‍Pope Leo XIV appointed Fr Stephen Wang as the new Bishop of Arundel & Brighton on Thursday 2 July 2026. Bishop-elect Stephen will be installed as the sixth Bishop of our Diocese at Arundel Cathedral on Monday 19 October.

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Novena Day 1

“You yourselves like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5

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We begin nine days of prayer today; joining with people across our community of faith we pray for Bishop-elect Stephen, for diocesan members of clergy, parishioners, and all who worship and serve within our church communities.

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Reflection

The parish is where the Church becomes close and visible: where people are baptised, nourished by the Eucharist, forgiven in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, married, comforted in sickness and accompanied through the joys and sorrows of life.

Our church communities are wonderfully diverse, each with its own character, gifts and particular place within the life of the Diocese. Each is called to be a home where Christ is encountered, where faith is nurtured and shared, and where everyone is welcomed as part of the family of God.

As our Diocese prepares to receive a new Bishop, we ask St Philip Howard to intercede for every parish. May our communities be places of welcome, prayer and missionary discipleship. May those who have drifted from the Church find a path home and may those who are seeking God discover in our parishes the face of Christ.

‍St Philip Howard, pray that our parishes may be faithful, welcoming and missionary communities.

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Please join people across our faith family by praying:

Our Father …

Hail Mary …

Glory Be …

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Prayer for Bishop-Elect Stephen

Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd of your people, 

as Bishop-Elect Stephen prepares to receive the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders, 

give him a shepherd's heart. 

May he love every parish entrusted to his care, know the joys and struggles of your people, 

and lead us always closer to you. 

Through the intercession of St Philip Howard, 

prepare him for his ministry among us.

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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All images used in this novena were painted by Fr Stephen's mother, Elizabeth Wang ©Radiant Light