Life as a Bishop

It is hard to believe that two months have already passed since Bishop Michael's ordination. After the excitement of that day, he is now getting to grips with his role as bishop. Already he has adminstered the sacrament of confirmation in several parishes, and made some parish visitations. Within a few weeks he will also preside at an ordination for the first time, when he ordains three deacons for the Venerable English College, Rome. A couple of days a week he is in his office in Lancaster, and those who work in Cathedral House are getting used to seeing him around the place. These pictures of him were taken in the glorious sunshine earlier this week. A number of photos were taken, some for family and friends and others for official use and for the press. Meanwhile people are still ordering copies of the DVD of the ordination. Editing is now complete and copies are being made, so the long wait is nearly over! There will be a post on the blog when we receive them.

The Book of the Apocalypse

This evening sees the beginning of the last series of talks in our 'Curious about Scripture' year. Tonight we look at the Book of the Apocalypse (or 'Revelation'), one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible. Many people find themselves confused by the strange imagery, frightening visions and use of numbers; many others wonder what possible relevance it could have for Christians today. Hopefully tonight we'll at least begin to work out some answers! This image of St John, the seer of Revelation, is taken from the Whiteside Chantry in the Cathedral. It depicts his vision of the woman in Revelation chapter 12.

More from the North East

In addition to yesterday's posting, a few more images from Saturday's visit to Ushaw and Durham. All of these pictures have been sent in by two parishioners - Ray and Josie - who were on the trip. Above, the group assembles outside the front of Ushaw as we wait to go in.

The screen which separates the choir from the ante-chapel in St Cuthbert's is highly impressive. It was originally designed by A.W. Pugin, then enlarged for the present chapel which opened in 1884. The decoration on the screen is by Bentley, the architect who designed Westminster Cathedral.

To the right of the screen is Ushaw's most famous statue, Our Lady of Help. Tradtionally students are given a photograph of this statue when they finish at the college.

Beyond the screen is the main body of the chapel, where there was a chance to rest weary legs while taking in its beauty.

This picture gives a good sense of the size of the refectory. Above the fireplace at the far end is a contemporary portrait of Cardinal William Allen, who founded the English College at Douai, Ushaw's predecessor.

Just outside the refectory is a large portrait of Dr John Lingard, mentioned in yesterday's posting.

And for those who didn't make it up the tower, here's a glimpse of the view, looking south-west. We were very lucky with the weather!

A Day in Durham

Yesterday a coach-load of parishioners travelled to Durham for a day trip. The day fell into two parts: first, a visit to Ushaw College, a seminary (college for training priests) a few miles outside the city, and then a visit to Durham itself.

At Ushaw, where Fr Andrew had trained, he took on his old role of college tour guide. The first stop was a rather impressive model of the college, which illustrates just how big the site is. The college opened in 1808 - so celebrates its bicentenary this year - but much building work took place in the 1840s and 1850s; new wings were also added in the 1930s and in 1964.

Having looked at the model, we headed for St Cuthbert's chapel, the largest of fourteen chapels in the college. Later we celebrated Mass here, for the feast of the Visitation.

At Ushaw's impressive refectory, we paused for a cup of tea...

... and then those who wished made a brief visit to the cemetery. Many bishops are buried here, as is John Lingard, who was for many years parish priest at Hornby near Lancaster. Lingard had been Vice-President of Ushaw 1810-11, and is well-known as a fine historian. Some parishioners also knew of a relative buried here, and were able to find his grave.

Back in the college, we had a quick look inside Ushaw's theatre hall, a place often used for lectures or conferences, but in the past the scene of both fun and fear: many college plays and shows were staged here, but it was also the scene of public oral examinations - a frightening prospect indeed!

After Mass we travelled to Durham city where there was chance for lunch and a look at the sights. Most people headed, naturally enough, to Durham's spectacular cathedral. A few even braved the heights and climbed the 325 steps to the top of its tower. All in all, it was a very enjoyable day; hopefully we can make similar day-trips in future.

The Visitation

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Visitation, when Mary, carrying the Lord in her womb, went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was soon to give birth to John the Baptist. This image comes from the Cathedral's Lady Chapel. Mary and Joseph are seen on the left, while Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah, a somewhat older couple, are on the right. Just visible at the foot of the window are the opening words of the song of praise sung by Mary that day: Magnificat anima mea Dominum, et exultavit spiritus meus... (My soul glorifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices...)

A watchful eye

An eagle-eyed person walking through the Cathedral garden might noticed that they are being watched! The decorative faces - some human, others gargoyle-like - which adorn the Cathedral are also found on Cathedral House. These two keep watch over the garden path below - perhaps a pre-CCTV way of warding off any trouble!

Corpus Christi

This afternoon the 40 Hours ends with Vespers for the feast of Corpus Christi - or, to give it its full English title, the Body and Blood of Christ. There will be a short procession with the Blessed Sacrament before Benediction. The Host will be carried and people will walk with it: a powerful image of our desire to walk with the Lord in our daily lives.

Today's feast is a celebration of the greatest gift Christ left with us: the Eucharist. He gives us His Body and Blood in the form of bread and wine so that He remains with us; the Eucharist is also a memorial of His Passion, so that when we celebrate it we receive grace given by His suffering and death. Above, people come forward to receive Holy Communion; as on any Sunday, they come to be united with the Lord who gives Himself to us.

