Cardinal Vincent Nichols says that Fr Robert Byrne has been “chosen” for the people of Birmingham – “a city of a thousand trades”.
In his homily for the Episcopal Ordination of Fr Robert as an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Birmingham, the Cardinal described him as “God’s gift to us” and said “we welcome it from the depth of our faithful hearts.”
Cardinal Nichols especially asked for the blessings of St Philip Neri – the founder of the Congregation of the Oratory – and Blessed John Henry Newman “of whom Father Robert is a true son”.
In attendance at the Episcopal Ordination in St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham, were members of the Oratorian family, Fr Robert’s friends and family – including his parents and uncle – Fr John Rigby from the Diocese of Salford, parishioners from the deaneries which Fr Robert will serve in Birmingham and Worcestershire and ecumenical representatives.
Our Lady of Fatima
Blessed John Henry Newman
St Philip Neri
Pray for Us
You can download a PDF of Cardinal Nichols’ homily by using the link in the top right-hand corner of this article.
