By Canon Anthony O’Brien – Cathedral Dean

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On Easter Monday, we received the sad news of the passing of Pope Francis. Following the announcement, we welcomed people from across the archdiocese and beyond to the cathedral who took time to pray, light candles and sign a book of condolence.

 

The day after his death, Archbishop Malcolm celebrated Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis at the cathedral. In his homily, he paid tribute to the Pope for his work and shared fond memories from the many times he has met him.

 

A few weeks before his death, Pope Francis appointed Bishop John Sherrington as the tenth Archbishop of Liverpool, to replace Archbishop Malcolm, who is looking forward to a quieter time in retirement, remaining within the archdiocese. Following this, the main focus throughout the month of May here at the cathedral will be coordinating and preparing for the installation service and celebrations for the new archbishop, which will take place on 27 May.

 

It is also the Feast of St Augustine of Canterbury on the day of installation, a saint who was sent by Pope Gregory to affirm and spread the Christian faith throughout this land, which is a most appropriate day for an episcopal installation. Bishop John has been Auxiliary Bishop in Westminster for the last fourteen years, so his installation service will not involve episcopal ordination. He will be formally welcomed into his cathedral where he will be led to his seat/cathedra. Hopefully, by the end of May, his new coat of arms will be hanging proudly above the episcopal seat.

 

The Apostolic Nuncio will read the official appointment letter from the Holy Father and Archbishop Malcolm will pass on a Diocesan Crozier to the new archbishop as a symbol of passing on the responsibility and authority of the archdiocese to his successor.

 

There will be a quiet, private ceremony within the cathedral the evening before the installation, when Archbishop-elect John will make a formal profession of faith and preside at evening prayer.