Mass of Chrism

 Mass of Chrism

Today priests, deacons, religious and the laity of the diocese gathered together with the Bishop to celebrate the Chrism Mass.

Short 2 minute video from Chrism Mass 2025

At this Mass the Bishop blesses the Holy Oils for use during the coming year.  Whenever the Holy Oils are used in any parish in the diocese, the ministry of the Bishop who consecrated them is symbolically present. At the end of Mass the priests take back Holy Oils to their own parishes which they will use in the sacraments in the year ahead. 

The Chrism Mass reminds us of our oneness in Christ through Baptism and its holy anointing, may possibly by the ministry of the Bishop and his priests and deacons. 

During today's Mass the priests will renew their vow of obedience to our Diocesan Bishop Paul Swarbrick and their commitment to serve God's people. 

Pope's prayer intentions for February

Pope's prayer intentions: for vocations

to the priesthood and religious life

This month Pope Francis shares his story and calling to the priesthood.  He invites us to trust in young people and the Holy Spirit at work in their lives. and asks us to create spaces in our communities to support their dreams, doubts, and discernment journeys.

We pray for our priests, Fr John and Fr Philip and remember in our prayers all those training for the priesthood and religious life.

First Mass and First Blessings

Yesterday was a great day for the Cathedral, Lancaster Diocese and our new priest Fr Simon Marley and all his friends and family. 

Fr Simon Marley at his First Mass

Today Fr Simon celebrated his first Mass and was joined by four priests and Fr John acting as MC and offering support throughout, a reversal from previous weeks when Fr Simon as Deacon was serving and supporting Fr John and Fr Philip. 

The homily focused on a very familiar sacramental of the incensing. There are so many things that happen during Mass that we can take for granted or not realise the importance of but sense they are important.  Incensing is one such action. We incense the altar, the Gospel, the priest and the people. 

The General Instruction § 276 Thurification or incensation is an expression of reverence and of prayer, as is signified in Sacred Scripture (cf. Ps 141 [140]:2; Rev 8:3). 

Incensing during Mass - altar, priest and concelebrating priests

Incensing the people

To learn more about incensing during Mass, see Adoremus.org article Holy Smoke – The Use of Incense in the Catholic Church 

Fr Simon Marley
with Fr John Millar, Dean of Lancaster to his right 

At the end of Mass, Fr Simon reminded us all about the importance of praying for vocations and for those who are preparing for priesthood.  As is the custom Fr Simon gave first blessings to those who had not been able to attend the ordination the previous day.

Fr Simon giving first blessing
to one of the Cathedral Families

Sacrament of Ordination - Bishop, Priest and Deacon

Deacon Simon wearing a
dalmatic a Deacon's vestment.

As we know, the sacraments are outward signs of inward spiritual gifts that God gives to His people. The sacrament of Holy Orders is an important one not just for those who receive it but for the whole Church because it is there precisely to be at the service of the Christian people. 

On Saturday 19th October we celebrate the ordination of our deacon Simon Marley as a priest. 

The sacrament of ordination consists of three grades (bishop priest, deacon), each of which makes the recipient able to represent Christ in a specific way in service of the people. These three grades fulfil the Old Testament figures of High Priest, priest and Levite. 

Deacons are ordained to proclaim the Gospel, to minister at the altar and witness to Christ as servant of all. 

Right, is Fr John in a Chasuble which is the vestment worn by a priest when celebrating Mass.  Both deacon and priest are wearing green a sign of ordinary time 

Priests are ordained to offer sacrifice (the Mass) and to forgive sins (in confession and anointing of the sick). They are an image as Christ the High Priest who intercedes for His people and Christ the Good Shepherd who cares for and nourishes them. 

Bishops are consecrated to confer the sacraments of ordination and confirmation. They are tasked with the role of teacher of the faith and shepherd of the flock over which they are called to rule in gentleness and love. 

Bishop Paul Swarbrick accompanied by two deacon incensing the altar during the Chrism Mass where priests from the diocese renewed their ordination vows. 
See also the jugs of oil right which are used for sacraments throughout the year, including Deacon Simon's priestly ordination on Saturday 19th October

Pope's Prayer intention for May: Formation of men and women

  Pope's Prayer intention for May:
Formation of men and women religious and seminarians

Pope Francis says: 

“Every vocation,” he reminds us, “is like a ‘diamond in the rough’ that needs to be polished,” through a journey of ongoing growth. For “formation does not end at a certain moment, but continues throughout life.” ... – the importance of communitarian life, prayer, dedication to bearing witness to the Gospel, closeness to the lives of others. All these things are learned through an integral formation that begins “in the seminary and the novitiate, in direct contact with the lives of other people.” The Pope Video Project

We pray for vocations and for all those who are exploring their vocation to be a priest, religious sister or brother or a deacon. 

