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Sunday Mass Times
Christ the King
Sunday 12:30 p.m |
The Cathedral
Sunday at: 10.00 a.m. 6.00 p.m. |
St Joseph's
Saturday Vigil at: 5:00 p.m. |
The Cathedral is a place central to the heart of the Diocese of Plymouth, covering the counties of Cornwall, Devon & Dorset. We have a beautiful Hansom building dating back to the 1850s which hosts all major liturgical ceremonies and civic events.
The Dean is Canon Mark O’Keeffe, also resident at Cathedral House is retired priest Father Martin Budge.
The Dean is Canon Mark O’Keeffe, also resident at Cathedral House is retired priest Father Martin Budge.
Latest News
Pope Francis RIP
Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master.'
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On Monday morning we heard the sad news that Pope Francis had died. After a very public battle with illness, he was finally called by the Lord to take his place in the kingdom of heaven. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Prayers are being said and Masses offered throughout the diocese for the repose of his soul. Many of you will have had the chance to pray together or offer your own private prayers of thanksgiving for his life of service. You will no doubt have seen or listened to the extensive media coverage, but we wanted to offer you some resources and information which may be of help at this time.
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Funeral Arrangements
The funeral of Pope Francis funeral will be celebrated on Saturday 26 April at 10.00am local time (Rome), 9.00am here. Following Mass in St Peter's Square, the Pope's body will be transferred to the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major for burial, as was his wish.
The funeral will be broadcast live on most major TV channels and on the Vatican's YouTube channel at this link.
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Canon Paul celebrating Vespers for Pope Francis from the Cathedral, with Bishop James Grier Anglican Bishop of Plymouth also in attendance.
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Prayer for Pope Francis
O God, faithful rewarder of souls, grant that your departed servant Pope Francis, whom you made successor of Peter and shepherd of your Church, may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven the mysteries of your grace and compassion, which he faithfully ministered on earth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
O God, faithful rewarder of souls, grant that your departed servant Pope Francis, whom you made successor of Peter and shepherd of your Church, may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven the mysteries of your grace and compassion, which he faithfully ministered on earth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
Statement by Canon Paul Cummins
“I was very sad to hear of the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis earlier today. He was above all a humble servant of the Lord and a faithful pastor who inspired and shepherded the Catholic Church for 12 years now.
Pope Francis lived out Gospel values; he was a man of prayer, a friend to the marginalised and persecuted, he worked tirelessly for peace, the care of the environment was very important to him. His recent document on Synodality encouraged prayerful listening as a way of discerning God’s will. Pope Francis’ time as Pontiff has had a profound influence on the way we understand the Church and our mission to proclaim the Gospel.
In 2020 Pope Francis said, “Let us not forget: the dwelling place that awaits us is paradise. Here we are passing through. We are made for heaven, for eternal life, to live forever” (Regina Coeli May 2020). In the light of these beautiful words, even as we mourn his death, we pray that Pope Francis will rise to eternal life.
God bless you,
Canon Paul Cummins
“I was very sad to hear of the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis earlier today. He was above all a humble servant of the Lord and a faithful pastor who inspired and shepherded the Catholic Church for 12 years now.
Pope Francis lived out Gospel values; he was a man of prayer, a friend to the marginalised and persecuted, he worked tirelessly for peace, the care of the environment was very important to him. His recent document on Synodality encouraged prayerful listening as a way of discerning God’s will. Pope Francis’ time as Pontiff has had a profound influence on the way we understand the Church and our mission to proclaim the Gospel.
In 2020 Pope Francis said, “Let us not forget: the dwelling place that awaits us is paradise. Here we are passing through. We are made for heaven, for eternal life, to live forever” (Regina Coeli May 2020). In the light of these beautiful words, even as we mourn his death, we pray that Pope Francis will rise to eternal life.
God bless you,
Canon Paul Cummins
Vespers for Pope Francis
On Friday 25 April, the eve of Pope Francis' funeral, Solemn Vespers will be prayed at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Boniface, Plymouth at 5.00pm. You would be most welcome to join us in person.
You can also join us online by visiting the Cathedral's YouTube channel.
On Friday 25 April, the eve of Pope Francis' funeral, Solemn Vespers will be prayed at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Boniface, Plymouth at 5.00pm. You would be most welcome to join us in person.
You can also join us online by visiting the Cathedral's YouTube channel.
The Master and His Disciple.
