Welcome to St Mary’s RC Church & Ladyewell Shrine
A Sacred Place of Pilgrimage and Peace in the Heart of Lancashire
Nestled in the tranquil hamlet of Fernyhalgh, just a few miles from the bustling centre of Preston, lies a sacred place steeped in over a thousand years of prayer and devotion. Ladyewell Shrine and St Mary’s Church welcome all who seek peace, healing, and deeper communion with God through the intercession of Our Blessed Lady and the English Martyrs. Whether you are a pilgrim returning after many years, or a soul newly drawn by the gentle call of grace, here you will find sacred stillness, a rich history of faith, and the warm welcome of a living Catholic community.
“Come and see what the Lord has done, how awesome His works on behalf of humankind.”
— Psalm 66:5
Our Story
A Shrine of Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs
Devotion to Our Lady of Fernyhalgh traces back to the 11th century. Through the turbulence of the Reformation and the silence of penal times, the faithful have never ceased to come. Ladyewell has remained a hidden sanctuary, a place of deep prayer and unwavering hope. In these sacred grounds, the witness of the English Martyrs is honoured. The Burgess Altar, once a secret table for the Holy Mass in troubled times, now stands as a symbol of enduring faith. Here, saints such as St Edmund Arrowsmith and Blessed John Woodcock once celebrated the Holy Eucharist. Their courage inspires pilgrims today to seek holiness in their own lives.
A Parish of Faithful Witness
Built in 1794 by Fr Anthony Lund to serve the growing number of pilgrims, St Mary’s remains a place of reverent worship and lively parish life. Its sacred beauty, stained glass, and historic role in the devotion of Quarant’Ore make it a treasured site in the Diocese of Lancaster. Today, Fr. Augustine & Fr. Francisco are the serving Parish Priests and welcome all pilgrims to this parish of faithful witness.