For further information from the National Office for Vocations National Office for Vocations whose mission is 'helping people to hear God's call.  And of course people should also feel encouraged to talk to our own priests Fr John and Fr Matthew. 

Screen shot of National Office for Vocation websiteNational Office for Vocation website
covering all vocations, single, married, ordained, religious and consecrated

Pope's Intention - February

Religious Sisters and Consecrated Women

We pray for religious sisters and consecrated women; thanking them for their mission and their courage; may they continue to find new responses to the challenges of our times.

We'd like to share some stories from parishioners who know or remember religious sisters and consecrated women who have made a difference in their life.  Please send your memories and if you have a photo they would be willing for us to share then please send to Memories of religious sisters and consecrated women to contact us form or catechist@lancastercathedral.org.uk 

Company of St Ursula

Yesterday we celebrated the Feast of St Angela Merici, today we share some information about the Company of St Ursula which was founded by St Angela Merici in Brescia, North Italy on 25^th November 1535.  Over the next few months we'll share more about the life of St Angela. 

One of her legacy's was to found both the Ursuline Order of religious sisters, but also the Company of St Ursula.  Angela’s Rule provided a way of life for women who wished to consecrate themselves totally to God by living the Evangelical Councils of perpetual celibacy, poverty and obedience IN THE WORLD. 

Their vocation is to provide 'leaven in the dough' which is sustained by a life of prayer which supports them in their commitment to the needs of the parish and community. Secular Ursulines live this call in the world in whatever happens to be their personal circumstances and are financially responsible for themselves. However, they are not alone but make their commitment in companionship with other members of the Company with whom they meet regularly for prayer and mutual encouragement.

Rejoice together and together encourage one another St Angela, 8th Legacy

Left to Right Pauline, Marie, Sr Zela, Sue, Marie, front the late Yvonne.

We are fortunate to have members of the Company of St Ursula at the Cathedral, St Clare’s in Preston and Our Lady of the Assumption in Blackpool.

Members of the Company in 2019 celebrating Marie's 10th Anniversary.  

Members of the Company like Ursulines, and their foundress Angela, are part of the local Church and its mission. Their spirituality is nourished by the Mass, sacraments and Divine Office (prayers of the Church). Their motivation, as left by Angela, is to do everything for the glory of God and the good of souls.

Chrism Mass 2021

Today Bishop Paul will celebrate the Chrism Mass with priests of the Diocese. Sadly due to restrictions this is not a Mass we can attend but we can take time to remember all our priests as they renew their priestly vows after what has been a challenging year for us all. Copy of the service sheet Throughout they have offered Mass, at first in empty churches, which must have felt strange, and as government restrictions allowed some have been able to attend and celebrate with them. Undertaking their priestly ministries and administering the sacraments all of which involve contact of some sort with those receiving the sacrament must have been as difficult for them as for us.  

As a reminder of the Bishop Paul's first Holy Week and Chrism Mass we share a video of Holy Week from 2019.  How much has changed, look out for the Deacon who reads the Gospel, a Deacon no more, but a priest of the Diocese, thanks be to God. 

Holy Week 2019

A prayer for priestly vocations

Lord God, provider of all our needs, we, your faithful people of the Diocese of Lancaster, ask you to send labourers into your harvest, to give us holy and zealous priests after your own heart. Grant courage to those you are calling to the priesthood to respond to your call, and continue to guide those who are discerning their vocation. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen 

We call upon you, St John Vianney, to watch over our priests, that they might always be faithful to their sacred calling. We also seek your intercession, with the Lord of the harvest to stir up in the hearts of the men of our Diocese the desire to answer the Lord’s call to the priesthood. Amen

A tribute to Emeritus Bishop Patrick

A copy of an original post written by Fr Andrew Allman that featured on the original Cathedral Blog 1st May 2009.

