Dear friends in Christ of Lancaster Diocese and beyond!

Welcome to Bishop’s Blog!

You can tell that this Blog is only likely to be an ‘occasional’ publication.
After an eventful summer we are now in the beginnings of autumn, a magnificent season, with its distinct character. It stirs us to reflect back on the passing year and yet look forward, often with some apprehension, towards the cold, dark days of winter. But beauty can be found there too.October is a month we have been asked to keep as an Extra-ordinary Missionary Month, remembering the work of Mission at the heart of Christ’s Church. I invite you to use this month more for reflection than for activity. The activity can follow as a fruit of reflection, and will hopefully be all the richer and more generous for it. Do visit the website of Missio.At the end of September I led the diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham, our National Marian Shrine, tucked away in the Norfolk countryside, an enchanting place. Along with many regular pilgrims we welcomed some new faces, making their first Pilgrimage to Walsingham.It is a long drive, especially for those who live in West Cumbria, but the Pilgrimage is planned in such a way as to offer time for that essential quiet and stillness that seems in such short measure in many lives. The intentions of the Diocese were presented before Our Lady of Walsingham at Mass on her Feast Day. Mgr.Armitage has worked wonders to up-grade the accommodation and facilities.Early next year we will welcome the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham to the Cathedral in Lancaster as part of a tour of all the Cathedrals in England. This is in preparation for the re-dedication of England as the Dowry of Mary, an ancient title of devotion. I recommend you visit the shrine website for more information.Looking ahead, we are eagerly preparing for the Canonisation of Blessed John Henry Newman. I am fortunate to be travelling to Rome to be present at the Mass of Canonisation. Undoubtedly, he is a gift to us from the Lord.He is given to us at this particular moment in our individual lives and as a Church. I am delighted that several members of staff will be making the journey to Rome from Cardinal Newman College in Preston.

So much more could go into this, but perhaps that is enough for now.
With my prayers and blessing,
+Paul

Paul Swarbrick

Bishop of Lancaster