The beautiful words ‘Ave, ave, ave Maria! Ave, ave, ave, Maria!’ could be heard in the Birmingham night sky as St Chad’s Cathedral bid a fond farewell to the relics of St Bernadette.

Clergy and congregation followed the relics procession outside after a farewell Mass on Saturday 8 October.

Celebrated by Bishop David Evans, the Mass featured the musical talents of some of the Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT) team who led the congregation in joyous singing.

The relics had been in situ at St Chad’s Cathedral since Friday evening, attracting visitors from across the Archdiocese to venerate or join in the special services.

After being waved off from St Chad’s the relics travelled to Our Lady of Lourdes in Hednesford, home of the Diocesan Shrine.

They then move onto the Immaculate Conception in Bicester on Sunday night.

There is still a chance for people to visit the relics whilst they remain in our Archdiocese. Please see the full timetable for information.

St Bernadette, Pray for Us

Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for Us.