Author event on the right page for Caritas

We were thrilled to host a very special author event which was held in aid of our charity this week.

Local and church history enthusiasts, as well as people interested in learning more about the Catholic history of Greater Manchester and Lancashire in this Jubilee year, gathered together to hear from Monsignor Allen about two books he has written and is selling to raise money for Caritas.

The book signing event, which took place in St Patrick’s Church in Collyhurst, saw Monsignor Allen talk more about how the books came about and what readers can expect.  People attending also chatted to the author, with many receiving signed books too.

Speaking about the first book, Pilgrims of Hope (which you can find out more about and buy a copy of now here: www.caritassalford.org.uk/pilgrimbook)  Monsignor Allen said: “Not everyone can go on pilgrimage to Rome or other places abroad. Don’t worry. There are many places nearer home.

“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 lived here. All are within easy reach by public or private transport.”

The second book, A Popular History of the Diocese of Salford (which you can find out more about and buy a copy of now here: www.caritassalford.org.uk/historybook), gives an insight into the history of Catholicism right across our diocese.  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.”

Both books are being sold in aid of our charity.

Patrick O’Dowd, our director, said: “It was great to see so many people come together to celebrate these brilliant books and to hear from the author directly about his motivation, their focus and aims and what readers can expect.

“As a charity depending on support from people like Monsignor Allen so we can continue working alongside people experiencing poverty, homelessness, displacement and disadvantage, we’re incredibly grateful for his generosity in donating the proceeds of sales of the books to Caritas.

We’re really grateful for his ongoing support.”