THE first celebration of the devout life and work of a Catholic nun who helped bring education to the area is to be held since she has been declared 'Venerable' by the Pope.

Mother Elizabeth Prout, foundress of the Sisters of the Cross and Passion, lived in St Helens in the 19th century.

Elizabeth, who became known as the 'Mother Teresa of Manchester', was born in Shrewsbury in 1820, baptised as an Anglican, but was received into the Catholic faith in her early 20s

In 1855 Elizabeth and another Sister moved to Sutton and she opened a school at St Mary’s, Blackbrook, and took charge of St Anne’s School, Sutton.

She created the community of the Passionist Sisters, who inhabited Holy Cross Convent where she died on January 11, 1864.

In January 2021 she was declared 'Venerable' by Pope Francis, as she moved a step closer towards Sainthood.

A service to be held at St Anne and Blessed Dominic Church in Sutton is to the first celebration of her since she was bestowed the honour.

On Saturday, May 7, at 2pm a special Mass of thanksgiving will be celebrated in the church on Monastery Road, by Bishop Mark Davies, Catholic bishop of Shrewsbury.

People are also welcome to refreshments afterwards in the parish centre.