Organisers are hoping for a bumper turnout when Cardinal Arthur Roche preaches at the 50th anniversary Postgate Rally in Ugthorpe, North Yorkshire, this summer.
Yorkshire-born Cardinal Roche, who is Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, kindly accepted an invitation from Bishop Terry and will travel from Rome for the event, which takes place on Sunday July 7.
Thousands attended the early rallies, travelling by coach from all over the diocese, but figures had reduced dramatically since Covid.
However, last year around 500 people – more than twice the previous year’s number – gathered in the open air to honour Blessed Nicholas and the martyrs of England and Wales.
Scarborough, York, Hull, Driffield and Middlesbrough were all represented in the large crowd and a coach from Our Lady of Lourdes and St Peter Chanel Parish, Hull, was organised by Father William Massie.
Monica Ventress, chair of the Postgate Society, said: “This year marks 50 years since the first Postgate Rally, which was held at Ugthorpe on Sunday June 30 1974.
“It has alternated between Ugthorpe and Egton Bridge every year since, apart from during the Covid-19 lockdown.
“To mark this special occasion, Bishop Terry has arranged for His Eminence Cardinal Arthur Roche, STB, STL, to be this year’s preacher.
“We hope as many of you as possible will be able to come to this special event. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the field after Mass or treat yourself and go into Whitby for a fish and chip tea.”
Blessed Nicholas was one of 85 martyrs beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1987. Born in Egton in 1596, he trained for the priesthood in France before returning to Yorkshire.
He was martyred at York in 1679 and was one of the last Catholics in this country to be put to death for their faith.
Canon Paul Farrer, whose role as Episcopal Vicar for Spirituality and Worship includes responsibility for pilgrimages, is hoping as many people as possible will come together on this very special occasion.
“Blessed Nicholas Postgate rightly enjoys a cherished place in our diocese and his intercession continues to strengthen us all,” he said.
“It is important that we continue to celebrate the Priest of the Moors. He is a gift to our diocese.”
Blessed Nicholas, known as the Martyr of the Moors, lived from 1596 to 1679, when he was executed at York as part of the anti-Catholic persecution in England at the time.
He is one of the 85 martyrs of England and Wales beatified by Pope St John Paul II in November 1987.
The 2024 rally takes place at Lawn’s Farm, Ugthorpe YO21 2BQ. Hymns will be sung from 2.30pm, with Mass at 3pm. Free parking is available. Please bring suitable seating and your own picnic.
The Postgate Society, which is under the patronage of Bishop Terry, exists to spread knowledge of Blessed Nicholas and to promote interest in Catholic history during penal times, has a brand-new website at postgatesociety.org.uk.
Everyone is welcome to attend meetings, which take place at St Anne’s Hall, Ugthorpe.
For more details visit the website or write to Monica Ventress, The Postgate Society, 53 Ceremony Wynd, Clairville Grange, Middlesbrough TS4 2WG or email postgatesociety@rcdmidd.org.uk.
A commemorative badge to mark the anniversary will be on sale at the rally.
This year, Dr Emma Morrison plans to resurrect the Walk for Vocations ahead of the rally. The walk, from Whitby to Ugthorpe, is 12.7km (7.9miles) on a variety of terrain include forest tracks and fields. Please ensure you wear sturdy footwear and all members of your party are fit enough to walk this distance.
Bring your own packed lunch. Under-18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and the terrain is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. Walkers are asked to meet at Whitby Abbey car park at 11am.
Roche: Cardinal Arthur Roche, who will preach at the Postgate Rally at Ugthorpe on Sunday July 7 – © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk