“Fàilte erriu dys Mannin” — a welcome to the Isle of Man in the ancient Manx language! As part of the pilgrimage of St Gerard Majella’s relics around England and Wales this year, it was decided to reach the Celtic margins of these islands and visit the Isle of Man.
The island is a British Crown Dependency — self-governing, with its own parliament and laws — situated in the Irish Sea. Ecclesiastically, it forms part of the Archdiocese of Liverpool, with a co-Cathedral in the capital, Douglas.
The relics of St Gerard were flown over in the care of Fr Royston Price, C.Ss.R., missions coordinator and vocations director for the London Province. They were present at four locations across the island over 48 hours, from 7 to 8 September.
As well as a Mass at each location, the relics were made available for personal prayer and blessings. The four churches were each gifted a picture of St Gerard, which could easily become the start of greater devotion to our “little wonder-worker.” Fr Royston expressed his gratitude to Canon Philip and the others on the island who made the visit possible.
“Often places like the Isle of Man can be overlooked when there are big Catholic events, so I was determined to include the Manx faithful,” said Fr Royston. “As Redemptorists, we are called to go to those on the margins, and the great response shows how people appreciated the efforts.”
Part of a Nationwide Tour for St Gerard’s 300th Birth Anniversary
The idea for the pilgrimage of St Gerard Majella’s relics came to Fr Royston two years ago: “I realised that the important anniversary was approaching, and we should do something to mark it,” he said. He has since arranged stops in every diocese of England and Wales — around 100 in total.
The significant celebration brings the saint’s presence to multiple dioceses, offering the faithful an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and devotion. Highlights of the tour — photos, videos, and recorded testimonies — are being shared on Instagram via @stgerard300, where Fr Royston documents the pilgrimage.
Fr Royston remains optimistic as the tour continues: “There’s been a good response, though St Gerard is less well known among younger people — something I hope the pilgrimage will change. I’ve had several emails testifying to St Gerard’s intercession for couples wanting to get pregnant.”
Scala News, with information and photographs submitted by Fr Royston Price, C.Ss.R.
