Commemoration of the Battle of Passchendaele
Saturday 11th November 2017Friday saw Salford Cathedral mark the centenary of the end of the battle of Passchendaele with a special service and the launch of a new exhibition exploring the history of the Diocese and WWI.
The commemoration brought together parishioners from around the diocese along with Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Warren Smith, representing the Queen.
Bishop John celebrated the mass. In his homily he reminded the congregation that as Christians we should never stop seeking peace, and that peace can start with our small actions.
The Mass concluded with a two minute silence for the fallen followed by the Last Post. 
Following the Mass Bishop John reflected on the importance of the occasion:
‘A hundred years ago thousands of men gave their lives in one of the most horrific battles of the First World War.
It is right that we remember those who died in this devastating conflict, but also to reflect on their legacy of reconciliation. We should take this opportunity to pledge to stand together against hatred and prejudice in all its forms. ‘
The Battle of Passchendaele, which took place from the 31st July – 10th November 1917, is known as one of the most horrific of the First World War and many of the soldiers who fought and died came from the regiments based across the Diocese of Salford. Salford Cathedral already hosts a War Memorial Chapel, situated in the north transept of the cathedral, where the names and initials of 663 men who died during the War are inscribed on eight white marble tablets.
The new exhibition is dedicated to the approximate 8,000 men from the Diocese of Salford who sacrificed their lives during the Great War. 
The exhibition will run until November 2018.
The Cathedral is open:
Monday- Friday 8am – 5.30pm
Saturday – Sunday: 9am- 5.30pm
