Birmingham, England, Dec 8, 2009 / 18:43 pm
Preaching today at his installation as the ninth Archbishop of Birmingham, England, Most Rev. Bernard Longley reflected on his new position and today's Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“In preparing for this day I have been very conscious that I am entering into the life of a Christian family that has a long and rich history as well as its distinctive vocation to make Jesus Christ present, known and loved in this, the heart of England,” the prelate said in his installation Mass homily on Tuesday.
The Mass and installation were celebrated at the Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica of St. Chad in Birmingham.
Speaking on the significance of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Archbishop Longley said that it “makes us aware of the power of Christ at work within us, as individuals and as communities, even – and perhaps with most effect, most fruitfully – when we are least aware of it.”