St Walburge’s spire is the highest in England for a church

A fast-growing religious community is to make Preston’s iconic St Walburge’s Church home from late September.

The Bishop of Lancaster, Right Reverend Michael Campabell, who is responsible for the church, announced in April the Institute of Christ the King will start using the church.

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St Walburge’s has been facing troubled financial circumstances and an uncertain future – but the Institute are due to help shore it up.

The Christ the King group will take over the running of the church are have a track record of restoring churches.

Bishop Campbell said: “The generous and courageous response of the Institute to my invitation to come to St Walburge’s not only ensures the future of the church but I’m confident that – over time – the Institute will breathe new life into St Walburge’s and indeed for the local Catholic community”.

“Please God, the clergy and faithful of Preston will offer the Institute every welcome and assistance in the weeks, months and years ahead.”

The restoration bill for St Walburge’s runs into the hundreds of thousands of pounds

The Institute of Christ the King is a sect within the Catholic Church who have a strong emphasis on missionary work.

They established their first community in the UK at New Brighton on the Wirral and have grown quickly in the two and a half years since.

A grand opening of St Walburge’s to mark the partnership takes place on Saturday 27 September with a solemn high mass at 12noon.

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