Cathedral News

John’s account of the cleansing of the temple is placed at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, unlike the synoptic gospels which place it near his passion. There are many explanations for this.

The first reading is shocking, especially for parents. Who in their right mind would worship a God who demanded the blood sacrifice of the longed-for and promised child?

Mark tells us very little about Jesus’ time in the wilderness. All we know is that he was there for forty days with wild beasts, was tempted by Satan and looked after by angels.

A native of Darfur (now in western Sudan), St Josephine Bakhita is remembered on 8 February.

The disease of leprosy can be traced by to at least 2,000 BC and it was very much feared, as there was no remedy till the 1940s. The first reading tells how lepers were to be treated.

God revealed himself to the Chosen People but their understanding of him could be very simplistic. Virtue was rewarded with prosperity, evil punished with adversity.

God makes himself known in many ways. To Samuel it was a voice in the night (1 Sam.

St Raymond of Penyafort is remembered on 7 January.

Due to forecast severe weather, the Cathedral closes at 4:30pm today.

The annual Solemn Novena runs from 5 February until 13 February 2024.