Bishop Cormac Murphy O'Connor, Pastoral Message: First Sunday of Lent 2000

PASTORAL LETTER OF CORMAC MURPHY-O'CONNOR, ARCHBISHOP-ELECT OF WESTMINSTER

To be read at all Mass on 1" Sunday of Lent, 2000

My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is with real sadness that I write my final message to you. For over twenty-two years I have been travelling to the towns and villages of Sussex and Surrey and so often feeling the responsibility and joy of your pastoral care in my mind and heart. I remember so very well November 1977 when I was asked by the Holy Father to become Bishop of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton and with what joy and gladness I accepted it. I am conscious of the many ways in which I have not fulfilled the task as well as I might have done but - I have always wanted to be, as Jesus our Lord said, a good shepherd.

Before anything else, I should remind you that this Lent is a particular time for reconciliation and peace as we face up to the real significance of the two-thousandth anniversary of Our Saviour's birth. The challenge of Ash Wednesday: Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel has particular significance this year. I hope very sincerely that all of us will take the opportunity before Palm Sunday, probably in the context of a Penitential Service, to undertake a review of the way we live our lives and rejoice in the mercy with which God has touched each one of us. I hope that within the Diocese there will be ample opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, not only during the latter part of Lent but in particular on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week. I know it can be difficult sometimes to make that personal act of repentance but, take courage, and I assure you that you will be renewed in faith and hope as the Holy Spirit renews His life within you.

There is one other thing: there is no need to hide the journey of faith and reconciliation that has begun on Ash Wednesday. Rather, you should be ready to speak of it, especially to anyone close to you who seems to have wandered away from the family of the Church. They shall see in us the promise of an affectionate, merciful and joyful welcome home. During this, as in every Lent, our Father wants to say of us: My son, my daughter, was dead and has come back to life, was lost and is found.

Dear friends, my final words must surely be those of thanksgiving. I thank God for all His goodness and mercy to me over these fruitful years as Shepherd of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. In particular, I thank Him for the prayerful support and encouragement I have received from all of you, priests and people, over my 22 years. As I begin my new task of shepherding in the Archdiocese of Westminster, be assured always of a very special place in my heart and in my prayers - and please pray for me.

With an assurance of my prayers and kindest wishes,
Yours devotedly in Christ, Rt. Rev. Cormac Murphy-O'Connor Bishop of Arundel and Brighton.