Congratulations to Bishop Richard Moth

Yesterday I was one of some 200 Southwark priests who attended and concelebrated at the episcopal ordination of Mgr Richard Moth, formerly Vicar General of the Southwark Archdiocese, now Bishop Ordinary of the British Forces. The ceremony took place at Westminster Cathedral with Archbishop Nichols presiding from his Chair. Archbishop McDonald of Southwark was the principal celebrant and consecrator, with Archibshop emeritus Michael Bowen and Bishop Tom Burns as co-consecrators.

It was a thoroughly beautiful Mass with the de Angelis Mass setting together with the Kyrie from William Byrd's Mass for four voices, the "Laudate Dominum" for Mozart's Vesperae Solemnes de Confessore, the "O Sacrum convivium" by Hans Leo Hassler.

I found it quite moving to be reminded of the sacrifices made by our service personnel in the various zones of conflict around the world and the pastoral care provided by the chaplains. Wherever service personnel are, the Church must be there too. Let us assure Bishop Moth of our prayers so that his ministry to the members of our armed forces may be greatly blessed.

There is a dedicated web page with photographs and links to Archbishop McDonald's homily and Bishop Moth's address here.