The weight of responsibility is about to be lifted from his shoulders. This evening, after seven years and 300 days in charge of the Diocese of Lancaster, Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue retires just three days short of his 75th birthday. Today the blog pays him tribute.

Bishop O'Donoghue came to Lancaster unknown by the Diocese, having served for 34 years as a priest and auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of Westminster. Almost exactly a year after the death of Bishop Brewer (10th June 1999) his appointment was announced, and he was installed as fifth Bishop of Lancaster on 4th July 2001. Here he is seen after the installation, alongside Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor and Archbishop Kelly of Liverpool.

In 2003 the Bishop came to live at the Cathedral in rooms which had been fitted out as a small apartment for his use. For the last five and half years he has been resident here, and he has made the most of being around the Cathedral parish. Regulars at Mass are well used to seeing him appear at the back of the Cathedral at the end of Mass, ready to greet people as they leave. He has often called in to social events in the parish, and has on many occasions worked the tables or stood before people with some entertaining anecdotes.

For the Cathedral School, too, Bishop Patrick has been a good friend, making many visits to the school and often coming to school events in the Cathedral. Above he is pictured at the celebration of Mass with the whole school present. The Bishop has become a familiar figure to the children, especially those who serve at Mass or assist in other ways around the parish.

In May 2007 the Bishop celebrated his Ruby Jubilee of priesthood, with a large diocesan Mass at the Cathedral. Most of his years had been spent in Westminster, as hospital chaplain, seminary rector, Administrator of Westminster Cathedral and Auxiliary Bishop; he brought considerable experience when he came up north. In Lancaster he has strongly encouraged vocations to the priesthood, and founded a house of formation at Cleator, West Cumbria. During his time here he has ordained seven priests and over 20 permanent deacons. Perhaps most importantly of all, when he came to the Diocese there were four seminarians; today there are eight.

Other significant achievements include the founding of a Cenacolo community at Dodding Green near Kendal; this community provides support for men who suffer from addiction. Throughout his time in Lancaster, the Bishop has been extremely active and often in the headlines. His recent teaching documents, Fit for Mission? Schools and Fit for Mission? Church have been widely acclaimed both by the Vatican and by Catholics throughout the world. One might say they have put Lancaster on the Catholic map! A recent document on preparation for marriage completes the series.

Bishop O'Donoghue has seen through a significant number of reforms of diocesan structures, with major changes to diocesan finances, the education service and youth provision. The changes have often been difficult for people affected, and are a reminder to all of us that a bishop's task is never an easy one. A process of reviewing parishes and chapels has produced a pastoral plan for the Diocese and recently resulted in some chapels-of-ease being closed. Such decisions are always difficult and often painful.

Also reformed was the Cathedral Chapter - the Canons - whose statutes were changed to introduce 75 as a retirement age. The result was the installation of four new canons - including the then Bishop-elect Fr Michael Campbell - at Mass in March 2008.

On 31st March 2008 the Bishop ordained the man who will today become his successor: Bishop Michael Campbell, the first Augustinian Bishop in England since the Reformation. Since that day the two have had joint care of the Diocese, but in a few hours' time the burden falls to Bishop Campbell alone. Many at the Cathedral and beyond will want to thank Bishop O'Donoghue for his tireless work these last eight years, and to wish him a long and happy retirement. The Bishop is expected to remain with us for a few weeks until returning to his roots in Ireland.

St Angela Merici and her Company

St Angela Merici Pray for us

Today is the feast day of St Angela Merici who is the founder of the Ursulines who have played an important role in the life of St Peter's and St Thomas More Cathedral Parish in Lancaster. Sisters Jayne, Katharine and Zela left in 2016 to moved to Greenwich to continue their ministry there,

Urusline sisters and Fr Steve October 2016

St Angela was also the founder of the Company of St Ursula, below are the first two women in the UK to join the Company 479 years after St Angela formed the Company.  They live their life as consecrated women sharing their gifts and giving service to those around them. 

The first English members of the Company of St Ursula

Sr Zela, Marie, Canon Roscillo, Marie and Myia

Below a video about the life of St Angela Merici

Memories of Lancaster Diocese Chrism Mass and Processions

Normally today the Cathedral and Social Centre would be busy, busy, busy, with parishioners from the hospitality group preparing to welcome priests and parishioners from across the Diocese, clergy and parishioners in Cathedral House checking vestments, refreshments and everything needed for the service are ready, sacristan and servers getting things ready and rehearsing who will carry the cross, swing the thurible.  A general hive of activity.  

