Diocese welcomes Papal Nuncio on rare pastoral visit

Friday 1st December 2023

This week we were delighted to welcome His Excellency, Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, Papal Nuncio to Great Britain.

Archbishop Buendia was named Papal Nuncio to Great Britain in April 2023 and this week’s visit was his first visit to our Diocese.

His visit started with a tour of our beautiful Laudato Si’ Centre, during which one of our permanent deacons – Deacon John Walsh – led a reflection taken from the works of St Francis around the fire.

This thoughtful reflection came to a close with everyone coming together to pray our Diocesan Prayer for Our Common Home.

His Excellency was then invited to bless a statue of St Francis, which is situated at the Centre, before he and Bishop John planted an apple tree together in the woodland to mark this historic visit.

Later that morning, Archbishop Buendia paid a visit to our cathedral, where he met with members of our retired clergy resident in Cathedral House.

His Excellency then took the opportunity to find out all about ongoing restoration work and enjoy a rare glimpse behind the scenes of this exciting project. Members of our diocesan team – as well as representatives from Purcell Architects and our contractors Simpsons of York – gave a thorough update on the progress of the project so far, as well as our plans to be the most sustainable cathedral in the UK.

His Excellency then left the Cathedral to visit our diocesan charity, Caritas Diocese of Salford, where he learned more about their incredible work to tackle poverty and injustice in our communities.

The busy day ended at St Patrick’s in Collyhurst, where more than 100 priests and deacons from our diocese came together to concelebrate a wonderful Mass to mark the occasion.

Filling the church, parishioners from across the diocese came to attend the Mass, which also included beautiful music from our Cathedral Choir.

The Mass concluded with a Apostolic Blessing to all who came to share in this special visit.

 

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