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the universe

Miracles R Us – Fr Frankie’s latest book 150 150 mhamer

Miracles R Us – Fr Frankie’s latest book

Fr Frankie Mulgrew, the younger son of famous entertainer Jimmy Cricket, has been discussing his latest book in The Universe, the Catholic national newspaper.

The Roman Catholic priest, who is based in Blackburn, East Lancashire, compiled and edited Miracles R Us: Supernatural Miracles In The Catholic Church.

A summary of the book, published by St Pauls Publishing, says: “Do miracles really happen? Are there miracles in the 21st century just as there were during the life of Jesus?

“In Miracles R Us we discover how God works supernatural miracles in our day and age. Filled with real-life stories of spiritual and physical miracles from well-known priests, Religious and Catholic speakers we discover that life-changing miracles of the soul and physical healings beyond current medical explanation happen, all through the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church: baptism, confession, Eucharist, confirmation, marriage, holy orders and anointing of the sick.

“This book proves that God’s love and power to transform hearts and lives is as real today as it was in the time of Jesus.”

It includes a contribution from Cardinal Vincent Nichols and all authorship profits will go to support Mary’s Meals, who provide vital meals to some of the world’s poorest children.Frankie Mulgrew, younger son of comedian Jimmy Cricket, kneels in front of the Bishop of Salford at his ordination service

Fr Frankie (right), who was a comedian like his dad before being ordained five years ago, is quoted in the 9 March edition of The Universe saying: “This book is to help encourage, affirm and edify our own faith but also to be passed into the hands of those who may have stopped going to Church, give them reason to believe and reason to know that God loves them, has never given up on them and wants to fill their life with his divine love, mercy and blessings.”

The 16 March edition of The Universe also features Fr Frankie talking about Miracles R Us.

The comic-turned-priest, whose stage name was Frankie Doodle, has previously had a book published about God and humour called Does God LOL? (LOL is internet slang for Laugh Out Loud).

He compiled and edited the book, which includes contributions from famous entertainers Ricky Tomlinson, Tim Vine, Jo Brand, Milton Jones and the late Sir Ken Dodd and Frank Carson.

All proceeds from sales of that book have also gone towards Mary’s Meals.

Buy MIRACLES R US here

Listen to Fr Frankie talking about his latest book here

Jimmy Cricket remembers comedy pals Sir Ken Dodd & Jim Bowen 150 150 mhamer

Jimmy Cricket remembers comedy pals Sir Ken Dodd & Jim Bowen

Rochdale Council's photo of Sir Ken Dodd and Jimmy Cricket

Jimmy Cricket has been remembering comedy friends Jim Bowen and Sir Ken Dodd, who died within a few days of each other.

Liverpool legend Sir Ken, creator of the Diddy Men, passed away last weekend aged 90, having recently been released from hospital after six weeks of treatment for a chest infection.

And broadcaster and comedian Jim, best known for hosting darts-based game show Bullseye in the 1980s and ’90s, died on Wednesday at the age of 80.

Belfast-born and Rochdale-based Jimmy posted a video on Twitter in which he pays a special tribute to Sir Ken (below).

And Rochdale Council also tweeted the photo at the top of this article, saying: “Farewell to a legend – here’s comedy star Sir Ken Dodd with his good friend and Rochdale resident during a town hall dinner to celebrate Jimmy receiving a Papal knighthood in 2015. RIP and thanks for the laughs.”

Jimmy Cricket talking about Sir Ken Dodd

The Universe, the weekly Catholic newspaper, featured a photograph of Sir Ken on its front page (below), saying: “Catholic comedian leads tribute to legendary funnyman.”

And the Rochdale Observer also reported on Jimmy paying tribute to Sir Ken. The story recalled the tale of the stolen concrete wellies – read more about that here.

Read more about Sir Ken.

Jimmy Cricket talks about Sir Ken Dodd in the Catholic newspaper, The Universe

Former deputy headmaster Jim, who lived in North Lancashire, began his career as a stand-up comedian on the club circuit in the 1960s. He became a household name when he began presenting Bullseye in 1981. The Sunday tea time show ran for 14 years.

Jimmy tweeted: “So sad to hear of the passing of another legendary comic and game show host, my friend Jim Bowen, another ⭐️ star in heaven!”

Click here to watch Jimmy’s appearance on Bullseye.

Maloney’s Big Moment 150 150 mhamer

Maloney’s Big Moment

Cast in Maloney's Big Moment: Colin Meredith, Cyril Walker, Katie Mulgrew (Jimmy’s daughter who is a stand-up comedian), Russell Richardson, Mark Whiteley, Steve Garner, Sarah Groarke-Booth and Jimmy CricketA newspaper story about a Spanish coastal town electing an English ex-pat as its mayor inspired top entertainer Jimmy Cricket to write a new radio play.

And Maloney’s Big Moment got its first public showing in front of a live audience at St Vincent’s Parish Centre in Rochdale.

Famous comedian Jimmy wrote the play after seeing the article and thinking it was a really fascinating scenario, especially as the elected candidate did not have a particular good grasp of Spanish!Radio producer Roger Neale

Joining Jimmy for the recording in early April was a host of locally based actors and actresses.

These included Colin Meredith, Cyril Walker, Katie Mulgrew (Jimmy’s daughter who is a stand-up comedian), Russell Richardson, Mark Whiteley, Steve Garner and Sarah Groarke-Booth (all the cast are in the photo above), alongside the production team of Gerry Coates and Roger Neale.

Roger Neale (right) came all the way from Mansfield to help out with the production of the play.

Gerry Coates, from the internet Catholic radio station called Heart Gives unto Heart, and Jimmy between them made the production happen.

Interestingly, the new radio station has been acquired by the national Catholic newspaper called The Universe and will now become a division under this paper’s banner.

It is hoped during the relaunch of the station that this radio play will feature prominently in the opening week’s schedule – watch out for further details on this website.

:: Thanks to John Kay for providing these two great photos from this event.