Wales: LMS helps restore window at historic pilgrimage site

The Latin Mass Society has helped fund restoration of a historic stained glass window at St Winefride's Church, Holywell, restored in time for the LMS Holywell pilgrimage on Sunday 5 July. The late 19th century window, depicting St Patrick, had begun to collapse out of its frame in the Grade II listed church. The LMS awarded a £500 grant to help the parish raise £14,000 needed to restore and replace the window.

LMS Committee Member Kevin Jones said: "The Latin Mass Society has held Masses at St Winefride's, Holywell for some considerable time. The Society has a long association with this special place, the location of the only Shrine in England and Wales not to be destroyed in reformation years. It is right and proper that LMS should make a donation to help restore this beautiful window in this special church so it can once again delight worshippers and pilgrims."

The LMS annual pilgrimage takes place on Sunday 5 July, starting with High Mass at the Church at 2.30pm followed by a Rosary procession to the Well and veneration of the relic of St Winefride.

St Winefride's Well is reputed to be the oldest continually visited pilgrimage site in Great Britain, and is a Grade I listed building. It has also been dubbed 'The Lourdes of Wales' on account of its reported healing properties.

The Holywell Pilgrimage is one of a series of events over the summer which mark the Latin Mass Society's 50th anniversary. The celebrant will be Fr Richard Bailey Cong. Orat. assisted by Fr Edmund Montgomery as Deacon and Fr Simon Henry as Subdeacon.

A coach will be travelling from London, please contact Graham Moorhouse on 01322 409231 to book a seat.