Liverpool welcomes new Archbishop

Archbishop McMahon

More than 2,000 people gathered at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King for the Installation of The Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon as Ninth Archbishop of Liverpool, on Thursday, 1 May - among them three cardinals, five archibishops and 25 bishops. At 11am the Cathedral bells were rung. Soon the Cathedral resonated with the sound of the organ, and 11.30am the Metropolitan Cathedral Chapter of Canons, Consultors, Chancellor and Apostolic Administrator started their procession. At noon, Archbishop Elect, Malcolm McMahon OP arrived at the main entrance of the Cathedral as a fanfare was sounded.

Bishop Thomas Williams, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese, welcomed Archbishop McMahon to the Cathedral before the Apostolic Mandate of Appointment was read by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Rev Aidan Prescott. Archbishop McMahon was then led to the Cathedra (Bishop’s Chair) by Bishop Williams, where he was presented with the Book of the Gospels by Bishop Vincent Malone, former Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, and with the Crozier, the sign of a Bishop’s office and ministry, by Archbishop Emeritus Patrick Kelly.

The Papal Nunco to Great Britain, Archbishop Antonio Mennini, speaking on behalf of Pope Francis, said: “It gives me great joy to be here today for the installation of your new Archbishop, especially as you have chosen this particular day of St Joseph the Worker. This marks a new beginning for you all.”

Music during the Mass was led by the Cathedral Choir under Director of Music Christopher McElroy. The First Reading of the Mass was taken from the Book of Genesis (1:26-2:3) and read by a member of the Archbishop’s family. The Second Reading from the Letter of St Paul to the Colossians (3:14-15,17,23-24) was read by Mr Peter Woods, Chair of the Friends of the Metropolitan Cathedral who represented the Lord Lieutenant.

The Gospel from Matthew (13:54-58) was sung by Deacon John Poland who will be ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Liverpool on Sunday 20 July 2014.

Following the Gospel, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon gave an inspiring homily during which he highlighted the Hillsborough inquests as a shining example of the search for truth.

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon said that justice will be done for the 96 people who lost their lives and for their relatives. He said the families of the victims had shown a dignity over the last quarter century, which was an example to everybody. "God has endowed the people of Liverpool, Lancashire and the Isle of Man with many great gifts, not least constancy in our Catholic faith,” he said.

“The Martyrs of Lancashire testify to their love of Jesus’ name and their fidelity to the truth. That search for truth continues in the Hillsborough inquest, as at long last a true picture of the causes of this terrible tragedy become clear and responsibility is taken for it.

“It is our hope and expectation that the inquest will uncover and explain the truth of what happened so that justice will be done for the 96 and for their families, whose dignity over these last 25 years has been an example to us all.”

Prayers of the Faithful were led by Mrs Lutje Rathbone from the Metropolitan Cathedral Choir Community.

After the Mass, Archbishop McMahon met with members of the congregation and told them: “It’s been a brilliant day with a most wonderful service. We are one family and I hope to get to know you and visit you in your churches, parishes and schools, carrying Christ in all that we do.”

Read Archbishop McMahon's homily text here: www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=24654