I Was There - Reflection by Canon Bob

​‘I was there’ is of course a catch phrase which refers to the fact that whenever there is a great occasion worthy of remembering there always seem to be far more people who claim to have been there as witnesses than could ever have fitted into the venue at the time!

The wonderful ‘virtual’ Two Cathedrals Service of Hope last Sunday brought back memories of a couple of unforgettable moments when I can honestly say ‘I was there’. Firstly was that great event in 1982 when Pope John Paul 11 entered the doors of our Cathedral and processed the whole length to be greeted by Dean Edward Patey and Bishop David Sheppard at the Nave. Pauline and I were lucky enough to have tickets and although they were anything but ‘front row’ just being there was memorable enough. As a Curate at the Parish Church from 1978 to 81 I was part of a City Centre Ecumenical Team which offered a visible ministry to the city as brothers and sisters in Christ reflecting our different denominations in unity. The Pope’s visit to the Cathedral was a real symbol of hope as is the continuing relationship between the Cathedrals today.

I was also ‘there’ a few years earlier when in 1978 Her Majesty the Queen visited and officially ‘opened’ the Cathedral. Not only was I there, I actually did the commentary of the occasion for Radio City. (I hope to goodness that there are no recordings of that particular piece of broadcasting history!) In contrast to the future visit of the Pope I remember it being full of pomp and ceremony as the building came into its own accompanied by the finest music. Interestingly in the afternoon Her Majesty visited the Roman Catholic Church of St Mary Highfield Street (now sadly demolished) where she actually spoke to me!

Our Cathedral has provided the venue for many wonderful and memorable moments in people’s lives over the years and will do so long into the future. Millions will thank God and like me will gratefully claim’ I was there’.

Canon Bob

While you're here:
Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html.