In his first homily as Bishop of East Anglia, the Rt Rev Alan Hopes entrusted the diocese to the maternal protection of its principal patron, Our Lady of Walsingham.
Speaking of Mary’s obedience, he said that we all need “loving obedience in faith”:
“We need to attune the ears of our hearts to God’s Word and to trust that the One who chose us in Christ, will show us where our vocation to serve him lies. As we do so, we shall discover God’s loving providence and faithfulness in our lives.”
He also highlighted Mary’s perseverance, reminding us all that perseverance brings hope:
“We must persevere in our faith, and especially when we go through those dark moments of doubt and emptiness.”
By Our Lady’s example and our own faith and witness, Bishop Hopes prayed that the “world be given a glimpse of the possibility of a different way of living, a world transformed by faith, hope and love.”
You can read/download the full text of Bishop Alan Hopes’ installation homily by clicking on the link in the top right-hand corner of this article.
Gallery
A gallery of images from Bishop Alan Hopes’ Installation
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