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Saxons
because on this site was a shrine which even
in their day was considered ancient, though
this seems a tenuous link. The more feasible
explanation is that of etymologist John
Bannister who maintains “the name means a
watery meadow abounding in ferns.” He
goes on to say “halgh bears a similar
meaning to the first syllable of Haighton,
and is interchangeable with haugh”. “Fernig
halth,” the Old English for “a field
with ferns”
would appear to confirm that this is the
more likely meaning.
The name
Ladyewell, spelt originally Ladye Well,
appears to have developed following the
rebuilding of the present house in 1685.
There was another Ladywell in the centre of
Preston, which has long ceased to exist; the
site of an old friary is remembered by the
present day Ladyewell Street.
Local
people tend to refer to Our Lady of
Fernyhalgh, which is correct, but over the
years the term Ladyewell has become used by
those who visit particularly from away. In
the writings of Fr Christopher Tuttell
(alias Blacklow) the house and chapel was
referred to as Ladyewell House, which is the
case today.
Pilgrims
continue to make their way to this beautiful
shrine where they intercede to Our Blessed
Lady, bring their petitions and leave
unburdened and spiritually renewed.
Fernyhalgh
is the Diocesan Shrine of Lancaster and
encompasses the beautiful church of St Mary
and Ladyewell House and grounds, which is
the site of the well. The main pilgrimage
season tends to run from May to the end of
October, during which time the dioceses of
Lancaster, Liverpool and Salford hold their
annual pilgrimages to Ladyewell; pilgrims
attend in large numbers and are usually led
by the Archbishop or Bishop of the visiting
group. The devotion at Ladyewell is
ecumenical, attracting members of other
Faiths. The Anglican community come all year
round and usually hold a large pilgrimage at
the beginning of June (Forward in Faith and
the Society of Mary). Members of the
Orthodox churches also visit and hold their
services. The Kerala Indians living in this
part of Lancashire hold a service each month
in their own vernacular. They have a great
devotion to Our Blessed Lady and never a day
goes by without members of this Catholic
Indian community visiting. They pray often
for the blessing of children and come back
to give thanks usually on the way home from
the maternity ward. Travelling families also
visit Ladyewell, its proximity to the
motorway enables them to call frequently en
route often from Ireland, their names and
faces are very familiar to us.
Pilgrims
come daily summer and winter whatever the
weather. Even when the house is closed they
come and intercede at the shrine, which is
always open. Large pilgrimages usually start
with Mass at St Mary’s and then process down
to Ladyewell either with the Blessed
Sacrament or reciting the rosary. It is a
moving and inspiring sight to see so many of
the faithful, young, old and very often
infirm gathering to honour the Mother of God
in this particular way. Many of them recall
being brought as children by their parents
and recount of prayers answered and favours
granted. Local pilgrims remember coming as
part of their own annual church pilgrimage,
walking from Preston in procession to
congregate and give homage to Our Blessed
Lady of Fernyhalgh. Many parish groups of
lay ministries and Catholic associations
visit and have their own days of retreat and
devotions.
Exposition
of the Blessed Sacrament and the sacrament
of Reconciliation is an important feature of
pilgrimage days enabling pilgrims to obtain
the
Spiritual
rewards that they seek; they also take away
with them water from the well and use it in
invocation to Our Blessed Lady who inspires
great devotion. “To Jesus through Mary” is
so relevant at the shrine where those who
may have strayed from their Faith often find
the courage with the help of Our Lady to
benefit from the peace of the sacrament of
Reconciliation, which is available on
request.
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