Get your hands on two special books being sold in aid of our charity
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Local and church history enthusiasts and people interested in learning more about the Catholic history of Greater Manchester and Lancashire will be excited to hear about two special books which have been published in aid of our charity.
The first book, ‘A Popular History of the Diocese of Salford’, by Monsignor John Allen is available to buy by clicking here now.
He has also written a second book, ‘Pilgrims of Hope: Out and About in Salford Diocese’ which can be purchased by clicking here now.
Proceeds of the sales of both books are being donated to our charity to support our work.
About the books:
Pilgrims of Hope: Out and about in the Diocese of Salford
Not everyone can go on pilgrimage to Rome or other places abroad. Don’t worry. There are many places nearer home…
Book author Monsignor Allen said: “Pilgrims of Hope: Out and about in the Diocese of Salford takes us to 24 highly important venues in Greater Manchester and Lancashire. These places put us in touch with people, even saints, who have lived here. All are within easy reach by public or private transport.”
A step-by-step guide to exploring each of these inspiring and uplifting locations is included in the book, as well as fascinating history to help bring visits further to life.
Bishop John Arnold, who wrote the introduction to the book, said: “From memories of our Martyr Saints to stories of the countless people who struggled and suffered to preserve the faith over the centuries, these are pilgrim journeys of prayer and thanksgiving.
“Most are short and easily completed on foot or by transport…Thanks to the notes accompanying each suggested route we can all discover, or rediscover, so much of the Catholic heritage that is right here on our doorsteps.”
Click here to order your copy of the book
A Popular History of the Diocese of Salford
This book gives an insight into the history of Catholicism right across the Diocese of Salford.
Monsignor Allen said: “I’ve always been inspired by the story of our diocese. I was in Fr Bolton’s class at school when he wrote ‘Salford Diocese and its Catholic Past’. That was in 1950. It’s time for another book, to keep alive the sense of who we are and where we’ve come from.
“As recently as November 2024, Pope Francis spoke about our Catholic history as keeping ‘the flame of collective conscience alive’.
“This popular history shows how everything doesn’t start with us, here and now. We are carried on the shoulders of giants. We must build on their powerful spiritual legacy.”
Author Eamon Duffy, who is Emeritus Professor of History at Cambridge University, said: “Writing about the history of Roman Catholicism in Manchester and the North-West of England usually focuses on one of two periods…It is one of the many merits of Mgr Allen’s splendid popular history of the Salford diocese that it takes a much wider canvas and surveys the whole history of Catholicism in the region.”
Bishop John Arnold, Bishop of Salford, said: “A careful recording of history is essential, not only for the gathering of facts and events, but also for building a wisdom and a foundation for our ongoing journey.
“This work, ‘A Popular History of the Diocese of Salford’ provides a very generous compendium of the establishing and growth of the Catholic Church in this Diocese of Salford, making tribute to individuals and organisations and describing events that have nourished Catholic life.
“It is very good to see how Gospel Values have been lived throughout so many generations. This work is a tribute to all that has been achieved and provides an invitation to move forward in faith.”
Click here to order your copy of the book
We are extremely grateful for Monsignor Allen’s ongoing support.