A Mass of Thanksgiving in honour of Bishop Robert Byrne has been held at St Chad’s Cathedral today (Tues).

Bishop Robert was appointed the 14th Bishop of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle earlier this year.

But he was welcomed back to the Archdiocese of Birmingham for today’s very special occasion.

Clergy and laity gathered together for the Mass, which was celebrated in principal by Bishop Robert.

Today also marks the Dedication of St Chad’s Cathedral, the Mother Church of the Archdiocese, which was designed by AW Pugin.

It was the first Catholic cathedral to be built in England following the Reformation.

The cathedral was also adorned with beautiful floral displays, following the conclusion of the annual flower festival on Sunday.

Archbishop Bernard Longley opened the Mass with words of welcome for Bishop Robert, who became Auxiliary Bishop in Birmingham back in May 2014.

There will be an interview with Bishop Robert in the next edition of The Sower magazine, out in August.