Proclaiming the Faith as Pilgrims of Hope

Wednesday 16th April 2025

Bishop John challenged priests and parishioners across the diocese to share our faith by being true Pilgrims of Hope, during the celebration of this year’s Mass of Sacred Chrism.

The Chrism Mass is one of the most solemn and beautiful Masses of the liturgical year, in which clergy renew their priestly vows and the bishop blesses holy oils used in the anointing of the sick, the anointing of those about to be baptised, and the anointing of priests.

Today, hundreds of priests and parishioners from across the diocese gathered together at St Patrick’s RC Church, in Collyhurst, which hosted this year’s Mass due to the ongoing restoration of our cathedral.

As the traditional celebration of the sacred priesthood, Bishop John turn his attention to his brother priests during his homily, thanking and commending them for their dedication and adaptability in a fast-changing world that is witnessing a wealth of challenges, from global crises to more specific issues around the declining number of priests and difficulties faced by families in our diocese.

A Message of Hope

But in the spirit of this Jubilee year, Bishop John shared with us a message of hope, highlighting the great vibrancy brought into our parish communities from families who have moved here from overseas, to the strong presence of faith in our schools, and the growing interest in the Church from young adults.

He said: “We’ve always been a place of migration because of the industrial north, but the diversity of nations in a matter of years has multiplied time and time again. And we must be very grateful to those who have come to us because they bring with them a real sense of faith and that family faith, which at this time, is sadly missing in so many of our parishes.

“Furthermore, a recent study suggests that young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 are increasing in numbers, wanting to find a sense of faith in their lives and the Catholic Church seems to be leading on that.

“So, there’s another way here. how are we to live Gospel values in our time? I would suggest one of our priorities, not just for the priests of the diocese and those ministering with us, but for all of us, is a sense of welcome.”

The homily continued by reminding us of the bold question Pope Francis asked of his bishops shortly after he became pope: “Do you have the courage to go out and to walk with people, even while they are walking away from the Church?”

Bishop John turned this question into a challenge for all of us, asking us to make a priority of reaching out to those people we know who may have drifted away from their faith, but to also go out and accompany those thirsting – or even just curious – to learn more.

Pilgrims of Hope

He said: “We have real challenges in our world today but we are Pilgrims of Hope in a Jubilee Year and whatever else – whatever conflicts and challenges in our world – we do not give up on that sense that each and every one of us is integral and has our part to play and that we will, with Christian hope, find solutions to all those difficulties that we face each day.

“So, as we celebrate the Triduum of this year, that central celebration of God’s love for us, that he sent his son to die and rise in order to be a path of salvation for us, let us renew that sense of who we are, Pilgrims of Hope, and that we our living our God’s plan.”

Bishop John ended his homily by reminding of that short but powerful prayer: Stay with us , Lord, on our Journey.

 

Tagged | Bishop John