Bishop Paul Swarbrick before Chrism Mass 2019

Just before the Chrism Mass priests will line up ready to process across to the Cathedral.  Over the past few years we've been able to capture these processions and some parts of the Mass which we share as a reminder.  We encourage those watching to remember the priests including those who may have since died and give thanks for their vocation. Today we share the Chrism Mass 2018.

Getting ready to welcome a new fisherman

On 24th July 2013 Deacon Stephen Talbutt shared with the parish his calling and vocation to the priesthood in our post Wednesday Word of Witness.  Since then Stephen has been studying for the priesthood at St Mary's College, Oscott.

Stephen Talbutt receiving the Bible

On Tuesday 10^th March 2015, with nine other 2nd year students at Oscott College, he received his first ministry, that of Lectorate (reader). During the services the Bishop of Leeds  stressed that it was not just a stage on the way to priesthood but a ministry in its own right and brought with it the challenge to read and pray daily on the Word of God and to live it for the rest of life. 

On the 24th June 2018 Stephen, along with seven other seminarians were ordained into the ministry of Deacon. We remember all of these men who have responded to God's call.

Deacon Stephen Talbutt
and 2 other newly ordained deacons

During his time of preparation Stephen has regularly visited the Cathedral and served at Mass.  Recently serving at the Mass of the Lord's Supper 2019 where he assisted Bishop Paul as he washed the feet of parishioners a reminder that we are all called to follow Jesus' example of loving and serving one another.

Mass of the Lord's Supper 2019

And for the past two years he has been sharing the Good News with his Catholic scripture reflections with the fitting image for his wordpress site, that of a fish. A symbol for Jesus and a reminder that he said to the disciples that he would make them fisher's of men.

And so now on the day before his ordination as a priest we remember Stephen Talbutt in our prayers.  

Stephen Talbutt: Twitter Page

Thank you women ... International Women's Day

In 1995, Pope St John Paul II wrote a letter to women in which he said thank you.  On this International Women's Day we remember women from around the world and those in our own families and parish.  

Thank you ...


“Thank you, women who are mothers! You have sheltered human beings within yourselves in a unique experience of joy and travail. This experience makes you become God’s own smile upon the newborn child, the one who guides your child’s first steps, who helps it to grow, and who is the anchor as the child makes its way along the journey of life.
Thank you, women who are wives! You irrevocably join your future to that of your husbands, in a relationship of mutual giving, at the service of love and life.
Thank you, women who are daughters and women who are sisters! Into the heart of the family, and then of all society, you bring the richness of your sensitivity, your intuitiveness, your generosity and fidelity.
Thank you, women who work! You are present and active in every area of life-social, economic, cultural, artistic and political. In this way you make an indispensable contribution to the growth of a culture which unites reason and feeling, to a model of life ever open to the sense of “mystery”, to the establishment of economic and political structures ever more worthy of humanity.
Thank you, consecrated women! Following the example of the greatest of women, the Mother of Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word, you open yourselves with obedience and fidelity to the gift of God’s love. You help the Church and all mankind to experience a “spousal” relationship to God, one which magnificently expresses the fellowship which God wishes to establish with his creatures.
Thank you, every woman, for the simple fact of being a woman! Through the insight which is so much a part of your womanhood you enrich the world’s understanding and help to make human relations more honest and authentic.” – Pope St. John Paul II in his Letter to Women, paragraph 2

To read more of Pope St. John Paul II Letter  to Women and an earlier apostolic letter in the Marian Year 1988 MULIERIS DIGNITATEM ON THE DIGNITY AND VOCATION OF WOMEN.

Are you looking for pearls or are you the pearl

A pearl and treasure of great price

The gospel reading Matthew 13 44-46 used during Yvonne's Mass of Final Consecration into the Company of St Ursula focused on the Kingdom of heaven being like a treasure hidden in a field ... and of the merchant looking for fine pearls.  
In his homily amongst the many pearls of wisdom shared, Fr Luiz suggested God might be the merchant and we his treasure that he looks out for and looks after.



Responding to our vocation and calling will be different for each one of us, but we should take time in prayer to listen to what God is calling us to do. Let us pray for each other as we seek out what our vocation is and what we are being called to be ... 

