Archbishop Richard Moth celebrated his first Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate and St Thomas of Canterbury, Northampton, since his appointment by Pope Leo XIV as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Northampton on Thursday 30 July.
The 7pm Mass brought together priests from across the Diocese, who filled the Cathedral sanctuary, alongside lay faithful from parishes throughout Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
In his homily, Archbishop Richard invited the diocesan family to place its trust firmly in Christ, reminding the congregation that even in times of uncertainty, God continues to guide, renew and strengthen His people.
Reflecting on the image of the potter in the Book of Jeremiah, the Archbishop spoke of God’s loving work of shaping and reshaping His people into His likeness.
“God renews us, always,” he said. “He makes us ever new, making us ever closer to the image in which He has created us.”
Drawing on Jesus’ use of parables in the Gospel, Archbishop Richard reflected that the Lord gently reveals His plan for His people, leading them step by step, especially when the path ahead is not always clear.
“When things are difficult and we cannot find our way, it is the Lord who will show it to us,” he said. “Let us listen to Him. He will always renew us, especially when life is hard, we have questions, and we cannot see our way.”
The Archbishop encouraged the faithful to keep Christ at the very centre of their lives and to remain steadfast in the mission entrusted to the Church.
“No matter what may happen,” he said, “that mission will always and must always be at the centre of our Christian and our Catholic life.”
He reminded the congregation that every member of the diocesan family, lay faithful, priests and deacons alike, is called to persevere in proclaiming the Gospel and serving others, drawing strength from the Lord’s presence.
Reflecting on the feast of Blessed Everard Hanse, who was martyred only months after his ordination, Archbishop Richard highlighted his witness of courage and fidelity, encouraging today’s Catholics to remain faithful to their own vocation whatever challenges they may encounter.
The Archbishop concluded by inviting everyone to draw strength from the Word of God and from the Eucharist, through which Christ nourishes His people with His own life.
“May we be ever more open to the promptings of His Spirit,” he prayed, “that we will continue as individuals, as parish communities, and as a Diocese, to be the presence of the Lord in the world He has given to us.”
The Mass marked a prayerful beginning to Archbishop Richard’s ministry as Apostolic Administrator at Northampton Cathedral, with his message centred on hope, renewal and the enduring call to keep Christ at the heart of the Church’s life and mission.
