A NEW and permanent memorial recalling the visit to Heaton Park by Pope John Paul 11 has been unveiled at Our Lady of Grace RC Church in Prestwich.

The unveiling and blessing at the Fairfax Road church was carried out by a priest who was ordained by the then Pope at Heaton Park on May 31, 1982.

Father Kevin Foulkes is now parish priest at Our Lady's, Haigh, near Wigan.

Wording on the memorial reads: "Totus Tuus. Pope Saint John Paul 11 concelebrated Mass and ordained priests in Heaton Park within Our Lady of Grace Parish 31st May 1982. St John Paul Pray For Us."

Monsignor John Allen, priest of Our Lady of Grace, said: "Unveiling the memorial, Father Foulkes recalled how Pope John Paul had administered all seven sacraments during his British visit, including the ordination of priests in Heaton Park.

"The memorial carries a plaque showing Pope John Paul with the inscription."