Wednesday 5 November 2008

All Saints' Day Vespers

Today and tomorrow the Blog takes a look back at the weekend, beginning with some pictures of Vespers for All Saints' Day. The combination of the feast day and some visiting clergy gave us the chance to celebrate Vespers with extra solemnity.

Rt Rev. Geoffrey Jarrett, Bishop of Lismore, Australia (mentioned in yesterday's post) presided at the liturgy, with our own Bishop O'Donoghue in choir. Bishop Jarrett left the Cathedral this morning after a few days with us; more information about him and his diocese can be found on their website, click here. Deacon Andrew Dawson, who is to be ordained to the priesthood here in a couple of weeks, was also passing through and agreed to help out. He is sat to the right of Bishop Jarrett, while our own deacon, Jim Wood, is nearest the camera.

As the feast celebrated the Communion of Saints, it seemed appropriate that we were led by a bishop from far distant lands - a reminder of the communion of the universal Church.

As takes place every Sunday, Vespers ended with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Having sung God's praise in the psalms and canticles, it is the Lord Himself who gives us His blessing as we go on our way.