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The Bishop of Manchester visited the parish of St Mary the Virgin, Leigh on 4 February 2010.
After a time of prayer in the Lady Chapel, he visited the town library which is a hub for community resources and IT. Staff were very engaged with his presence and local people felt Bishop Nigel was very interested in the needs and concerns of the town. While there, the bishop viewed an exhibition of Islamic art by two local Pakistani women.
The Netto supermarket was next on the itinerary. Bishop Nigel spotted a bottle of Bishop's Finger on the shelves and did a spot of shelf stacking while chatting to customers and staff.
Next the bishop visited the old music hall/cinema which is now a Thomas Burke pub.
The community reception was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wigan, local business people and representatives of church schools, local caring agencies and the hospice.
Vicar, Kevin Crinks, described the evening service as 'outstanding'. He said, "It was such a boost to the community to have a visit from the bishop. As a congregation we had been struggling with financial issues and it was good to have something encouraging that affirms the good work the church is doing.
"Local people really appreciated the bishop's visit and it helped us to see that we are part of one large family, of which the church is part.
"I hope the pilgrimage visit will help the parish to feel more a part of the diocesan family. We are very much on the boundary of the diocese here.
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