A busy train, Latin Mass, sunshine, good food, a saintly adventure and lots of laughter — our Prayer Group had a fantastic day in York!
✝️ Starting the Day with Mass
Our Prayer Group set off for York accompanied by Suzanne and Mr McHugh. The train was very busy, but that didn’t stop us having plenty of fun on the journey!
Once we arrived, we quickly made our way through York to the York Oratory, where we arrived just in time for the midday Latin Mass. We were warmly welcomed by Fr Daniel, who was expecting us.
For many of our young people, this was a completely new experience. The Mass was beautiful, reverent and full of mystery. There was incense, traditional hymns and prayers, and everything, including the readings, was spoken or sung in Latin.
The priest celebrated facing the altar, and at Communion we went forward to receive the Blessed Sacrament, kneeling at the altar rails and receiving on the tongue. Only a couple of our young people had experienced this before, making it a particularly memorable encounter with the richness and beauty of Catholic worship.
Sunshine, Fellowship and a Warm Welcome
After Mass, Fr Daniel invited us into the presbytery garden. Thankfully, the sun was shining, so we were able to sit outside, enjoy the warmth and spend some time together.
Fr Daniel joined us for a chat, and we talked together for around half an hour. It was lovely to have the opportunity to get to know him before saying goodbye and heading into the city for lunch.
We found a spot in the square close to the Shambles and enjoyed some delicious food , followed, of course, by a sweet treat!
Following in the Footsteps of a Saint
Our afternoon took us to the St Margaret Clitherow Chapel on the Shambles.
St Margaret Clitherow is one of York’s most famous saints. Born in York and raised in a Protestant family, Margaret converted to the Catholic faith in 1574. Her love for Jesus and His Church became the centre of her life.
At a time when Catholics were being persecuted for their faith, Margaret bravely used her home on the Shambles as a secret hiding place for Catholic priests. She risked everything so that priests could celebrate Mass and Catholics could continue to practise their faith.
Margaret was arrested in 1586 and, on Good Friday, 25 March, was put to death for helping Catholic priests. She was later canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
Being in the chapel and remembering St Margaret’s incredible courage gave us a chance to reflect on what it means to live out our faith with courage and commitment.
A Beautiful Moment of Prayer
We gathered together in the chapel to pray and remember St Margaret. One of our students beautifully sang Ave Maria, creating a truly peaceful and prayerful atmosphere.
It was a very special moment. Surrounded by the history of our Catholic faith, we were reminded that the faith we celebrate today is the same faith that St Margaret held onto so courageously.
St Margaret Clitherow, pray for us!
Time for Home!
After our time of prayer, we had a little time to explore the shops and pick up some souvenirs before meeting back together and heading to the train station.
We arrived safely back in Sheffield, tired, happy and full of memories from a wonderful day we shared together.
Our trip to York was about so much more than sightseeing. We celebrated Mass, received Jesus in the Eucharist, prayed together, learned about St Margaret Clitherow, enjoyed being together and had plenty of fun along the way!
It was truly a day that was Spirit filled and fun filled.
A huge thank you to Fr Daniel and the Orotarians for their warm welcome, and to everyone who helped make our day in York so special.
St Margaret Clitherow, pray for us!
God bless,
Suzanne
Chaplain