He did not wear a crown or cloak of gold.
He stepped aside from glory, left the throne.
He spoke of welcome to the ones who'd failed
and washed the feet of those who'd turned away.
He loved the lost and sought the words that would
remind the powerful of their call to love.
And still, when failing on his final road,
he spoke words filled with comfort, faith and hope.
In this he mirrored in his every step
The master whom he served with gracious joy.
And then this servant, stewarding the world,
invited us to see, with clearer eyes,
the one who waits upon the dusty road.
And now runs swift to welcome home his son.
Fr Mark Skelton
He did not wear a crown or cloak of gold.
He stepped aside from glory, left the throne.
He spoke of welcome to the ones who'd failed
and washed the feet of those who'd turned away.
He loved the lost and sought the words that would
remind the powerful of their call to love.
And still, when failing on his final road,
he spoke words filled with comfort, faith and hope.
In this he mirrored in his every step
The master whom he served with gracious joy.
And then this servant, stewarding the world,
invited us to see, with clearer eyes,
the one who waits upon the dusty road.
And now runs swift to welcome home his son.
Fr Mark Skelton
More information
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Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface
On the day of Pope Francis's death, a Requiem Mass was offered in the Cathedral for the repose of his soul. For another eight consecutive days, the Cathedral will celebrate a Requiem Mass (Mass for the Dead) at 10.00am for the Holy Father. The Cathedral and parish churches are spaces where people may wish to gather, to light a candle and pray.
All are welcome to join the Requiem Masses at the Cathedral in person, or online by following this link.
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Young People from the Diocese of Plymouth met Pope Francis at World Youth Day in Lisbon. Here are some of their reflections.
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An Obituary
To read an obituary of Pope Francis published on the website of the Bishops' Conference please follow this link.
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Pope Francis' Funeral
Details of the funeral arrangements for Pope Francis are published on the Vatican News website. You can find out more by following this link.
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What happens next?
More Details about the process following the death of a Pope and how a new Pope is elected as Bishop of Rome and successor of St Peter can be found by following this link.
images © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk
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Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface
On the day of Pope Francis's death, a Requiem Mass was offered in the Cathedral for the repose of his soul. For another eight consecutive days, the Cathedral will celebrate a Requiem Mass (Mass for the Dead) at 10.00am for the Holy Father. The Cathedral and parish churches are spaces where people may wish to gather, to light a candle and pray.
All are welcome to join the Requiem Masses at the Cathedral in person, or online by following this link.
____
Young People from the Diocese of Plymouth met Pope Francis at World Youth Day in Lisbon. Here are some of their reflections.
____
An Obituary
To read an obituary of Pope Francis published on the website of the Bishops' Conference please follow this link.
____
Pope Francis' Funeral
Details of the funeral arrangements for Pope Francis are published on the Vatican News website. You can find out more by following this link.
____
What happens next?
More Details about the process following the death of a Pope and how a new Pope is elected as Bishop of Rome and successor of St Peter can be found by following this link.
images © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk
Requiescat in Pace
STATEMENT
BY CANON PAUL CUMMINS,
DIOCESAN ADMINISTRATOR
Statement from Canon Paul on the sad death of Pope Francis
STATEMENT BY CANON PAUL CUMMINS, DIOCESAN ADMINISTRATOR
“I was very sad to hear of the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis earlier today. He was above all a humble servant of the Lord and a faithful pastor who inspired and shepherded the Catholic Church for 12 years now.
Pope Francis lived out Gospel values; he was a man of prayer, a friend to the marginalised and persecuted, he worked tirelessly for peace, the care of the environment was very important to him. His recent document on Synodality encouraged prayerful listening as a way of discerning God’s will. Pope Francis’ time as Pontiff has had a profound influence on the way we understand the Church and our mission to proclaim the Gospel.
In 2020 Pope Francis said, “Let us not forget: the dwelling place that awaits us is paradise. Here we are passing through. We are made for heaven, for eternal life, to live forever” (Regina Coeli May 2020). In the light of these beautiful words, even as we mourn his death, we pray that Pope Francis will rise to eternal life.
Where possible, churches in the Diocese of Plymouth will be places where people can gather, light a candle if they wish and pray for the late pope. Further details will follow about a Vespers Service at our Cathedral Church of St Boniface and St Mary which will also be live streamed.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”
God bless you,
Canon Paul Cummins
Diocesan newsletter- with message for Holy Week.
