Loreto Celebrates
On Thursday 29th January 2009, a tingle of excitement spread through York minster as the Loretos all over England gathered in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Loreto foundation. Over 2000 people joined in aid of thanking the founder, Mary Ward 1585-1645. Loreto chorlton, Loreto Altringham, Loreto College, All Saints primary and others, sang, danced and watched in awe as the Cardinal of England, Father Murphy O' Connor head of the Catholic Church, officiated the celebration. The headmaster of Loreto chorlton, the newest and the only coeducational school in the country, Luke Dillon, quoted on the privilege of being in the Loreto family: "We have outstanding support from Loreto 6th Form College in Hume and Loreto grammar in Altringham and it has made such a tremendous difference to the success of Loreto high school chorlton."
Many similar events will be taking place all over the world as Loreto schools operate in 24 countries and across 6 continents.
The minster was taken from Catholic ownership, during the reformation, so it was a unique experience to be involved in the celebratory mass.