Pope honour for devoted Cleator Moor volunteer during pilgrimage

Pilgrims from across the Diocese of Lancaster gathered on Sunday, September 6, for the traditional event, led by bishop Paul Swarbrick, with Mr Ford receiving special recognition for his long-standing commitment to maintaining the church grounds and historic grotto.

Mr Ford was unaware that he was going to receive the recognition until the service itself.

Father Paul Johnstone, parish priest, said: “Congratulations to Alan Ford who has received the Pope Medal, the Benemerenti medal.

Crowds gather in St Mary's Grotto (Image: Newsquest)

"For his timeless work over the years maintaining the grounds of St Mary’s. It is a sign of appreciation for all who work so hard to to keep the life of the parish going.”

The replica of the Lourdes grotto, which depicts Our Lady appearing to St Bernadette, has been a focus of devotion for generations and remains one of the area's best-known Catholic pilgrimage sites.

Father Manny Gribben (left) and Father James Burns with groundsmen Alan Ford and Jim Sullivan in the grotto at St Mary's church grounds ,Cleator.pic John Story June 1st 2007 (Image: John Story)

Although the service is traditionally held at the grotto in the church grounds, the threat of rain meant this year’s gathering was moved inside the church.

However, during the Benediction towards the end of the service, the congregation moved outside to the grotto, allowing pilgrims to pray at the shrine as part of the celebrations.

The congregation in the church (Image: Newsquest)

The service opened with the entrance hymn 'Hail, Queen of Heav’n, the Ocean Star', reflecting the theme of Mary as a guide to those at sea.

Throughout the afternoon, prayers and reflections focused on the symbolism of the North Star and the Southern Cross, with Mary presented as a guiding light for seafarers navigating difficult waters.

Pilgrims were able to receive Holy Communion or a blessing, while the celebration concluded with a recessional rendition of Ave Maria.

The church procession makes its way to the Grotto (Image: Newsquest)

The annual pilgrimage is closely linked to the history of the grotto itself. During the economic hardship of the 1920s, Father Clayton appealed for support and organised the construction of a replica of the Lourdes grotto on land beside the church.

Volunteers from Cleator Moor helped build the shrine, receiving vouchers for food and clothing in return.

A spokesperson for the church said: “Since the Grotto was opened in 1927 it has been the focus of devotion and pilgrimage.

Bishop Paul Swarbrick leads the benediction (Image: Newsquest)

"We continue to promote and honour this special place and pray that it will hold its place in the hearts of the faithful pilgrims for generations to come.”