Installation of Canons
We began the month of November with the joyful celebration of All Saints, then the quiet prayerful day of All Souls followed by the a memorial to St Martin De Porres, one of our much loved patrons here at the Cathedral. The month of November is always a busy and joyful time within the Cathedral Calendar with seasonal changes and lots of events taking place. It is also an important time of prayer for our deceased loved ones who are remembered throughout the month in the celebrations of mass here at the Cathedral. If you want to specifically name intentions for prayer please hand them in for placement in the Pious List in front of the altar.
On Tuesday 8th November Archbishop Malcolm will be installing four new Canons to the Diocesan Chapter of Canons. They are Frs John Gorman, David Heywood, Kevin McLoughlin and Connor Stainton Polland. They will be installed at the public Mass at 12.15pm that day which will be celebrated within the main Cathedral. In previous times a chapter of canons would reside around a Cathedral or a Bishop and would have both important liturgical functions and be responsible for the oversight of a Cathedral or Diocese alongside the Bishop or Ordinary. More recently most of these roles are carried out by others. Following the Synod discussions and implementation, Archbishop Malcolm wants the Diocesan Chapter to take a slightly more active role both liturgically and in a consultative capacity. For the first time in many years the whole Chapter will be processing in full Canonical regalia for this mass – I will have to dust off the moths from the canons capes that haven’t been worn for years!
Remembrance Sunday falls on 13th November, 33rd Sunday of the year. Our Cathedral Choirs along with the Liverpool Mozart Orchestra will be holding a special Remembrance Concert in the Cathedral on Saturday 12th at 7pm. The performance includes Faure’s Requiem and ‘Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis’ and ‘Five Mystical Songs’ both by Vaughan Williams. Tickets are available for this concert from the music department website.
Prayer for November
Grant, O Lord, that our hearts may be touched, as yours I, at the passing of all souls into eternal life. In great confidence we pray for all our friends and loved ones who are no longer here with us on this journey of faith. When we are sad at the death of those who were close to us, may our sadness be firmly supported by our faith that life is merely changed not ended. That those we love are still with us but unseen. May you, Lord Jesus be merciful to us and to all those for whom we pray and welcome us all into eternal life when we finally come to our rest. Amen.
Canon Anthony O’Brien
Cathedral Dean
