Archbishop Kelly
Some weeks ago our former Diocesan Archbishop, Patrick Kelly had a fall whilst walking near to the retirement house where he resides with other retired priests in Southport. He sustained serious neck and spinal injuries and is only just starting to be able to sit up and feed himself. Claire and myself went to visit him in Southport infirmary this week and were delighted but surprised to see him sitting up and in good spirits. We ended up reminiscing over some of the funny incidents that happened over the years at the Cathedral and he wanted to be remembered to all those who would remember him. One of his vivid memories was about the time he was invited to stay overnight at Buckingham Palace and have dinner with the Queen and Prince Philip. We came away feeling that he had cheered us up as much as we may have been some company for him. Please remember him in your prayers, he is anxious to work with the physio to gain enough mobility to be able to return to St Marie’s House in Southport in due time.
This week the Camra Beer festival takes place over three days in the Crypt Halls beginning with our own Cathedral Preview night on Wednesday evening from 7-10pm. There are still plenty of tickets available for our preview night if you wanted to come and invite some friends.
Next Sunday Archbishop Malcolm will be here at the Cathedral for the Annual Celebration of the Civic Mass. All those who are Leaders and Office Holders in Civic and Public life across our region are invited to join us for at the 11am Solemn Mass to pray for our city and communities and to ask the Lord’s blessing on all who serve within our north west region. We normally offer everyone a glass of wine in the Gibberd Room following this mass which means an annual wine trip to the supermarket. Inevitably I end up meeting people I know when wheeling the trolley full of wine bottles to the checkout. I’ve given up trying to explain and just pass it off as my normal habit. Occasionally the person at the checkout asks if they can come to the party and I always enjoy watching their reaction when I tell them they are welcome and it’s at 11am at the Cathedral on Sunday.
Following this coming week of wine and beer the liturgical season changes dramatically next week as we enter the season of Lent – all thoughts of alcohol become a distant memory as we enter a period of fasting and abstinence.
Canon Anthony O’Brien
Cathedral Dean
