Remembrance Sunday
‘They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them’
It is more than a century since the end of World War I and our annual acts of remembrance for all those who have sacrificed their lives in service of their country in conflicts since then are not a glorification of war, but a constant reminder that we should pray and work for peace amongst nations and communities. At present we are seeing daily images in the media of the loss of life and devastation as a result of conflicts affecting Israel, Gaza and Lebanon and Ukraine. Sadly these are not the only areas of conflict and tension throughout the world at present. As we pray not just for the fallen in war but for all the faithful departed during this month of November we maintain the hope that Christs Kingdom will come when we will witness true Peace, Justice and Truth.
The main Civic Service for Remembrance is held outside St George’s Hall and Archbishop Malcolm will attend this to represent the whole catholic community of our Diocese. We will lay wreaths and hold a minutes silence at the start of the 10 and 11am Masses in the Crypt and Cathedral. The Solemn Mass incorporates prayers for the dead and Mozart’s Choral setting of the Requiem Mass – his final composition before his own death in 1792. Our Remembrance Service is offered for all the faithful departed.
Our Cathedral Choirs have just returned from their five day choral tour to the city of Cologne. They sang alongside Liverpool Cathedral Choir and the Choirs of Cologne Cathedral for the Feast of All Saints at Cologne Cathedral. The Mass was celebrated by the Cardinal and Chapter of Cologne with a capacity congregation in attendance which was a truly memorable occasion. This was followed by a Sunday Mass in the Basilica of St Kunibert singing alongside the Cologne Cathedral Choirs and then sung Evening Prayer in the Cathedral. Lady Ann Dodd, who travelled with Liverpool Cathedral Choir, had kindly sponsored an evening performance of Mozart’s Requiem, covering the cost of an accompanying orchestra which was another highlight of the tour.
Now that all have safely returned home and are back singing in home territory I would want to thank all the members of our choirs, young people and adults and the music staff who made it all possible. The whole group not only sang beautifully, but were also great ambassadors for our Cathedral.
Monsignor Anthony O’Brien
Cathedral Dean
