Inside the Vatican's secret saint-making process – an Audio Long Read podcast
Canonisation has long been a way for the Catholic church to shape its own image. As the Vatican prepares to anoint its first millennial saint, we ask how it decides who is worthy
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Leader Live
2 days ago
- Leader Live
Plans for remedial works at St. Winefride Church in Holywell
A planning application has been submitted to Flintshire Council regarding the St. Winefride's Roman Catholic Church in Holywell. The church holds national significance - with Holywell being recognised as one of the most historically important Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the country. The church's presbytery, with its 17th-century origins, is of particular historical importance, reflected in its Grade II listing. Its designation highlights the well-preserved historic buildings, which provide insight into the architectural style and liturgical functions of the church during its period. The church is named after St Winefride - a 7th-century Catholic martyr. The nearby St Winefride's Well, a holy well and shrine, has been welcoming Catholic pilgrims for 14 centuries and is one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. The proposal is for extensive remedial works at the church's western façade. A planning statement says: "The presbytery is in a state of significant disrepair. Extensive water damage has affected the structure, leading to chipping paint, broken windows, deteriorating render, and roof defects. "These issues have contributed to mould growth, rotting timber, poor internal air quality, and persistent dampness, among other concerns. Without intervention, ongoing deterioration is highly likely to result in structural failure or irreparable damage." It adds that if repair works aren't carried out, a "substantial amount of important historical architectural history could be lost". The statement continues: "The proposed works require a re-model of the western façade of St Winefride's Catholic Church Presbytery with the removal of the conservatory at its gable end. The state of repair of the gable end is contributing to an ingress of rainwater, which is damaging the structure of the building. "Page 4 of the report of by Vale Consultancy states that the current structural condition of the conservatory means that renovation would practically be close to impossible, without extensive replacement and underpinning to conform to modern Building Regulations. "Their assessment concluded 'Due to evidence of water ingress/ dampness, sloping ground floors, possible subsidence, and poor detail between the glass roof and the main wall, it is suggested that the Green House is demolished and rebuilt in modern construction'." (Image: Planning documents) The work would be completed in four phases - which would begin with the demolition of the conservatory. Phase two will also involve carrying out conservation works on windows considered to be the most important in the building, appearing to date from the second quarter of the 19th century and having "fine gothic detailing". (Image: Planning documents) Phase three would involve repairing all internal walls within the utility room and toilet area damaged by ingress of rainwater with lime plaster. MORE NEWS: Phase four includes repainting the presbytery gantry due to corrosion. (Image: Planning documents) The statement concludes: "The planned refurbishment and remedial works will improve the overall condition of the dwelling, prolong the life of the listed building, and enhance the surrounding area's appearance. "While the repairs may introduce minor changes to the building's heritage, the practical benefits far outweigh any impacts, leading to a significantly improved visual appeal. "In conclusion, the proposals are considered essential to the ongoing care of the presbytery, thoughtfully designed with respect for its existing materials and architectural aesthetic."
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Scotsman
Two Edinburgh schools set to be renamed in hopes of reducing confusion
Two Edinburgh schools are set to be renamed in hopes of reducing confusion and decreasing stigma towards pupils. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Officers have suggested new names for St Mary's RC Primary School (Leith) and Gorgie Mills School, with councillors set to make a decision next Tuesday. The Roman Catholic primary in Leith is set to become Star of the Sea RC Primary School, over ongoing issues with it being confused with St Mary's RC Primary School, which is located in Canonmills. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad According to a council report, both schools get post and deliveries for one another, as well as contractors turning up to perform works on the wrong school. Further, both schools are often incorrectly contacted by government agencies, and parents will occasionally enroll their children at the wrong school. St Mary's RC Primary School in Leith is set to be renamed to Star of the Sea RC Primary School | Google Maps It says: 'While these issues individually may not seem overly problematic, when they happen as often as they do, the result is a considerable waste of staff time and can often have a direct impact on learning and teaching time. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It also dilutes the sense of identity and individuality of each school.' Both schools are attached to Catholic churches named St Mary's, with the Canonmills school attached to St Mary's cathedral and the Leith one linked to St Mary Star of the Sea parish church. Meanwhile, Gorgie Mills School is set to become Westfield Secondary School, after a consultation with pupils, parents and staff. Gorgie Mills School was formed in 2007 as a merger of three schools, and was launched to care for students with 'social, emotional and behavioural' needs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But it has changed towards becoming a school for additional support needs pupils more generally. The council report read: 'Young people feel strongly that the current name carries with it negativity and stigmatism which they would like to eradicate. 'The school community believe that changing the name of the school will support in the re-branding of the school and emphasise the significant changes that have taken place in recent years.' Votes were held among staff, pupils, parents and other groups at each school, with the majority of respondents at each approving of name changes. Councillors will make a decision on the school renaming at the next meeting of the Education, Children and Families Committee on Tuesday, 10 June, which you can view here.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Serial killer Rose West struggling to make friends with fellow inmates
She was asked to wear a bright yellow jumper in prison to highlight that she was at risk of attack from other inmates Rose West has not had a visitor 'in years' as she serves a whole life term for murder. The serial killer has also been shunned by fellow inmates despite trying to make friends by baking cakes and treats for lifers behind bars. Insiders have told how she always has a guard by her side when she moves around prison, including visits to the chapel to pray. Before she suffered from ill health, she even went on the treadmill at the prison gym in Low Newton jail in Co Durham, before her move to HMP New Hall near Wakefield in West Yorkshire. "She has not had a visitor in years" according to one insider. She was asked to wear a bright yellow jumper behind bars to highlight that she was at risk from other prisoners, who would threaten to attack her and spit in her food. And she was nicknamed 'Baker Rose' or 'Ma Baker' when she was allowed to "bake cakes for fellow inmates." Canoe woman Anne Darwin told in her memoir 'Out of My Depth' and how she was mistaken for the mass murderer when she served time for fraud alongside her in Low Newton jail. She recalled: "I was on the treadmill when I became aware of someone getting onto the machine next to me, so I turned to say good morning. "But as I looked round, there was the plump and rather squat figure of notorious serial killer Rose West, with the usual attendant officer close by, just a few feet from me. "She didn't say anything, just stared straight ahead and carried on walking. I thought to myself, now there's a sight you don't see every day." She added: "There was hatred among the inmates for people, like Rose, who'd been a part of such barbaric killings. "Whenever she left her cell, a prison officer was always detailed to her for her own protection and, at least when she first arrived, she had to wear a bright yellow jumper or top to mark her out as a high-profile/ high-risk prisoner. "She was known as 'Baker Rose', because one day a week she was allowed to bake cakes on the wing. I went to the chapel whenever there was a Catholic mass, which was always on a Saturday, and occasionally Rose would turn up with her officer in tow." Rose West, now 71, was jailed for life in 1995 for murdering ten women and girls with husband Fred in Gloucester. She calls herself Jennifer Jones after changing her name by deed poll in 2020, but everyone knows her real identity at the women-only HMP New Hall near Wakefield in West Yorkshire. Her husband, who buried several of the victims at their home in Gloucester, escaped justice by killing himself on remand, aged 53. The couple's horrendous crimes have come back into the spotlight after the release of new Netflix docuseries Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story. She spent 11 years at Durham's Low Newton. It is believed she was moved on after fellow serial killer Joanna Dennehy made threats towards her. Before that she was at HMP Bronzefield, in Ashford, Surrey. However a plot to attack her with a sock filled with pool balls was uncovered and she was moved
