New bishops consecrated
Two bishops were consecrated at a special service on Saturday (Feb 26).
The new Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John Lomas, and the Assistant Bishop in Bangor, Mary Stallard, were consecrated in a service at St Deiniol’s Cathedral in Bangor which was live-streamed to allow everyone to join in.
The service was led by the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, who is also the Bishop of Bangor. The new bishops were led into the Cathedral by a long procession which included representatives from all of the dioceses and cathedrals of Wales. During the service, the new bishops were anointed with holy oil and presented with the symbols of office: a bishop’s episcopal ring, a pectoral cross and mitre, as well as a Bible and a pastoral staff.
An address was given by the Archdeacon of Anglesey, Andrew Herrick.
New music, composed for the occasion, was performed for the first time at the service. The choir of Saint Deiniol’s Cathedral sang a setting of the Communion texts by Joe Cooper, based on the melodies of well-known Welsh hymns. A special anthem, composed by Simon Ogdon, was sung at a high point in the service, immediately before the two new bishops were ordained.
- The service was the first consecration in the Church in Wales to be live-streamed. You can watch it here.
Bishop Mary will be welcomed to her new role in Bangor Diocese with a celebration service on St David’s Day, March 1, at 2.30pm. She will be greeted by people from across Bangor Diocese and will co-preside with the Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Bangor, Andrew John, at a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. This service will also be live-streamed.
Bishop John will be enthroned as the 10th Bishop of Swansea and Brecon at Brecon Cathedral, which is the seat of the Diocese, on March 5. He will be installed in the Bishop’s chair and also welcomed by representatives from across Swansea and Brecon Diocese. The service begins at 2pm and entry is by ticket only due to limited space. It will also be live-streamed - click here for the link
- See more photos from the service at the Church in Wales Facebook page