Feast of Christ the King
Hidden away in the west side entrance of the Cathedral, dedicated as an area of prayer for prisoners of conscience and justice and peace, there is a small sculpture of Christ before Pilate which is set on the wall. It was a maquette or a small prototype, designed by the artist Peter Ball as an example of a design for a set of ‘stations of the cross’ within our Cathedral. In the end it was the Sean Rice set of designs that were chosen by the Cathedral. Both images by Ball and Rice for the First Station express the humility of Jesus and the harsh judgemental way in which he was treated. Pilate points the finger at Christ to accuse Him and yet the pointed finger leads us to behold our King as one who ‘came into the world to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to his voice’. As we celebrate our special Patronal Feast of Christ the King we pray for Our Lord’s blessing on our Cathedral and on us all. In both the Cathedral and the Crypt Chapel in bold letters, either above the entrance or set in gold on the front of the altar we proudly proclaim that He is our Way, our Truth and our Life. (Via, Vere et Vita). A Happy Feast Day to You All.
The Sisters of St Paul will have a stall at each of our masses this weekend to promote a new publication of theirs. It is entitled ‘Gospel Power 2023’ and it offers an ideal way to reflect on the daily gospel throughout the year. It goes on sale from this weekend and could make an ideal Christmas gift.
The Chapter of Canons will return once again this month to concelebrate the mass this Tuesday at 12.15am and pray for for deceased members of the Chapter and deceased Diocesan Clergy. The Liverpool Chapter was one of the first in this country following the restoration of the hierarchy in the 19th century and it has been part of our constitution since then to celebrate mass for deceased clergy every November. All are welcome to join us. On Friday the Glyndebourne Opera Company will be here as part of their tour programme. They will be inviting local children, including some of our young choristers to have an experience of singing with an opera company and experiencing the joy of opera music.
I would be grateful if you remember in your prayers my mum, Gladys O’Brien, who passed away this week aged 94 years. She had a long and full life and will be greatly missed by all her family. May she and all the faithful departed rest in peace.
Canon Anthony O’Brien
Cathedral Dean
