This is the second church in England to be placed into the hands of this Traditional Order and the arrangement will give the church a more secure future.
The announcement came in a pastoral message from the local Ordinary, Bishop Campbell OSA. He wrote "The arrival and presence of the Institute in the church and presbytery at St Walburge’s will enable the sustainability and care of this magnificent church so that it can be open each day as a shrine or centre for Eucharistic devotion and adoration. St Walburge’s will remain part of the Parish of St Walburge and the Sacred Heart but will specifically provide for the celebration of Holy Mass and the other Sacraments in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. It is envisaged, however, that the current Ordinary Form Mass, will continue to be celebrated here on Sunday for as long as there is a pastoral need ...... "
I am already fondly acquainted with the Institute due to their Mission at Ss Peter, Paul and Philomena, New Brighton (aka The Dome of Home) and I know that the hard work that continues to go into restoring The Dome of Home to its full splendor is testament to what can be achieved elsewhere.
I am thrilled for the Diocese of Lancaster, the Catholics of Preston and the Institute!
Ad maiorem Dei gloriam!