Scottish Catholic Observer

The bishop responsible for evangelisation and catechesis in England and Wales is appealing to the Catholic community to pray especially for Pope Benedict XVI and all bishops as an expression of the legacy of the Holy Father’s visit to the UK in September last year (above).

In a text prepared for the feast of the chair of St Peter the Apostle (which is celebrated next Tuesday) Bishop Kieran Conry, chair of the department for evangelisation and catechesis, said the feast celebrates ‘how the See of St Peter is a symbol of the unity of the Church founded on the Apostle St Peter.’

“Peter was given a unique mission as teacher and pastor which is continued in an unbroken line to the present Pope,” Bishop Conry said.

“We are also invited to pray for our Pope and for our bishops who teach with the authority of Christ.
“Nearly six months ago His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, visited the UK for four days on the first ever state visit of a Pope…  In prayer we give thanks to God for those joy-filled days of grace. Today, now or later on, you are invited pause for a moment to bring to mind your memories.”

The bishop added that another key truth that the feast invites us to reflect upon is ‘the Church’s call to witness to our Faith, to evangelise.’

“Whilst Peter and his successors led the Church, we are reminded that every follower of Jesus Christ receives the call to proclaim confidently God’s unconditional love and mercy in their lives and in the lives of others,” he said.