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Two coach loads of parishioners went to Liverpool at the weekend, to take part in 'Adoremus'.

The Church held a Eucharistic Congress - the first in the UK since 1908 - in Liverpool, 7th-9th September. This weekend of events gave participants the opportunity to reflect on, learn about and - most importantly - worship Jesus in the Eucharist. On Friday and Saturday there were workshops, speakers and drama exploring the gift of the Lord's Body and Blood, alongside times of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Sunday was 'pilgrimage day' - the Metropolitan Cathedral was packed for two celebrations of Mass, then thousands of people walked through the streets of Liverpool, accompanying Jesus, present in the Eucharistic Host.

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A large number of parishioners, together with a few friends from neighbouring parishes, travelled by coach to take part in the Blessed Sacrament Procession. We had time to gather for a group photo before things got underway!

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It was amazing to be part of such a crowd of people, united by our faith in the Eucharist. It was a great act of witness - people in houses, bars and cafes along the route came out to look, some taking photos, some asking questions about what was happening. The procession was also featured on BBC North West Tonight. Despite the weather (there was a huge downpour just as the procession was beginning) people remained in good spirits, singing hymns as we walked.

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A procession like this has an important meaning: we walk with each other, led by Jesus. This is an image of what the Church must always be: a pilgrim people, following and worshipping Jesus, who makes Himself present amongst us. A people who sing and smile, come rain or shine. A people who continue walking towards our goal, eternal life and happiness, regardless of the difficulties we face.

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At the end of the procession Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, led us in prayer and gave Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. There was a period of awesome silence - thousands gathered in a city centre, in complete stillness and quiet before the Lord. After the final hymn the crowd spontaneously started singing the Salve Regina, in honour of Our Lady.

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The Adoremus weekend was also marked here in the parish. On Friday evening and all day Saturday we had Expostion of the Blessed Sacrament, in prayerful union with all those taking part in the congress. Then on Sunday evening our CTS Book Club monthly meeting took place, this time reflecting on "Meeting Christ in the Eucharist" by Fr Stephen Wang. Our hope and prayer is that the congress will leave a lasting legacy in the Church - a legacy of renewed love for Jesus in the sacrament of His Body and Blood. Click on the gallery below to see more pictures of the weekend.

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