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Intention

“But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32

Today, on the Solemnity of St Philip Howard, co-patron of the Diocese, and on the day of his Ordination, we pray for Bishop-Elect Stephen as he receives the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders and begins his ministry as Diocesan Bishop.

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‍Reflection

Today our novena reaches its fulfilment.

For eight days we have prayed for the many people and communities who make up the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. Today we gather all those prayers and place them before the Lord as Bishop-Elect Stephen is ordained and receives the ministry of shepherding the Church entrusted to his care.

Christ tells Peter, “Strengthen your brothers.” The ministry of a bishop is rooted in Christ and exists for the service of the People of God. Today we pray not simply that Bishop-Elect Stephen may receive the grace he needs, but that through his ministry our whole Diocese may grow in holiness, unity, faith and missionary courage.

The witness of St Philip Howard speaks particularly powerfully today. He remained faithful to Christ when fidelity came at a great cost. His life reminds us that Christian leadership is ultimately a call to faithful witness: to keep our eyes fixed on Christ and to persevere in hope.

As we celebrate the Ordination of our new Bishop, may the Holy Spirit rest upon him. May he be a faithful teacher of the faith, a devoted shepherd, a man of prayer and a servant of unity. May he love the people entrusted to his care and help every member of our Diocese discover the joy of following Christ.

Today we commend Bishop-Elect Stephen to the prayers of the whole Church and ask St Philip Howard to accompany him as he begins this new chapter of service.

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‍Together we pray:

Our Father…

Hail Mary…

Glory Be…

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Prayer for Bishop-elect Stephen

Almighty and eternal God, you have called your servant Stephen to be a bishop in your Church.

Pour out upon him the grace of your Holy Spirit. Give him wisdom to teach, courage to proclaim the Gospel, compassion to shepherd your people and humility to serve.

May he remain close to Christ in prayer and faithful to the teaching of the Apostles.

Bless him with patience in difficulty, joy in service, and strength in times of trial. May he be a sign of unity to our Diocese, a father to those entrusted to his care and a faithful servant of your Church.

Through the intercession of St Philip Howard, keep him close to you and make his ministry fruitful for the glory of your name and the salvation of your people.

We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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‍Our Lady, Assumed into Heaven, pray for us.

St Joseph, pray for us.

St Philip Howard, pray for us.

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Scripture references: Catholic Bible, ESV-CE, SPCK (2017)