Workington – Fr Paul Harrison' Blog.

Anniversary of the Consecration of Our Lady& St Michael’s church.

On this day in 1921, the church of Our Lady& St Michael was solemnly consecrated in a splendid, elaborate and very long ceremony! My guess is that it would have lasted 3 to 4 hours. I believe in the rite before Vatican II, two pounds of incense was recommended for the service – marvellous. The feast is a solemnity and takes precedence over todays feast of the Triumph of the Cross.

In 1921, Fr Clement Standish purchased a number of consecration crosses, which are placed different parts of the church. They cost £3 in 1921, more than a weeks wages for many workers at the time. These candles are only it on the anniversary of the Consecration.

I chose this photo as it shows the lit candles, but also the choir stalls. These were commissioned for the consecration. They were made by Robert Thompson of Kilburn nr Ampleforth, later known as the mouse man. We know from the archives, that he had more than a hand in making them. The shields are of the medieval Benedictine Abbeys and Cathedrals in England.

Today’s feast also reminds us that the Church was built for worship, and this continues to carry on today and we hope for many years to come. We remember the countless men and women who came to this church for Mass, the sacraments or just to pray. We also remember all those who looked after the church especially those who kept it clean. May they all rest in peace and receive the reward of their labours.

On my way to Frankfurt.

On Sunday I began my long planned short break in Frankurt. Although my flight from Manchester was on Monday morning, I decided to go down the night before, to avoid a very long day. I booked a train from Workington to Manchester Airport. As I booked just 2 days ago I thought £21.20 standard class was a good deal.

I left from Workington on the 14.34 to Carlisle.

IMGP3914 — Getting ready to leave Workington.

Rather surprisingly I was the only passenger to board and the train was almost empty. The journey itself was uneventful until I got to Carlisle. Parked just outside the station was the A4 Pacific Union of South Africa.

Not the best photo as it was taken through a window on a moving train.

I then was supposed to get the 15.34 from Carlisle to Manchester Aiport. This was delayed by thirty minutes due to signalling problems near Carstairs. Despite it having 8 coaches, it was packed. It was just as well that I had a booked seat! Most people got off at either Preston or Manchester PIcadilly.

The next day (today) was my flight. I had booked business class! This meant a quick check in and access to a priority lounge. I availed myself on free coffee.

IMGP3923 — View from the priority lounge.

As far as I could make out the flight was fully booked. It was a pleasant journey although cloud obscured most of the view. I had a reasonable snack onboard. On the flight I managed to book a rail ticket to the stop close to my hotel. On landing I was expecting a wait for my luggage. Imagine my surprise when I suitcase was the first on the carousel and no other luggage in sight!

I then caught the train to Frankfurt. I had a bit of a difficulty finding the right platforms, but got there in the end. Once off the train I headed for my hotel. I went to the wrong way at first. However with a combination of Google maps and the hotel website I found my way to the hotel. I got the hotel just in time, it had started to rain!.

A busy morning for a change

immaculate-conception3b — The Immaculate Conception.

This morning I celebrated the 10am Mass which of course was the great feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Lady. The Mass was well attended. After Mass we have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 10.30 until 11.30am. At 11am we usually have confessions. This morning I went in a 10 minutes earlier. It was just as well, as I was kept busy until 11.30. I gave Benediction, I then tidied up and went back to the house for a coffee….

However, upon my return there was a sick call to our local hospital, which is actually just one ward!. I went along and gave a lady the Sacrament of the sick and the Last Rites. It was good to see a large number of her family there, who did join in the prayers. In the evening I said Mass at Silloth for the last time, more of which in another post.

Oh and Preston North End, my football team won. All in all a good day.

A long Sunday

Today, for a change I had a busy day. My schedule was as follows.

I began with Mass at 9.30am at St Gregory’s Church, when it was finished I had a 15 minute journey to Maryport for Mass at 11am. After that returned to Workington, this time to Our Lady& St Michael’s for a Baptism at 12.30pm. Thankfully, there were only a small number at it, so I was able to have a coffee and sandwich before my next event at 2pm. This was the parents meeting for Confirmation. This lasted less than the hour we allowed for it. So i was able to “rest my eyes” before Mass at 6pm at Our Lady& St Michaels. This was followed by the reception of Miss Hill’s coffin prior to her Requiem Mass tomorrow.

Made in Workington

P1490030 — Seen at Letchworth Garden City.

In days gone by, Workington had two main industries, coal mining and steel production. On the latter, Workington for a long while was world renowned for its making of rail. The above was taken at Letchworth Garden City on the line that runs from Hitchen to Cambridge. I think 81 refers to the year it was made. I am reliable informed that Workington rail is to be found all over the world. Sadly its all gone now.

St Henry king of Germany

Today is the optional feast of St Henry. His biography can be found here

The window was actually erected and donated in memory of Henry McAleer, the first Catholic mayor of Workington. Henry was an Irish immigrant to Workington, but, unlike many of his fellow countrymen, he was a businessman. He was a boot and shoe maker. He was elected mayor but sadly died in office in 1906. The window was donated by Workington Town council in his memory. The coat of arms at the bottom of the window is that of Workington.

Pentecost break – Day 1 Workington to Crewe

Today I began a short break. I have a senior railcard and I make full use of it. Today I began with a journey from Workington to Crewe. I began with the 13.56 Northern service from Workington to Carlisle. This was part of new improved Sunday service for the Cumbia Coast Line. This train had run from Barrow in Furness. I believe its the first Sunday service since 1976,

IMGP3449 — This is a Class 156 unit which took me to Carlisle

On arrival in Carlisle I had a short wait for the 15.05 service to Crewe. This train was actually very quiet – until Preston. For £15 I was able to upgrade my standard class ticket to First Class. I was the only one in my first class coach until Preston!

IMGP3450 — A pendolino waiting in Carlisle station – not my train though.