Visit of the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell
We are looking forward to welcoming The Archbishop of York as he visits the Diocese of Blackburn from Friday 27th May through to Sunday 29th May. We are particularly privileged that ++Stephen will preside at both our Parish Eucharist at 9:00am and our Cathedral Eucharist at 10:30am on Sunday 29th May. We will also be extending a warm welcome to three parishes from the Diocese who each celebrate significant anniversaries this year and will be joining us for our Cathedral Eucharist:
- St Mary Magdalene, Clitheroe, celebrating 900 years
- St Bartholomew, Colne, celebrating 900 years
- St Peter, Burnley, celebrating 900 years
The Archbishop will be undertaking numerous engagements across the Diocese during his time with us including two particular events which will be open to all, so do consider attending with family and friends.
On Friday 27th May at 7:30pm there will be an open-air service at Whalley Abbey, with the theme ‘Rejoice’. This is an event for the whole family, and you are invited to bring a picnic and rug/folding chair, to enjoy the evening there. Archbishop Stephen will preach and preside at the service, and we will have various visiting music groups and choirs to help lead our sung worship. One of the purposes of this occasion is for the Archbishop to ask for God’s blessing in the renewed vision of the Abbey as a Centre for Christian Discipleship and Prayer. If you would like to attend, please email office@whalleyabbey.org.
On Saturday 28th May at 7:00pm, Archbishop Stephen will be leading an evangelistic event at The Blackpool Pleasure Beach Globe Arena. This will be an evening of worship and testimony with a keynote address from the Archbishop about what it means to follow Jesus and how He brings life in all its fullness. A great event to bring people to who have not yet made that decision to follow Jesus.
Do hold the Archbishop and all that is going on during his time with us in your prayers.
