New nuns order will halt Catholic decline

The Sisters Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus Christ Sovereign Prince are part of the Latin Mass organisation which has recently stemmed a decline in the Catholic Church in the city by saving two churches from closure.

The Sisters will be setting up their first UK Foundation at St Augustine’s Presbytery in Avenham.

The Bishop of Lancaster, the Rt Rev Michael Campbell (right), said: “It’s a great joy for me to have the Sisters Adorers come into the Diocese.

“I think it’s a great gift, not only to have such a strong and vibrant praying presence at the heart of Preston, but especially for the young women in our Diocese to see that some young women still choose this vocation, and that it can be a joyful and beautiful way to live one’s life.

“We remain very grateful for the historic communities who have served us so well in the Diocese over many years. Yet we are also so grateful for the new life that the newer communities - like the Sisters Adorers - bring to our future life in God.”

The arrival of the Sisters will strengthen the presence of the Italy-based Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest which arrived in Preston in September 2014 and took over the running of St Walburge’s Church which was on the brink of closure. In July this year the group agreed to take over English Martyrs in Garstang Road.

The Institute’s Prior General Monsignor Gilles Wach said: “Following the beautiful and encouraging opening of a second shrine in Preston, this invitation to our Sisters from the Bishop of Lancaster is another opportunity to continue the mission of the Institute.”

The arrival date for the Sisters, a contemplative order, has yet to be determined.