An Anniversary
17 October is the feast of St Ignatius of
Antioch. He was the second bishop of that city in Syria and was martyred in Rome in the year 107, torn apart by two
lions. On his journey to Rome he wrote seven letters to various churches, in
which he defended the true teaching handed down by the Apostles, so that
the brothers and sisters in the early Christian communities, (and we are their
spiritual descendants) would keep from being led astray by false doctrine.
St Ignatius of Antioch and his teaching mean much to me. On
this day, 10 years ago in Southwark Cathedral, I was consecrated a bishop.
Feed us, O Lord, with the living bread and make us drink deep of the cup of salvation that, following the teaching of your bishop Ignatius and rejoicing in the faith with which he embraced a martyr's death, we may be nourished for that eternal life for which he longed; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Congratulations and a Happy Anniversary, Bishop David. Thank you for your ministry, leadership and support within this unique Diocese. While you were up the road in Southwark Cathedral, I was looking for a house in Spain, and finding the one you have stayed in!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary, Bishop David. Moving pictures -I was wondering the meaning of the second one with everyone surrounding you and where does this come from. Thank you for your ministry...and many years ahead!. Blessings
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