Bishop Leads Holy Hour: Hope in Difficult Times

Monday 5th October 2020

On Sunday 4th October, the day we would usually launch the new stage of Hope in the Future, Bishop John led a Holy Hour from Salford Cathedral which was livestreamed via Churchservices tv.

The theme of the Holy Hour was Hope in Difficult Times, with the hopes that the Holy Hour would provide parishioners from the top to the bottom of our diocese with an opportunity to reflect and to take stock of the last few months.

The focus was not on moving to stage four of Hope in the Future, but rather reflecting on the presence of the Lord all through lockdown and as we continue on our journey. The Lord has, in a very real sense, answered our prayer and stayed with us on our journey. We need to pause, draw breath, grieve where we need to grieve but also be grateful where we can be and allow ourselves to be renewed.

During his Homily, Bishop John called on us to have hope and encouraged us in times of worry, to pray – remembering those in refugee camps or those who are persecuted for their faith, and thinking about our global neighbours who share our common home. He referred to Pope Francis’s new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, which was published on the same day.

During Benediction, Bishop John gave a blessing to those virtually attending the service as well as moving outside to the Cathedral Piazza to bless all people in our diocese, offering us all hope through these uncertain times.

A new document called ‘Rebuild my Church’ has been published by the Department of Formation which is full of resources to help us through this period of reflection. You can view this by clicking here.

You can watch a recording of the Holy Hour by clicking here 

 

Tagged | Around the Diocese | Bishop John | Hope in the Future