The Christian Heritage Centre – Theodore House

Work is well under way on Theodore House – part of the Christian Heritage Centre charity based in the grounds of Stonyhurst College.

This ambitious project has already raised over £3 million. As a result, a ruined Victorian mill in the heart of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley is now being transformed into a residential centre for families, individuals, pilgrims, scholars, parishes, schools, groups, retreatants, and visitors to England’s Sacred County.

Theodore House will have accommodation for 34 people –including a refectory, library, lecture theatre, two seminar rooms, an atrium and an Oratory dedicated to Saints Teresa of Calcutta and St. John Paul II.

One seminar room is named for Lancashire’s Bowland Trust, who have made a generous contribution, and the library is named for two of our own parishioners, the late Bridget and Peter Hardwick – kindly funded by Mark Thompson who runs the New York Times, and was taught by Peter Hardwick.

Those staying at Theodore House will be able to visit the historic libraries and see the unique Stonyhurst Collections – which belong to the whole Catholic community – providing access, for the first time, to the 850,000 children in 2,200 British Catholic schools, and to parishes. The Universe Catholic newspaper has published a series of features about the project which can be read at:  http://www.christianheritagecentre.com/press/

The Catholic writer, J.R.R.Tolkien, and the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, had direct connections with the area and the Tolkien Trail and Hopkins Trail will take visitors into the beautiful countryside. Walking and cycling and access to sports facilities, swimming pool, and golf course will make the perfect holiday or short break.

Further details are on the charity’s web site –

http://www.christianheritagecentre.com/ with how to support the project and details of Trustees and Patrons – including Lord and Lady Nicholas Windsor; Cardinal Vincent Nichols; Bishop Terence Braine; and Bishop John Arnold. The project is on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/ChristianHeritageCentre/photos/

To complete the building work the Trustees must raise a further £400,000 – including £300,000 for a family annexe to enable families to stay with their young children. Gifts can be increased via Gift Aid and by legacies.

Benefactors or those wanting to organise bookings should contact Frances Ahearne on 01254 827084 domestic.bursar@stonyhurst.ac.uk or Anton’ de Piro at: anton@christianheritagecentre.com Tel: +44 7748272908. Please do keep the project in your prayers.

LDA