Back to Top
  • Support us
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Sign Up

Cathedral Administrator Honoured with Papal Award Posted on Wednesday 12 November 2025

Following the Chapter meeting last week, Archbishop Sherrington announced that Claire Reilly (née Hanlon), Cathedral Administrator, has been recognised by the Holy See with a Papal Award.

Claire is to be invested as a Dame of the Order of St Gregory the Great, a high honour bestowed by the Holy Father upon recommendation of the Archbishop for exemplary and wide-ranging service to the Church and community.

Claire has worked at the Metropolitan Cathedral for over thirty years, serving under several Deans and Archbishops during that time. Her deep understanding of Cathedral life, commitment to its mission, and unfailing kindness to colleagues have made her an integral part of the Cathedral community.

Whether coordinating the many practical aspects of Cathedral life, supporting clergy and staff, or quietly ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, Claire’s contribution has been felt throughout every area of Cathedral life.

The Order of St Gregory the Great is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the Church and wider community. It recognises many years of faith-filled commitment, generosity, and loyalty, qualities that Claire has consistently shown in her work, personal witness and Catholic faith.

The award will be formally conferred during the Choral Evening Prayer at 3pm on the Solemnity of Christ the King, alongside two other recipients from within the archdiocese who are also being honoured; HH Michael Byrne, Lieutenant of Honour of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and Michael Sharkey, CEO of Greenmount Projects, Wigan, and a supporter of numerous charities across the archdiocese and beyond.

We offer our sincere congratulations to Claire on this highly deserved recognition of her dedicated service. Her contribution to the life and mission of the Cathedral has been, and continues to be, an invaluable blessing to us all.