New Manx Catholic bishop to 'deepen' island bonds

The new bishop of the Manx Catholic cathedral has said he is keen to "deepen his relationship with the island" following his installation.

John Sherrington was named as Archbishop of Liverpool by the late Pope Francis in early April, following the resignation of Rt Rev Malcolm McMahon OP.

As the archdiocese includes the Isle of Man and he was officially installed in "co-cathedral" the Church of Saint Mary of the Isle in Douglas on Tuesday.

Archbishop Sherrington said he aimed to "visit regularly" and build on the "long history" of working with Christian churches on the Isle of Man.

He said "the ecumenical dimension" was "so important", so continuing to develop relationships with Bishop of Sodor and Man, the Right Reverend Patricia Hillas and other faith leaders would be a focus for him.

"We work together for the good of the people to spread to gospel but also the implications of respecting the dignity of every woman and man," he said.

In addition to the Isle of Man, the archdiocese covers Merseyside as well as parts of Cheshire and Greater Manchester, and an area of Lancashire south-west of the River Ribble.

The bishop was previously installed at his "co-cathedral" - Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral, 80 miles (129km) away across the Irish Sea - on 27 May.

The elevation of the Manx cathedral in November 2023 followed Douglas being awarded city status as part of the late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.

The proceedings on island saw the letter issued by the late Pope in early April, confirming Archbishop Sherrington's appointment, read aloud to the congregation.

The new bishop said the act highlighted the "link between Rome, Liverpool and the Isle of Man".

He confirmed his next trip "across the water" would be for the celebration of confirmations in July and he intended to make regular visits in future.

He said he hoped to "deepen relations" and build on connections with the clergy and "the people of the island" during his term.

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