Cruz Tours Visit Bradford

After a visit to Caravaca de la Cruz by Tony and Christine Blakely, I was invited to give a Cruz Tours presentation at their local parish in Bradford. Whilst there I also assisted in a soup kitchen for the destitute run by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, at their friary which is named after Padre Pio.

This soup kitchen, which is very special to Tony and Christine, is vital in supplying the needy of Bradford with essential nourishment twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is also the opportunity for spiritual nourishment in the friars’ chapel for those who want it. Assisting in the serving of the meals was a very moving experience and something which helps put life’s trials and tribulations into perspective.

The Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal are a Roman Catholic branch of the Order of the Capuchin Franciscans, they have been operating in Bradford for a couple of years. They wear grey religious habits with hoods, a belt, and sandals, long beards and close cropped or shaven heads are also characteristic of the order.
The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal was founded in 1987 by eight Capuchin priests including Father Stan Fortuna and Father Benedict Groeschel. As well as Bradford they are located in the New York City areas such as the Bronx, Yonkers, Harlem, as well as Honduras, London and Limerick in Ireland.
The friars are always in need of assistance whether that be physical, financial or in the supplies of food or equipment. If you would like to help you can contact them at St. Pio Friary, Sedgefield Terrace, Westgate, Bradford, BD12RU or Tel: 01274 721 989.

Later that evening I gave a presentation to the parishioners of Tony and Christine’s parish, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and St. Francis of Assisi. The presentation was enthusiastically welcomed by all who attended and a pilgrimage to Caravaca de la Cruz has been arranged for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. The pilgrimage departs from Leeds/Bradford Airport on Thursday 11th September 2008 and returns to Leeds/Bradford Tuesday 16th September 2008. If you are interested in joining this pilgrimage (see back page for more details) or arranging a similar presentation evening at your parish please contact us.

Tony Higgins