In our Wednesday Word of Witness we'd like to share others stories of how they are called to serve the Lord in their workplace, in our parish community, in our families or being a good neighbour.

Company of St Ursula

Vision of Brudazzo

The Company of St Ursula was founded by St Angela Merici in Brescia, North Italy on 25^th November 1535.  

It grew out of a spiritual experience known as the “Vision of Brudazzo”, in which Angela saw a ladder reaching from earth to heaven on which women and angels ascended and descended.

Angela came to understand that she was to live and guide others to live, at a radical level, the union, symbolised in this vision, between the divine and human. This is  a way of life for women who wish to consecrate themselves totally to God by living the Evangelical Councils of perpetual celibacy, poverty and obedience in the world.

Since its foundation the Company has spread round the world. Today secular Ursulines are organised in many diocesan Companies. Most of these are united in a federation which was recognised as one Secular Institute of Pontifical Right on May 25^th 1958. The map below shows the Company of St Ursula spread throughout the world. The Company at Lancaster was the first established in England.

Map of Companies of St Ursula

Although Yvonne only made her final vows on Sunday, she has been an active member during her formation, below she was attending an event at Castlerigg promoting all vocations.  We are all called to play our part in the Body of Christ.

Sharing information about the Company of St Ursula (September 2013)

The Company of St Ursula - A new member

Company of St Ursula - founded in 1535
and still offering a vocation for women

With the foundation of the COMPANY of SAINT URSULA, in Brescia, northern Italy, in 1535, Saint Angela Merici offered to young women of her day an alternative to enclosed religious life. It was a most daring initiative for the time. The members of the Company were consecrated as spouses of the Son of God, but without vows and living in their own homes and continuing their work. The form of government of the Company was lay and feminine, making known to society Angela’s confidence in a woman’s ability to discern, to judge for herself, to govern herself.
As a sister organisation to the Ursuline Order, the Company of St Ursula continue St Angela’s vision of consecrated life for Lay people.

Yvonne and Stephen arriving for celebration.

There are already two women in our parish who are living their final vows. On Sunday, the feast of St Angela Merici, Yvonne Talbutt, Deacon Stephen Talbutt’s mum, made her final vows within the life of the Company in Lancaster.

We pray that her life will be fruitful in prayer and in service following the example of St Angela Merici herself. 
Fr Steve.

Over the coming days we will be sharing more about Yvonne's consecration and her vocation.  As we celebrate someone's calling, we are encouraged to think about how we are called.

Feast of St Angela

Picture created by
children's liturgy group

Today we celebrate the feast of St Angela Merici, she was the foundress of the Ursuline sisters who have played an in important role in the life of our parish.  We remember all those sisters who lived, loved and served our parish community, especially those families and parishioners living near to and worshiping at St Thomas More's on the Marsh.  

The video below shows something of the life of St Angela, but during the coming week we'll be sharing more about her life and the love and service she has inspired in women in our own parish. 

Visit from Bishop of Monze

Bishop of Monze Motto
Stay with us Lord

Today at the celebration of the 10.30 Mass, Bishop Moses, the Bishop of Monze concelebrated Mass with Fr Steve Pearson.  Fr Steve welcomed Bishop Moses and explained the connection that the Lancaster Diocese has had with the Diocese of Monze.  It is a reminder that we belong to the universal church, which as we say in the Creed is the One Catholic Apostolic Church.

During Mass Bishop Moses incensed the altar and because its Easter season he incensed the paschal candle, a sign of Jesus the Light of the world and resurrection.

Incensing the altar

Incensing the Paschal Candle

Incensing Bishop Moses 

Incensing the people

For the eagle eyed, it was lovely to see Bishop Moses at the start of the Eucharistic prayer, give a small clap of the hands as he said the words 'Let us give thanks and praise'. 

Bishop Moses at end of Mass

Follow me ...

Jesus calls Peter:
"Come follow me".

Following Jesus' own baptism and time being tempted in the desert, in Mark's Gospel we have the story of Jesus calls the disciples, by inviting them to "Follow me". In the cathedral we have this important event shown in one of the windows of St Peter's life.

* What does it mean to you to follow Jesus?
* What are your called to do to show you are a follower of Jesus?

A children's Follow Me song and a song to remind them to follow Jesus from Mark 1: 17.

Nativity with a difference

And for what is described as the most photographed crib and nativity ...

The figures show the corporal works of mercy, which we are called to do to do.