A parish in the Catholic Diocese of Salford has been named “the top hidden gem in the world” according to a new study by Tour Operator Software Provider Bókun, a part of the TripAdvisor family.
Saint Mary’s Catholic Church nestled in the heart of Manchester City Centre has topped the global list of “hidden gem” tourist attractions, ahead of other locations in the United States, Australia and France.
Dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, Saint Mary’s Parish dates back to 1794. In the early 1990’s, the church was completely restored and has retained its sacred allure, remaining a haven of tranquillity amid the bustling cityscape.
With a tagline that describes it as “a sanctuary of silence and prayer at the heart of the city”, the church has lived up to its values for centuries, attracting worshippers and visitors alike.
Cardinal Herbert Vaughan who became the second Bishop of Salford in 1872, was the first to refer to the church as a “hidden gem”, commenting that: “No matter on what side of the church you look, you behold a hidden gem”.
Commenting on the parish’s global recognition, the Parish Priest, Mgr Canon Anthony Kay said: “All my life I have known Saint Mary’s, Mulberry Street, as ‘The Hidden Gem’, as have many generations going back to the time of Cardinal Vaughan.
“The church is very dear to many Catholics all around Manchester and beyond. And it is wonderful to hear that our little church has been recognised as the top hidden gem in this study of the many comments on TripAdvisor”, he added.
Mgr Kay stressed that Saint Mary’s Church continues to be a spiritual oasis, for everyone in the heart of the busy and thriving modern city of Manchester.
“I encourage you to visit the church; you will be made most welcome”, he said.
The diocese also said it wished to thank the National Churches Trust and the Benefact Trust who have supported the parish’s restoration works in recent years.
For more information about the Parish Mass times and activities, visit the church’s website here.
