Celebrating the Ordination of Bishop James Curry

Photo: mazur/cbcew.org.uk

Source: CBCEW/ICN

Bishop James Curry was ordained Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Westminster by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, along with principal co-consecrators Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP and Archbishop George Stack at Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday. The service was attended by all the bishops and clergy of the diocese, who processed up the aisle as the choir and congregation sang the traditional Irish hymn 'Be Thou my Vision.' The Cathedral choir was led by Simon Jenkins. Christopher Too played the organ. Among those attending were clergy from many churches and the new Mayors of Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea.

In his homily, the Cardinal spoke about the particular responsibility of a Bishop as "the one sent to see, encourage, guide, correct. This is done 'in the same manner in which our Heavenly Father watches over us, with eyes first trained on our need for compassion, understanding and forgiveness.

In doing so, the Cardinal said, focus must be placed on the distinctiveness and diversity of the places under the new bishop's care, 'for Kensington is not Kingsbury and Hounslow is not Harefield.

There was spontaneous applause after the ordination ceremony.

The newly consecrated Bishop James expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those in attendance, in particular the bishops and priests present, and the staff of Alan Hall. He then thanked Fr Brian Ward, who had been his school chaplain and parish priest in Edmonton in 1986, who had travelled from Ireland to attend the ordination, the ecumenical guests, civic authorities, and his friends and family, for their support and prayers. He thanked the many members of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre present, drawing attention to the plight of those suffering in the Holy Land and the need for a just and lasting peace. At the end of his address once again the congregation responded with loud applause.

As the clergy processed out the choir sang 'He Who Would Valiant Be' adapted by Vaughan Williams. The congregation left to the sound of the Organ Voluntary Carillon de Westminster.

Bishop Curry joins Bishops John Sherrington, Nicholas Hudson and Paul McAleenan as Auxiliary Bishop. He has particular responsibility for the pastoral care of the parishes and deaneries in the western area of the diocese.

Watch a recording of the Episcopal Ordination Mass: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZFQq6Q3ZBs

PARISH CELEBRATIONS

Bishop Jim Curry will celebrate the 10.30am and 12noon Parish Masses at Our Lady of Victories, 235 Kensington High Street, on Sunday 23rd June. There will be refreshments after both Masses.