Weekly Record

24th February 2008

Fr Michael made his brief debut on North West Tonight giving his thoughts on the state of Liverpool Football Club this week. They must have taken note of his comments as there was a significant improvement in their play for the European tie against Inter Milan. Seems to me that he would be an ideal asset as Catholic Chaplain to the club – mind you, if we come up against Roma in a future tie he could well be outgunned in the prayer stakes.

We enter the third week of Lent – almost the half way stage – and the pressure is on at Cathedral House to get all the information sent out regarding times of services and events for Holy Week and Easter. I’m getting to the stage where I know more about what is going on in a few weeks time than I do about the present.

This week there is a meeting of Catholic Diocesan Press Officers and they will have a meal and reception in the Piazza on Tuesday evening. Unfortunately I can’t promise you any exclusives in the Newsletter next week as they, wisely, have not invited me.

The Canons meet on Wednesday for their gathering and Chapter Mass at 12.15pm. There won’t be much news from them either as if there were any exclusives, not that there would be as we have all taken an oath of confidentiality and unlike the secret service are bound to keep it to the grave!

On Thursday our Cathedral is the venue for one of the major musical performances in 2008. The Philharmonic Orchestra and Choirs will perform the premiere of a Requiem composed by Sir John Tavener. Unfortunately the concert has been a sell out since before Christmas. This hasn’t stopped people trying to tap me for a ticket but to no avail as there are none to be had. The composer will be giving a brief talk and answering questions prior to the concert. It will be interesting to hear the thought process behind the composition of the Requiem. Apparently the piece will be performed with instruments and choir in a cruciform shape around the Cathedral – taking into account the acoustic delay within our building this should present quite a challenge to the performers. The performance will be recorded by Radio 3 but I’m not sure if it will be transmitted live or on a future occasion.

The Crypt Chapel is at present the scene of a great deal of activity as the electricians attempt to complete the re-lighting before Holy Week. Other work that is required in the Chapel will then take place in the few weeks after Easter. Perhaps it is important for me to point out that there will be significant changes to the Mass times on Easter Sunday due to the televising of Mass in the Cathedral. The 8.30am Mass will be in the Crypt Chapel and the only other Easter Morning Mass will be at 10.00am in the Cathedral. This will be televised live and you will need to be in your places well in advance of this time. It will be good for our two Mass congregations to come together on the Day of the Lords Resurrection and in sacrificing our normal routine it will mean that many more people, especially the housebound, will be able to share the service with us at home.

Canon Anthony O'Brien
Cathedral Dean