Seventh Sunday of Easter
Last week we had the sad news of the death of Bishop Vincent Malone. He had been brought into the Royal Hospital having contracted the Coronavirus and over the course of a couple of days his condition deteriorated. Fr Stephen was able to spend some time with him before he passed away last Monday morning.
Bishop Vincent had been the Cathedral Administrator for ten years throughout the 1980’s and prior to this was the Catholic University Chaplain based in the former chaplaincy building on the Cathedral site. During his time here at the Cathedral there was the National Pastoral Congress in 1980 and then the visit of Saint John Paul 2 at Pentecost in 1982. These are still significant highlights in the history of our Cathedral and Bishop Vincent with his clear and precise mind was able, many years later, to recount the details and challenges that they faced in hosting these historic events for the ‘peoples voices’ recordings for the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the Cathedral in 2017. As an auxiliary Diocesan Bishop he was a frequent visitor to the Cathedral for confirmation celebrations and many other events and was always supportive of Cathedral activities. As a member of the Chapter of Canons he regularly attended the Masses and meetings here until last year when his health started to deteriorate.
His involvement here was not just liturgical and formal, he attended the occasional Cathedral social events and he kept in touch with former students from the Catholic Chaplaincy days and up until recently attended reunion socials with them at which there was always barn dancing, which he really enjoyed.
A few years ago he celebrated his 60th Anniversary of priesthood at the Solemn Sunday Mass. He was determined to have some refreshment outside the main entrance, rather than the Gibberd Room, for people to share with him following the Mass, but only soft drinks were available. This in some ways was an indication of his personality – he didn’t like extravagance of any form but was always hospitable and welcoming and inclusive of all.
Many of you will have fond memories of Bishop Vincent from his time here at the Cathedral or through other sacramental occasions. Sadly it will not be possible to have any public celebration for his funeral at this time. When we receive any further information regarding this we will let you know. All information will be posted on our webiste.
May he Rest in Peace.
Canon Anthony O’Brien
Cathedral Dean
