This prayer has been adapted from an original written for Bishop Kevin by Mgr Nichols in 2004.
Prayer for Kevin Dunn, Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle Diocese.
Lord, rock of our hearts,
from a sea swept island
you sent Aidan and Cuthbert
to sow your Word fruitfully
throughout our Northern land and
you inspired Bede to understand
and speak your truth
reflected in our lives and in our history.
You called your servant, Kevin,
to follow them
and you granted him
a rich share in this heritage.
Lead him now,
in the gentleness of your grace,
to the peace of your kingdom
and the fullness of your love.
Adapted from an original written for Bishop Kevin by Mgr Kevin Nichols at St Mary's Cathedral in 2004. The original prayer, with a different second verse, was recited by the congregation before the homily, after the bishop-elect had been formally presented at ordination.
Mgr Kevin Nichols, a priest-poet of the diocese, died in 2006.