News by email Donate

Suggestions

carfin-pilgrimage_article_image.jpg
Carfin Pilgrimage Centre website
UK News

Catholic pilgrimage centre to close

The Pilgrimage Centre at Carfin Grotto, North Lanarkshire opened in 1922 and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

But the Diocese of Motherwell said it was no longer "economically viable" to run the site, shop and café.

A petition to try and stop the closure received 5,000 signatures, however the decision to close the site is still going ahead.

Rt Rev Bishop Joseph Toal said: "The ultimate difficulty for the Centre is that not enough people visit the Grotto.

He said the centre has been "operating at a loss" for a number of years and is a business that "is not making money."

"We have been left with no option, but to make a difficult choice in regard to the Pilgrimage Centre.

"For the staff especially this is a sad moment and I thank them for their commitment and hard work over many years. I thank also those who have served as directors, especially at this difficult time."

"As a Diocese with more limited financial resources than in the past, we must cut our coat according to our cloth."

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate