Two priests of Clifton diocese were due to be installed as canons of the cathedral chapter this week.
Fr Richard Dwyer and Fr Liam Slattery were expected to installed during a Mass at Clifton Cathedral, Bristol. The Mass was to be celebrated by the Provost, Canon Richard Twomey, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the feast day of the principal patron of Clifton diocese.
Fr Dwyer, parish priest of St Joseph’s in Tewkesbury, who also leads the Clifton diocesan tribunal, said: “I was deeply touched by the invitation to become a member of the chapter of canons and assuming the title that comes with it.
“I am humbled because I realise there are many other priests far more deserving than I am.
“I see this as recognition of all that my team at Alexander House does for the Church in the diocese, and further afield, by way of the tribunal and the episcopal vicar for matrimonial matters’ office.
“They, and all the parishioners and clergy with whom I have had the privilege to work over the years of my priestly life, have made my ministry possible and fulfilling by their support and collaboration.”
Fr Slattery, the parish priest of St Peter’s in Gloucester, said: “I feel extremely honoured to have been invited to become a member of the Cathedral Chapter along with Fr Richard Dwyer.
“It is an honour not only for me but for the people of St Peter’s parish in Gloucester, whom I am so privileged to serve as parish priest.
“I am encouraged by my immediate predecessors as parish priests of St Peter, Canons Michael English, Michael Fitzpatrick and Bernard Massey, and the honour they brought to being members of the Cathedral Chapter by their faithful service to the people of St Peter’s. I am looking forward to my installation as a Canon at the Chapter Mass on December 8 when many parishioners from St Peter’s and my former parish of St Mary’s, Swindon, will be present.
“The Lord has been very good to me and patient with me in my priesthood and I have been supported throughout by the welcome, friendship and ministry of the late Bishop Mervyn Alexander, Bishop Declan Lang and so many of the wonderful priests, deacons, and people of the Clifton diocese.”
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