The Bishop's Blog

Dear friends,

Welcome back to the blog after a summer break.

St Augustine of Hippo

Last Saturday was the feast of St. Augustine of Hippo, North Africa, (356-430), and I joined the sisters at Boarbank Hall, Grange, for the Mass of the Saint and an enjoyable celebratory meal afterwards, offered by their gracious and traditionally generous hospitality.

The Canonesses of St Augustine at Prayer

Augustine is one of those saints who, despite having lived many centuries ago, remain so very modern and relevant to our times. 

Preaching at Boarbank (Homily here)

He has left us a peerless description of his troublesome and laborious journey in search of the truth until his baptism at the age of 33 in his Confessions, a journey that many modern men and women can identify with. A ‘man for all seasons’, we might say.

Enjoying the Augustinian Hospitality afterwards

The Diocese of Lancaster took leave of one of its senior priests last Wednesday, Fr. Leo Kelly, who had been living in retirement in Nazareth House, Lancaster. Fr Kelly, originally from Ireland, had served the people of our diocese in several parishes for many years.

The Stole - the mark of the priestly life of service

His funeral (Fr David Elder's Homily here) from St. Patrick’s Church, Heysham, was held last Wednesday and he was laid to rest in that parish where he ministered as parish priest for twenty-two years. A good number of priests, deacons and parishioners joined me for his funeral Mass, as well as members of his family. One hopes and prays that the bright sunny day was a sign of heaven’s pleasure at the life and passing of Fr. Kelly and also Fr Patrick Doyle - one of our retired priests who died recently in his native Ireland.

I honoured a long standing invitation on Thursday to preach in Blackburn Cathedral at the service to mark the beginning of the new academic year for Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Blackburn.

Ascending the pulpit to preach

A large number of pupils from this reputable and well established school made their way to the cathedral to invoke God’s blessing on the new school year. The theme for the service was ‘Striving for Wisdom’, while the readings and hymns were appropriate for the occasion. 

Addressing the pupils and staff  (Address here)

The courtesy and warm welcome extended to me by the Dean of the cathedral indicates just how far along the ecumenical road we have travelled. I left with a sense of satisfaction and gratitude to almighty God for the good which is happening in so many places, and which we can so easily overlook in our noisy and often headline-driven world.

Menwhile, the last minute preparations continue for the imminent Visit of the Holy Father to these countries. At least 800 people from our Diocese are going to be with him at different events and celebrations as well as those who will accompany him on TV and Radio. Please pray that all will go well for the Successor of Peter as comes to confirm our faith and speaks to our society of the things of God.

A blessing from the Holy Father

Until next week.

God bless you all,

+Michael G Campbell OSA

Bishop of Lancaster