The Acting Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Pete Broadbent, Bishop of Willesden, has shared a message of empowerment, purpose and action with Diocese of London clergy as they gathered at St Paul’s Cathedral on Maundy Thursday for the Chrism Mass and renewal of their ordination vows.

The Bishop noted that “During this year of discernment and waiting for the next Bishop of London, we shall not be hanging around. The London College of Bishops is full of energy and desire to carry on the work.” He concluded that “As we reconnect ourselves to the apostolic task of the ordained ministry and the ministry of all the baptised we can ask the Holy Spirit to free, enable and equip us for that task together.”

The Chrism Mass service is an opportunity each year for laity, both licensed and commissioned, deacons, priests and bishops to reaffirm their calling and place together in the Church of God.

The evening of Maundy Thursday will see a special celebration of the Eucharist with the washing of feet, followed by a prayer vigil with readings until midnight.

The full sermon by the Acting Bishop of London can be found here.

Images courtesy of Graham Lacdao