A packed St John the Baptist Cathedral in Norwich celebrated the installation of the Bishop of East Anglia on 16 July.
Bishop Alan Hopes was joined by the Papal Nuncio, Cardinal Cormac Muphy-O’Connor, Archbishop Vincent Nichols and many other Bishops from England and Wales. Several ecumenical and civic leaders also attended the Mass.
Bishop Alan’s inaugural homily, addressed the new beginnings taking place after a two-year vacancy in the diocese. The new Bishop also gave courage to the congregation in telling us not to be daunted as Christianity comes under attack. We must exhibit obedience and, ultimately, persevere as Mary did to become a witness to our faith. He said; “Through our faith and witness, may the world be given a glimpse of the possibility of a different way of living, a world transformed by faith, hope and love – the world of the one true God – who shares in our human so that we might one day share in his eternal life.”
Our Lady is a strong symbol in East Anglia as the diocese is home to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, where thousands of pilgrims will be flocking later this month.
