Last week, I, along with two of our teaching staff Mr. McHugh, Mr Pickup, and 2 of our school governors, Mr. Bonner and Mr Larkin plus Fr Henry, had the privilege of accompanying a group of our young people on our 2nd Padley pilgrimage. We set off from school and walked the ten miles to Padley Chapel, where we were greeted by the friends of Padley. We attended Mass celebrated by Fr. Henry.
The weather could not have been more perfect, which we felt was a wonderful Blessing from God because the previous day’s weather was horrendous, experiencing rain, sunshine, wind, sleet and snow all in one day!
The sunshine shone on us as we made our journey through the woods, fields and paths. A welcome rest at Longshaw Estate gave us time to stop and enjoy our lunch; I don’t think I’ve ever been so grateful to sit down and eat my sandwiches! I think we all needed the rest.
Padley Chapel was originally part of Padley Hall, a 14th-century manor house owned by the Catholic Fitzherbert family.
In 1588, during a time of religious persecution, two Catholic priests, Robert Ludlum and Nicholas Garlick, were captured there and later executed, becoming known as the Padley Martyrs. The hall eventually fell into ruin, but the chapel which was once a gatehouse, was restored in the 20th century and now serves as a memorial to those martyrs and a place of Catholic pilgrimage.
Knowing the history of this holy site and having the opportunity to celebrate Mass there was such an incredible privilege.
After a day filled with prayer, and friendship, we made our way home by train to Sheffield. It was truly a blessed day and I am grateful to have been part of such an inspiring and meaningful pilgrimage.
I am already planning next years pilgrimage!
God Bless.
Suzanne
