PILGRIMAGE OF THE ICON OF THE QUEEN OF THE FRANCISCAN FAMILY

NORTH WEST REGION – OCTOBER 2026

A Franciscan Pilgrimage of Prayer, Fraternity and Renewal

During October 2026, the Icon of the Queen of the Franciscan Family will journey through the North West Region.

The Icon will remain at each principal host venue for approximately one week, giving members of the Franciscan Family, parishioners and pilgrims the opportunity to come together in prayer and spend time before the Icon.

There will also be a special visit to Royal Liverpool Hospital, bringing the Icon to those who are sick, their families and those who care for them.

FRIDAY 2nd OCTOBER

ST ANTHONY OF PADUA CHURCH, LIVERPOOL

Reception of the Icon

7:00 pm — Solemn Mass

Followed by:

* Eucharistic Adoration
* Franciscan Office of Intercession

2nd – 9th OCTOBER

The Icon remains at St Anthony of Padua Church.

Pilgrims are warmly invited to visit, pray and spend time before the Icon.

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SATURDAY 3rd OCTOBER

ST ANTHONY OF PADUA CHURCH, LIVERPOOL

9:00 am — Morning Prayer

9:30 am — Holy Mass

Followed by the Franciscan Crown

6:00 pm — Vigil Mass

7:30–8:00 pm — Transitus of St Francis

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SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER

FEAST OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI

800TH ANNIVERSARY

12:00 noon — High Mass

The Icon remains at St Anthony of Padua Church, where pilgrims are invited to visit throughout the week.

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FRIDAY 9th OCTOBER

ROYAL LIVERPOOL HOSPITAL

The Icon makes a special pilgrimage to Royal Liverpool Hospital, bringing the prayer and presence of the Franciscan Family to patients, families and hospital staff.

12:00 noon — Mass

Following the visit, the Icon returns to St Anthony of Padua Church before continuing its pilgrimage.

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SATURDAY 10th OCTOBER

ST WINIFRIDE’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, HOLYWELL

Reception of the Icon

11:00 am — Votive Mass

10–17 OCTOBER

The Icon remains at St Winifride’s for the week.

Pilgrims are invited to visit and pray before the Icon.

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SATURDAY 17th OCTOBER

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH, CHESTER

Reception of the Icon

The Icon is received by the OFS Fraternity of St Francis of Assisi, Chester.

17–25 OCTOBER

The Icon remains with the fraternity for the week.

Pilgrims are warmly invited to visit and pray before the Icon.

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SUNDAY 25th OCTOBER

ST CLARE’S, BLACKLEY, MANCHESTER

Reception of the Icon

The Icon is received by the OFS Fraternity of St Clare’s, Blackley.

2:30 pm — Fraternity Meeting

25th – 31st OCTOBER

The Icon remains with the fraternity for the week.

Pilgrims are invited to visit and pray before the Icon.

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SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER

JOURNEY TO THE NORTH EAST REGION

The Icon leaves the North West Region and continues its pilgrimage to the North East Region.

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A JOURNEY OF PRAYER AND FRATERNITY

The pilgrimage of the Icon of the Queen of the Franciscan Family is an invitation to the whole Franciscan Family to come together in prayer.

As the Icon journeys through the North West, may Mary, Queen of the Franciscan Family, lead us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ. May the example of St Francis and St Clare of Assisi, and St Elizabeth of Hungary, inspire us to live the Gospel in simplicity, fraternity, compassion and love, especially in our service of the poor, the sick and those in need.

May this pilgrimage be a time of grace, prayer and renewal for the whole Franciscan Family, strengthening us in our vocation to follow Christ in the footsteps of those who have gone before us.