Experience Faith at the Heart of Liverpool

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Welcome to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

We hope everyone who visits can encounter God’s love and find a moment of peace and reflection.

As England’s largest Catholic Cathedral, we are the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool and the seat of the archbishop. Our doors are open every day, and entry is free.

Whether you want to explore the building, join a service, enjoy music, pray, or take part in one of our events, you are warmly welcome. We hope your visit leaves you inspired, at peace, and feeling part of our community.

We strive to do this by:

Celebrating


Mass and the sacraments as a living community of worship, sharing Christ’s love with everyone.

Welcoming

all who visit, with warmth, kindness, and respect.

Inspiring

through music, art, architecture, learning, and prayer.

Serving

our city, archdiocese, and wider community with compassion and justice.

Caring

for our building and people, ensuring the Cathedral continues to be a place of faith, hope, and belonging.

Our core values

Faith

Christ guides all we do, in worship, prayer, and service.

Welcome

Open doors, respecting everyone, and genuine hospitality.

Service

Acting with compassion, justice, and care for all.

Creativity

Inspiring through music, art, learning, and celebration.

Hope

Looking to the future with confidence, joy, and trust in God.

Clergy

Our Cathedral clergy are committed to pastoral care, leading worship, and supporting our community through prayer and service.

To contact the clergy, please email enquiries@metcathedral.org.uk

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Reverend Monsignor Anthony O’Brien
Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral

Born and raised in Liverpool, Monsignor Anthony O’Brien was ordained in 1979 and appointed dean in 2006. He has served in parishes across the archdiocese and as diocesan financial secretary. Mgr Anthony is passionate about supporting the Cathedral community and welcoming visitors from near and far.

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Father Anthony Lippo
Assistant Priest

Fr Anthony, originally from Sierra Leone, was ordained in 2017. He has worked in parishes, schools, and with communities in Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and the UK, supporting asylum seekers and refugees. At the Cathedral, he also assists with hospital chaplaincy.

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Father Faustinus Ik. Ugwuanyi
Lead Chaplain and Assistant Priest

Fr Faustinus, from Nigeria, has served as a parish priest, dean, and seminary formator. He now leads chaplaincy at the Royal Liverpool University and Broadgreen Hospitals, while serving as Assistant Priest at the Cathedral.

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Father Hugh Donleavy
Assistant Priest and Assistant Chaplain

Fr Hugh was born and grew up in Warrington. He was ordained priest by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon in 2023, and his first appointment was as Assistant Priest in the parish of St William’s, Wigan. In September 2025 he arrived as Assistant Priest at the Cathedral, and assistant to the hospital chaplain.

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Rev Paul Mannings
Deacon

Deacon Paul has been part of the Cathedral community for most of his life. Ordained in 2008, he coordinates the Cathedral Guild of Guides, which includes a shared responsibility for the welcoming of pilgrims and visitors. He ministers to the parish sick and housebound, and oversees sacramental preparation and RCIA. 

Cathedral Staff

Our dedicated and experienced staff work across a wide range of areas, helping the Cathedral operate safely and effectively.

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Claire Hanlon
Executive Assistant to the Dean

Claire supports the dean’s office, managing administration, communications, and daily operations with professionalism and care.

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Amanda Testo
Finance Officer

Amanda manages the Cathedral finances, overseeing day-to-day financial operations.

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Emily Potts
Marketing and Communications Officer

Emily supports the Cathedral’s online presence to keep visitors and the community connected.

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Christopher McElroy
Director of Music

Chris has overall responsibility for the music department. He serves as Director of Music at the Metropolitan Cathedral, and leads the Archdiocese of Liverpool music department.

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Support the Cathedral

Your generosity helps us continue our mission of worship, music, and outreach. Make a gift today and be part of the Cathedral’s story.

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