Presentation of the project by our Canons:
Dear friends and benefactors,
Since arriving in Preston in November 2017, the Sister Adorers of the Royal Heart have been living at the former St Augustine’s Presbytery, which was kindly offered by the Diocese of Lancaster and the Parish ‘St John XXIII’. It is located approximately 30 minutes from St Walburge’s Church.
They have been travelling twice a day to St Walburge’s for Mass and the Divine Office, rejoicing the congregation with the beauty of their Gregorian Chant, as well as edifying them in their discretion and dedication for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Since the beginning of this other wonderful adventure of our Prestonian apostolate, they have been teaching the children of St Benedict’s Cultural Centre.
Recent updates to our apostolate included the extension of our lease, including the complete use of the entire St Walburge Parish complex, and the relocation of St Benedict’s to one of the buildings. This has revived the idea of bringing the Sisters closer to the centre of the life of our shrine church. The former convent of the teaching sisters at St Walburge’s Primary School fits their needs perfectly, but it is in need of complete renovation.
Currently, we are able to cover the costs of exterior repairs. However, what use is a building with no leaks or draughts if we cannot use it? The second phase of works still needs to be financially secured, so the Sisters can move into their new home as soon as possible and help us make the beacon of our shrine church shine even brighter.
As you can see from the aerial view below, having the Sisters close to the church would greatly simplify their lives and reduce their travel times. They would also be preserved from the noise of their current “milieu” and enjoy a quieter residential area more conducive to their life of prayer and silent work.
We provide more details inside about this tremendous, yet expensive project, which will take several months to complete before the Sisters can move in.
Please help us to achieve this restoration. The Sisters and the Canons will remember you and your families in our daily prayers, especially during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
God bless you!
Your Canons of St Walburge’s
A word from the Sisters:
Dear friends,
As you will have already read, Providence is hastening things to enable us to move to our new convent near St Walburge’s Church as soon as possible. This project has been on the minds of our superiors and our community for a long time. Living near the church, the presbytery and St. Benedict’s will save us a considerable amount of time, as we will no longer need to make so many daily trips. It will also provide us with the stability we need for our religious life, as we will be less exposed to the outside world.
Most importantly, dear friends, we will be closer to Our Lord, and living near the church means we will be able to come and adore Him more often! In this way, we will fulfil our vocation of making the adoration of God present in all our lives and close to everyone. Our vocation stems from Eucharistic Adoration for the glory of God and the sanctification of His priests. With all our heartfelt gratitude and prayers for you and your families, thank you in advance for your indispensable help!
Your Sister Adorers