From Our Own Correspondent One of the most unique religious ceremonies ever to be seen in England will be held at St. Aidan's, Lawton Moor, Wythenshawe, Manchester, on Sunday, when 3,000 Catholics from all parts of the city will take part in an outdoor torchlight Rosary Rally in honour of Our Lady of Fatima.
During the past week, parishioners of St. Aidan's have been busy with scissors and paste making paper candle shades for the torches. Rivalry in the making of shades had beenpneouraged, and one family could boast of having made over 400. r The Rev. D. C. M. Higgins, Parish Priest of St. Aidan's, said the idea had arisen from the fact that he had been the first National Chaplain of a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima, and it was his aim to establish a permanent shrine in the vicinity of Wythenshawe Park in her honour.
Features of Sunday's rally, which begins at 6.30 p.m., in addition to the torchlight procession, will be open air Benediction at St. Aidan's in the glare of floodlights. Throughout the ceremony. which is expected to attract many non-Catholics, there will be a loudspeaker running commentary. culminating with an address by Fr. Higgins on Our Lady of Fatima.
" During the commentary." said Fr. Higgins, " the reasons for the event, namely. to bring out that the Catholic doctrine is the only true teaching for a peaceful life. will be explained for the benefit of both Catholics and non-Catholics."
Fr, Higgins added that it was hoped shortly to acquire two acres of land in the Wythenshawe Park area for new church premises. There he intends to establish a permanent shrine, set in floral gardens, to Our Lady of Fatima.