Sunday 30 November marked a joyful occasion at St Chad’s Cathedral as parishioners, family members and fellow Papal Knights gathered to witness the investiture of Beryl and Desi Rodrigues as Dame and Knight of the Order of St Gregory the Great.

The honour, granted by the Holy Father, was conferred during Mass celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley, who welcomed the couple’s family, including their sons, David and Daniel, and the wider Cathedral community to share in this important moment.

In his homily, Archbishop Bernard reflected on the Advent call to “put on Christ”, reminding the congregation of the Gospel’s invitation: “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming.” He spoke of the significance of the investiture as a visible sign of the Church’s esteem for the lay apostolate, praising Beryl and Desi for the “baptismal gifts and charisms” they have offered so generously in service of the Cathedral community.

“Their dedicated service, especially throughout the pandemic, helped ensure that this Cathedral remained a safe and welcoming place for parishioners and visitors,” he said. “Today, in their own parish home, the Church gives thanks for their witness and commitment to Christ.”

Drawing on Pope Francis’s Evangelii Gaudium, the Archbishop reflected on the missionary impulse at the heart of the Church’s life, calling all present to seek out the poor, the overlooked and those most in need. “This honour encourages each of us to find new ways of extending Christ’s mission in our own circumstances,” he said.

Following the investiture, Desi offered words of gratitude on behalf of himself and Beryl.
“Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Beryl and I are delighted to see you all here today,” he said. “We are grateful to Archbishop Bernard for recommending our names to the Holy See. We thank the late Holy Father, Pope Francis, for bestowing this honour upon us both, and Pope Leo for approving it.”

He went on to pay tribute to their families:
“We also pay our respects to our beloved parents, who sowed the seeds of Christian faith in us and taught us that serving our brethren is serving God. Beryl and I are overjoyed to have been chosen for this great honour and accept it with humility.”

Reflecting on the motto of St Gregory the Great—Pro Deo et Principe, “For God and Ruler”—Desi added:
“With your prayers and support, we will continue to promote faith through our actions, defending and standing up for the dignity of every human being. As we accept this honour with a grateful heart and renewed sense of purpose, we pray for God’s grace to serve Him and His Church with dedication and humility.”

Photo Gallery- Investiture Mass