Cathedral Primary: Remembering our Martyrs of England and Wales

Remembering our Martyrs of England and Wales

Fr Steve and Fr Matthew at the Martyrs Memorial Stone 

On 30th April year 5 children from St Peter's Cathedral Primary school joined Fr Steve and Fr Matthew at the Martyrs Memorial Stone near Williamson Park and remembered those who have died for their faith and prayed for all those who still suffer for their faith today. 

Visits and Tournaments

It has been a busy two weeks back at school. Already, different classes have enjoyed visits to Castlerigg Manor and Blackpool Zoo and children have taken part in a netball tournament and a Pupil Parliament meeting. 

Year 4 at Castlerigg

All these experiences help to enrich our curriculum and it is wonderful to see children enjoy and engage with learning. To read more about the wide range of educational opportunities you may want to have a look at the class blogs.

Pope's Intention: For today's martyrs

Pope's Intention: For today's martyrs

We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm.

Each month as well we a short video there is a monthly prayer and a monthly reflection to help us understand more about the particular prayer intention.  This month we might ask the question:

Who are the new Martyrs?

The “New Martyrs” include our brothers and sisters compelled to flee their homelands, leaving behind friends, families, and the familiar embrace of their cultures due to their unwavering faith in the Lord. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be their true and everlasting home, providing strength and healing amid their trials.

To read the full reflection, by Fr Peter Gadalla SJ (Jesuit Priest)

St Thomas Becket

Our 5th day of the Christmas Octave is a commemoration of St Thomas Beckett who was an English Bishop and Martyr. A day to send good wishes to those called Thomas.  

To learn a little more about this saint and martyr who is patron of Diocesan Priests. We remember the many priests who have served us as a Cathedral Parish and all the priests of our Diocese. 

Father, you confirm the true faith with the crown of martyrdom.
May the prayers of St Thomas Becket give us the courage to proclaim our faith by the witness of our lives. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

… St Thomas Becket, Pray for Us …

St Thomas Becket a martyr

Today is the feast of a Bishop who was murdered in 1170 in Canterbury Cathedral.   As he was about to be murdered he said: "I am ready to die for my Lord, that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace."  He was a martyr for his faith and made a saint three years later. To learn more about his life this short video. 

Today there are still people who stand up and are willing to die for their faith.  The charity Aid to the Church in Need works tirelessly to help those who are being persecuted for their faith.  

And today's Nunc Dimittis - Simeon's song of praise which is sung acapella VOCES8: Nunc Dimittis - Paul Smith

Bishop Paul Swarbrick's weekly message - Martyrs of England and Wales

Last Monday 4th May Bishop Paul reminded us of the celebration of the Feast of the Martyrs of England and Wales. Again he leads us in prayer in the Cathedral which was bathed in sunshine pouring through the Te Deum window.

He mentions the Mass that is celebrated on a Thursday evening at 7.00pm by all Bishops of England and Wales to remember those key workers and explains that he will be remembering especially this week the staff working in all our schools supporting children and families at this time. 

A retreat on the English Martyrs
During the week there were a series of short talks on the Martyrs with Saturday including a guided account of the ICON that has been written in honour of the Lancaster martyrs (see images above) followed by a time of reflection.

Day 1: England this green and pleasant land
Day 2: The storm St John Fisher and St Thomas More
Day 3: Bound and Unbound
Day 4: Girl power
Day 5: The Lancaster Martyrs