Weekly Record

7th December 2008

I am not often envious of the Archbishop, but having just waved him off to catch a train from Liverpool to Valladolid, in Spain, where he is giving a retreat for seminary students , the thought of a long, comfortable train journey away with time to read and escape was very tempting. Unfortunately he didn't need anyone to carry his case otherwise he might have had a long list of willing volunteers. It puts me in mind of last weeks Gospel of the master going on a long journey - only thing is he forgot to issue the instruction to stay awake until he returns!

This Second week of Advent heralds a week of lunches, concerts and services - maybe not quite what John the Baptist had in mind - which is par for the course for the next few weeks leading up to Christmas. On Sunday evening the Concert Society hold their Christmas Concert at 7.30pm which includes traditional carols for choir and audience and orchestral Christmas music. No doubt mulled wine and mince pies will be on offer at some point in the proceedings.

The Chapter of Canons meet on Tuesday for the Chapter Mass at 12.15pm and then for their Christmas lunch in Cathedral House. The Canons red cape is rarely, if ever, worn today but the one time it is almost in keeping with the season is around the time of St Nicholas Feast Day in Advent as it is as near to a Santa Claus outfit as liturgical garments go. Bishop Tom Williams will have to forego his pudding that day as he will be presiding at the Children's School Advent Service at 2.15pm. Bishop Malone wisely chose to preside at the Wednesday service so that he could stay for the full lunch. Grateful thanks to Notre Dame staff and pupils for leading this years
schools services. On Thursday evening at 7.30pm 'Action for Children', formerly NCH will hold their Carol Concert in the Cathedral and on Friday 'Support after Murder or Manslaughter' have their Christmas Service for families at 7.30pm.

With all these services taking place this week the rush is on to put our Christmas trees up in time. We can't match Liverpool Cathedral for the size of tree - quite how they manage to erect such a colossal tree is a feat in itself - but we make up for this by the quantity. In the last two years the tree in the East Apse has been placed to either conceal TV camera scaffolding or building work and seeing that we only have the Radio here for Midnight Mass this year we have been able to choose a more appropriate and visible location of the galleries for their location.

I have just heard that Monsignor Joseph Gibb has died. He was based here at the Cathedral for many years in semi - retirement and will be remembered by many of you who work or worship at the Cathedral. Please remember him in your prayers. May he rest in peace.

I finish with part of a prayer to St Nicholas whose Feastday is this weekend.

"Across the tremendous bridge of sixteen-hundred years I come to stand in worship with you. As I stood among my faithful congregation long ago. All who knelt beside me then are gone. Their name is dust, their tombs are grass and clay, yet still their shining seed of faith survives in you! It weathers time, it springs again in you! With you it stands like forest oak or withers with the grasses underfoot. Preserve the living faith for which your ancestors fought! For faith was won by centuries of sacrifice and many martyrs died that you might worship God.
Help us, Lord! to find the hidden road that leads from love to greater love, from faith to greater faith. Strength us, O Lord!"

Canon Anthony O'Brien
Cathedral Dean