Pastoral letter
Pastoral Letter on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
5/6 April 2025
Fifth Sunday of Lent
5/6 April 2025
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Cardinal to Catholics – urge your MP to vote against the deeply flawed and under-scrutinised Bill on assisted suicide Cardinal Nichols makes it clear that Catholics should waste no time in contacting their member of parliament: “Every MP, and government, has a solemn duty to prevent [under-scrutinised and rushed] legislation reaching the statute book. So, I appeal to you: even if you have written before, please make contact now with your MP and ask them to vote against this Bill not only on grounds of principle but because of the failure of Parliament to approach this issue in an adequate and responsible manner.”
Proclaim
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Proclaim is aimed at young adults celebrating their faith in the Southwest. It is inspired by a young adult, Iona Robinson who grew up in Devon she always felt that she had to put her faith on hold until she left the Southwest but now, she realises that there is so much for her here in the Southwest. We have some great speakers, mostly with connections with the Southwest, these include; Daniella Stephens, Jemimah Paine and Martin Shaw. John Withers has agreed to support the music and worship. Sclerder Abbey have agreed to host the event. The cost includes entry to the festival, camping and food. To book follow the link: https://forms.office.com/e/UGhbpWerRF
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THE RITE OF ELECTION
Today Canon Paul Cummins welcomed to the Cathedral Catechumens and Candidates from across the diocese who are to be received into the church this Easter. Congratulations to them all and we will continue to keep them in our prayers as they continue along their journeys.
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Commonwealth DayCommonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations, held on the second Monday in March.
This year Plymouth City Council held a flag raising event to mark Commonwealth Day which was attended by our very own Canon Mark O'Keeffe. This year’s theme, ‘Together We Thrive’, celebrates the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family. Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration observed by millions across the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe. 
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We continue to keep in our prayers as this time, Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who is currently poorly in hospital. We ask the Lord will help him in his recovery.
Healing a Loved One
Lord, You walked on the earth, understood the broken world, yet also rose from death into resurrected life.
We pray for Pope Francis that he would be held at this time in your loving arms.
Bless the work of the doctors, surgeons and hospital staff, and bring the power of your resurrection life into their body. Come fill my loved one from top to toe with your restorative Spirit. May your resurrection life bring healing and wellness into their being.
May your grace carry them through this hard time into a new season filled with hope and joy.
Prayer for Pope Francis
O God, who in your providential design
willed that your Church be built upon blessed Peter,
whom you set over the other Apostles,
look with favour, we pray, on our Pope
and grant that he, whom you have made Peter’s successor,
may be for your people a visible source and foundation of unity in faith and of communion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Statement made by +Philip Moger
At the beginning of November 2024, just before I was to begin my ministry in Plymouth, I let it be known that concerns of a personal nature had been raised, to which I had to attend immediately. This has taken longer than I anticipated.
All things considered; I have come to the decision to present to the Holy Father a request to step down from my appointment as Bishop of the Diocese of Plymouth. The Holy Father has accepted my request.
For the immediate future, I will be taking a sabbatical: a time of prayer and personal reflection, the next stage on the journey of my ministry.
I realise, with regret, that this leaves a continuing vacancy in the Diocese of Plymouth. I assure the lay faithful, clergy and religious of the Diocese of my good wishes and prayers and ask the same of them for me.
24 February 2025
All things considered; I have come to the decision to present to the Holy Father a request to step down from my appointment as Bishop of the Diocese of Plymouth. The Holy Father has accepted my request.
For the immediate future, I will be taking a sabbatical: a time of prayer and personal reflection, the next stage on the journey of my ministry.
I realise, with regret, that this leaves a continuing vacancy in the Diocese of Plymouth. I assure the lay faithful, clergy and religious of the Diocese of my good wishes and prayers and ask the same of them for me.
24 February 2025
A view from above
Thank you to Etinosa, one of the Cathedrals altar servers for this lovely video of our beautiful Cathedral and surrounding views .
Click on the links below to read more about the latest events happening at the Cathedral.
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Meet our clergy
Mass TimesJoin us every day to celebrate Holy Mass in our beautiful Cathedral.
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HistoryClick on the thumbnail to learn about the history of the Cathedral, which dates from 1858.
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Gift AidClick on the picture above to find out more about gift aiding your donation.
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Universalis - Daily Readings
Follow the readings for Mass, as well as the daily prayers of the Church using Universalis by clicking the link below.
