and ears to perceive how we can offer help in the most appropriate way.Gracious God, we cry out to you and ask for peace and safety for all those affected.In Jesus' name.Amen.
Tomorrow we celebrate a Holy Communion with baptism service at St Mary and All Saints' Church, Dunsfold at 10am. We'd love you to join us. If you're away or housebound you can take part online by clicking on the link below.<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5253921788?pwd=MC9kNmpldmFrRSsrV1pkc1k5aU1vZz09">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5253921788?pwd=MC9kNmpldmFrRSsrV1pkc1k5aU1vZz09</a><br>
