Anne Bardell • June 18, 2026
At the end of May part of Salford became Walsingham for a weekend as Our Lady of Walsinghm was honoured. The Prince of Peace Community who have relocated to Salford provided a whole weekend of prayer and praise for 350 people.
The Conference began on Friday midday with a praise and worship session in the old Franciscan Friary Church of All Saints at Barton, Salford. The day brought the opportuity to participate in a joyful Mass led by Fr. James Anyaegbu who had flown down from the wilds of Scotland in the Aberdeen Diocese.
Later that evening we listened to Fr. Pat Collins who had travelled from his community in Ireland to speak about 'Returning to the Father's Heart'. He invited us to think about whether our distance from the Lord can be caused by damage to our relationship by our earthly fathers. It maybe that we had a great relationship with our Dad or even just a luke warm one, but a good one. But maybe our parent was sick or died when we were young or mistreated us or was not very good father as they did not know how to be a father. He suggested this needs to be fixed in us by healing from our wonderful saviour who can heal all things. These damaged relationships create barriers in our relationship with God our eternal Father.
This talk led to a beautiful Reconciliation service where many priests were available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession). And after receiving this sacrament people were invited, if they wished, to place a lit candle before the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance.
The prayerful atmosphere continued throughout Saturday with a talk by Fr. Frankie Mulgrew about how Mary fits into the Father's plan. If you have ever been present for one of Fr. Frankie's talks you will know that you never quite know what to expect.
Then we had the opportunity to participate in a beatuiful procession around the grounds of the Friary with the youth leading us as they carried the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham and led the Rosary as we walked.
Saturday continued to be a busy day with Mass at midday followed by Eucharistic adoration which was set up in a quiet part of the site. More and more chairs were added as so many people just needed to come in silence before the Lord. Throughout the afternoon extra opportunities were provided for the sacrament of Reconciliation than had been origianlly planned as so many people requested access to this sacrament.
At the same time teams from the Healing Ministry were available to listen and pray with people as needed. The evening continued with Fr. Pat issuing a call to renewal which is needed both in us and throughout the Church. Gary Stephens the leader of the Prince of Peace Community invited people to hear about the mission at the All Saint' Church in Barton whilst appealing for financial support as well as spiritual support. We then moved into a time led by Fr. James who spoke about the Mission of Jesus to save heal and restore us which led into a service of healing.
Our final day, Sunday, began with praise and worship which prepared us for a talk by with Daniella Stephens about being Clothed with power from on high. Gary ( her father) then invited us to think and pray about being Baptised in the Spirit and the empowerment this brings.
The weekend closed with a visit from Bishop John as he came to say the closing Mass. The church was full, the entrance procession was led by about 10 of our excellent servers follwed by 10 or so priests and the Bishop. Children from the family and youth streams helped with the offertory procession.
Many people went away refreshed and lifted in the Spirit. This is a fairly new conference in the Diocese with streams for youth and younger children as well as talks and workshops for adults. It took alot of planning and hardwork on behalf of the team who worked their socks off in the days prior to the event. This conference also celebrated 40 years of the New Dawn Ministry. The community are now taking a year's sabbatical to pray and wait upon the Lord and are excited to see where the Lord leads them inthe future. If you are interested in supportingthe Prince of Peace Community please take a look at their websiteTand facebook page.