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The Most Reverend Richard Moth, Bishop of our Diocese from 2015-2026, was installed as the Twelfth Archbishop of Westminster during a Mass of Installation at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday (14 February).

The Mass of Installation followed a Service of Solemn Vespers held in the Cathedral on Friday evening, attended by members of clergy, religious, and representatives from Catholic schools, parishes and organisations. To the sound of a fanfare specially composed by Simon Johnson, Master of Music, Archbishop Richard entered the Cathedral through the Great West Door and was greeted by the Provost, Canon Shaun Lennard.

The Provost and Canons of the Metropolitan Chapter then greeted the new Archbishop, followed by representatives from the clergy, ethnic chaplaincies, and pastoral and administrative bodies. Speaking during the celebration, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, welcomed Archbishop Richard on behalf of the co-presidents of Churches Together in England:

“I stand here also as one who has recently been confirmed as Archbishop of Canterbury and who awaits installation" she said, "in the months ahead, you and I will share a particular responsibility as Presidents of Churches Together in England, and I very much look forward to working with you to deepen our relationships and to strengthen our shared Christian witness.”

Following the conclusion of the installation rite, Archbishop Richard celebrated a Pontifical Mass.

Speaking during the homily, he highlighted that the power given by the Holy Spirit is not one of domination, but of service, a self-giving love modelled on Christ, and he called on the faithful to “fan into flame the gift of God,” reflecting on St Paul’s exhortation that “God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control.”

Archbishop Richard further emphasised that the Church’s mission flows from prayer and the Eucharist, and that the gifts received in Baptism and Confirmation are to be lived out courageously in daily life, highlighting the importance of renew our commitment to evangelisation and ensuring that the light of the Gospel shines in parishes, schools, homes and workplaces, and in the public square.

Acknowledging past failures, especially where the vulnerable have been harmed, the Archbishop reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding, accountability and learning from those who have suffered, and encouraged engagement with the pressing issues of our time, including peace, human dignity, the right to life at every stage, the protection of the vulnerable, the plight of refugees and care for creation.

Marking the Feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, he reminded the faithful that mission must be rooted in prayer, sustained by the Eucharist and marked by patience and perseverance.

Following the Installation, the Archbishop-Emeritus, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, presented Archbishop Richard with the Westminster crozier, symbol of his office as bishop.

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Click on the buttons below to read Archbishop Richard's Homily in full, and see photographs from the celebration taken by Marcin Mazur from the Catholic Bishops' Conference. Source: CBCEW

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