Capitular Vespers on the Vigil of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Saint Barnabas Cathedral is the seat of the bishop’s throne, the “cathedra” for which the building is named, and from which the bishop leads the diocese.The cathedra is the focal point of our unity under the Bishop.

On 2nd July, shortly after the Cathedral was so-designated, and at the behest of Joseph Hendren OSF, first Bishop of Nottingham, the Chapter of the Cathedral was constituted, consisting of a Provost and ten canons. Its functions, then as now, are to be a college of priests of the diocese who participate in the more solemn liturgical actions in the Cathedral, and to act as an advisory body to the bishop in the exercise of his pastoral ministry.

In the past 170 years many priests have held the office of Canon within the diocese, and others have been associated to their number through being created as ‘honorary canons’, recognising their outstanding contribution to the life of the diocese and the service of the faithful. Tonight the Chapter is augmented to its full complement of eleven through the installation of Canons-elect Andrew Cole(parish priest of Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham), Matthew Jakes (parish priest of Scunthorpe, Crowle and Gainsborough), John Kyne (parish priest ofMansfield, Shirebrook and Forest Town), and Peter Vellacott (parish priest ofStamford, and diocesan Vicar Judicial). They are joined by two Honorary Canons elect, Stephen Dye (parish priest of Oakham) and Stanley Ofoegbu (parish priest of Aspley, Wollaton and Bilborough, and Chairman of the Council of Priests).

Tonight we place ourselves under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception, under which title Our Blessed Lady is the patron of our diocese. Gathered around the Virgin Mother of Jesus, we seek to give glory to God and grow in love our neighbour. May tonight be a time of rejoicing for each one of us.

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