Cuban flavour to Women's World Day of Prayer

More than 40 people, including the Mayor of Burnley, Coun. Liz Monk and her Consort Richard, braved the deep snow to attend the service at St Mary’s RC Church on Friday.

Sadly, due to the heavy snow that day, Blessed Trinity RC College had been forced to close, preventing its students from taking part in the service.

Their place was taken by Chelsea Alexander, a granddaughter of one of the committee members.

Linda Sawley, a committee member, said: “Members did readings in the service as did the Mayor.

“The attendees were welcomed at the door with a glass of lemonade, which is a traditional form of greeting in Cuba, whose ladies had written this year’s service.

“They also received a card with the traditional flower of Cuba, the butterfly jasmine, printed on it.

“Each person wrote their name on the card, and then these were gathered in, but given out again, to a different person, so that they could pray for them.

“The reflection was given by the Rev. Liz Jewitt, who explored the theme that Jesus said to receive children, as it was the same as receiving him.

“She then challenged the congregation to not only receive children, but to help and welcome everyone, regardless of who they were.”