Last Saturday’s Marian procession in Liverpool was the biggest for decades, according to organiser Jim Ross. Over 500 people took part, more than twice as many as last year.
Archbishop Malcolm McMahon of Liverpool and Sisters from the Missionaries of Charity, the congregation founded by Mother Teresa, led children who made their First Holy Communion on a procession from St Peter’s Square to Queen’s Square.
Mr Ross said the event was “unbelievable,” and added. “Everyone enjoyed it. All our prayers were answered for good weather. We’re more than pleased.”
The Marian procession was revived five years ago, when about 50 people took part, rising to around 200 last year. This year the procession stopped several times to sing a hymn, led by a girl from the cathedral choir, and to say the rosary.
“It was a joy. A lot of people in the city were stopping and asking what it was all about. People didn’t believe that hymns were being sung on the streets of Liverpool. They thoroughly enjoyed it,” Mr Ross said.
At a reception at the end there was food was distributed to those who had taken part in the procession, including salmon on crackers and cake with chocolate and strawberries. Each child was given a card commemorating their taking part in the event, and 250 sets of rosary beads were given out.
Mr Ross said that plans were already being made for next year, with banners and speakers. “We can’t wait,” he said.
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