On Monday 29th September 2025, the Diocese of Northampton joined the wider Church in England and Wales in celebrating the 175th anniversary of the restoration of the Catholic hierarchy. A special Mass was celebrated in Northampton Cathedral by Canon Michael Harrison at midday, with Mgr Sean Healy preaching the homily on this historic occasion.
The Diocese of Northampton was first established in 1850, following the restoration of the hierarchy by Pope Pius IX. Before that time, Catholics in the region were under the pastoral care of the Vicar Apostolic of the Eastern District. With the creation of new dioceses, Northampton was formed to cover Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and parts of Cambridgeshire. Its first bishop was William Wareing, who had previously served as Vicar Apostolic.
The early years of the diocese were not without difficulty. Bishop Wareing inherited a small Catholic population of just 10,000 faithful, 30 priests, and one convent. Anti-Catholic feeling remained strong in society, and the building up of parishes, schools, and missions demanded courage and perseverance. Nevertheless, the diocese grew steadily, laying the foundations for today’s vibrant Catholic community.
In his homily, Mgr Healy reflected on the challenges and opportunities of those first years and the continuing mission of the diocese today. He recalled the large map that once hung in Bishop’s House, showing the seven counties that comprised the original diocese and the growth of Mass centres across the region. He reminded those gathered that the true story of a diocese is not told by maps or boundaries, but by its people and their faithful witness to the Gospel.
Drawing on the Feast of the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Mgr Healy spoke of the need for God’s strength, healing and compassion throughout the history of the diocese and into its future. He highlighted figures such as Provost John Priestley Wormoll, the “Apostle of Bedford”, whose ministry of love and perseverance helped overcome hostility in the 19th century, and Caroline Chisholm, a Northampton-born Catholic convert whose charitable work extended as far as Australia.
Mgr Healy also reflected on the diverse and international nature of the diocese today, enriched by Catholics from Ireland, Europe, Africa, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and beyond. He pointed to the work of Caritas Northampton and CAFOD as ongoing expressions of the Church’s mission of service and compassion.
As the Diocese of Northampton gives thanks for 175 years of faith, it does so with confidence for the future. Guided by its patrons, Mary Immaculate and Saint Thomas Becket, and strengthened by the prayers of the Archangels, the diocese continues its mission to proclaim Christ, to welcome all, and to build God’s kingdom here and now.
Listen to Mgr Sean Healy’ homily here
