It was an afternoon of prayer and praise, recognition and respect, as the Diocese and Cathedral came together to celebrate the vital ministry of chaplains who serve faithfully across our hospitals, schools, prisons, firestations, universities, and many other community spaces within the Diocese of Leicester.
This special service at the Cathedral recognised the ongoing dedication of current chaplains – lay, licensed, and ordained - and formally commissioned new ones into their roles.
With prayers, blessings, and the support of the wider church community, the event highlighted the significant role chaplains play in living out the Church’s mission beyond its walls.
For those chaplains present, the service was a poignant moment to affirm their calling to offer spiritual care, compassion, and presence in diverse and often challenging contexts.
Bishop Saju led the Commissioning, using these words to remind us of that call:
"We all have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us. Chaplains are called to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep, to hold out the light of Christ to those who doubt or are fearful, to engage with those who are curious, travel with those who are journeying and, above all, to listen to and pray with and for those whom they encounter."
Each chaplain was presented with a beautiful glass cross badge, which had been blessed by the Bishop.
Please do pray for all those serving as chaplains throughout the diocese.
God of all creation,
to whom all human structures are subject;
we hold before you the settings where our Chaplains minister –
places of public service, of learning, of worship, of nurture and healing,
of commerce and many other activities,
from public institutions at the heart of our City and County
to little-known contexts on the margins.
Be alongside those among whom they minister
leaders, workers, fellow-Chaplains,
patients, prisoners, pupils,
old and young,
powerful and powerless.
Strengthen them, that they may embody your grace
and further the values of your Kingdom here on earth.
Amen.
Bishop Saju asks: "Are you being called to chaplaincy?"