At the end of Mass this morning there was chance for the whole congregation to spend a short time in adoration of Christ.

The Cathedral's monthly Tridentine Mass also took place today. It is appropriate that it did, for the differing forms of the Mass are all centred on the one reality which is celebrated at Corpus Christi: that Jesus Christ gave up His life for us and now gives us Himself to sustain us on our journey to heaven.

The Lord in our midst

Today the 40 Hours devotion continues, with a steady stream of people coming for public and private prayer. This afternoon pupils from the Cathedral Primary School came for Benediction and a short Blessed Sacrament Procession; there are also two Holy Hours taking place alongside the Rosary, a Mass for peace and the Liturgy of the Hours.

The decoration around the monstrance is quite beautiful. It is there to point to the importance of the Lord present among us; it invites us to pray in His presence.

The 40 Hours continues until Sunday afternoon.

The 40 Hours begins

This morning the annual 40 Hours devotion began. Over four days members of the parish join in continuous prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, exposed in the monstrance. This is an important time of growth in the parish, as we ask God to deepen our faith in the Eucharist and renew our commitment to Him. Each day the full Rosary is being prayed; there are Holy Hours and Morning Prayer, sung Vespers and Compline. Most of the time there is opportunity for private prayer. A full timetable is available on last Sunday's parish newsletter, available here.

From on high

This morning a gentleman called at the door with this photograph. It seems to have been taken a few weeks ago, when work was taking place on St Peter's Road, from the top of a crane that is being used to build some appartments nearby. This unusual angle gives a rare sense of the scale of the Cathedral, which dwarfs Cathedral House and the other buildings in the area. The Pastoral Centre, which houses diocesean offices, can just be seen behind the church and presbytery; the cemetery is also visible beyond. The Cathedral Primary School, which was the first building to be constructed on the site, is seen about half way up the picture on the far right hand side. It seems that some of our new neighbours will have a view worth opening the curtains for! For a closer look, click on the image to enlarge it.

Feast of the Holy Trinity

At the top of the Assumption window close to the Cathedral entrance, we find an unusual image: a pictorial representation of the Holy Trinity. The Father is at the top of the image, the Son to the left and the Holy Spirit to the right. All three are crowned as a sign of their sovereignty, but Christ also has a crown in His hand. The rest of the window depicts Mary being assumed into heaven; the crown He holds is for her. The crown being offered to Mary, a human being, reminds us all of an important truth: the one God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - calls us to share His life and His glory in heaven.

The Living Water and the Light of the World

Somewhat depleted after being lit for every liturgy during the Easter season, the Paschal Candle now stands where it will remain until next Easter: in the baptistery. Next to the font, it reminds us of the link between baptism and resurrection. It is at the font that we are first called to share the eternal life of Christ. The candle is now lit only for baptisms and funerals (where it is temporarily moved to stand by the coffin), reminding us that the beginning and end of Christian life on earth are marked by the hope found in Christ's resurrection from the dead.

May Procession

This afternoon the Cathedral Primary School had its annual May Procession. The children and staff said the rosary and sang various simple Marian songs, before coming into the Cathedral to finish with Benediction. In the playground they crowned a statue of Our Lady with a crown of flowers - a sign of devotion to her as Mother of God and Mother of the Church. Many children also left floral tributes around the statue, though these were later taken to give to relatives; the remainder will be sent to residential homes for the elderly.

The Knights of St Columba

Last Saturday was a busy day. Aside from the usual Saturday rhythm of Masses and confessions, the annual Diocesan Altar Servers' Mass took place at lunchtime and the Pentecost Vigil filled the latter part of the evening. In the midst of it all, the members of the Knights of St Columba attended the 6:30pm vigil Mass. Their fraternal cross is currently travelling, and was at the point of crossing between Cumbria and Lancashire. The handover was marked by a brief ceremony at the end of Mass. It is always a pleasure to welcome the Knights to the Cathedral. They are very generous in offering help for big diocesan occasions; they proved invaluable at Bishop Michael's ordination and offer their help each year at the Chrism Mass. The Cathedral has much to thank them for!

"Let someone else take his office"

Today is the feast of St Matthias, the Apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. The first reading at Mass speaks of his appointment; St Peter says that Judas must be replaced, quoting the words of Psalm 108 (109): "Let someone else take his office". From that day, the office of the Apostles has been renewed by the appointment of successors: the bishops of the Church. The large number of bishops who attended the recent episcopal ordination reminded us of their duty to pass on their duties and their authority, for the good of the Church. To mark the day, and in the light of Bishop Campbell's recent ordination, below is a gallery of all the bishops who have served in Lancaster since the Diocese was founded in 1924.

Rt Rev Thomas Wulstan Pearson OSB

Bishop of Lancaster 1924-1938

Rt Rev Thomas Edward Flynn
Bishop of Lancaster 1939-1961

Rt Rev Thomas Bernard Pearson
Titular Bishop of Sinda
Auxiliary Bishop in Cumbria, 1949-1984

Rt Rev Brian Charles Foley

Bishop of Lancaster 1962-1985

Rt Rev John Brewer
Bishop of Lancaster 1985-2000

Rt Rev Patrick O'Donoghue
Bishop of Lancaster 2001-present

Rt Rev Michael Gregory Campbell OSA
Coadjutor Bishop of Lancaster