Emeritus Bishop Ambrose Griffiths RIP (1928-2011)
Funeral Rites June 30th - July 1st
Welcome to Saint Mary's Cathedral as we say farewell to a much loved Bishop. We were blessed by Bishop Ambrose's enthusiasm and inspiration as he shared with us his vision. As he prepared to go to God, he especially asked that we should be joyful in our celebration of his Funeral Mass and he wanted everyone to know how he delighted in serving this Diocese as its Bishop. We shall miss this deeply committed shepherd and friend, and our sympathy goes out to his family and his monastic community of Ampleforth. We thank them for sharing with us such a good and humble man of God."
St Mary's Cathedral
Bishop Ambrose's body was received into St Mary's Cathedral, Newcastle, on the evening of Thursday 30th June for a Mass and prayer vigil.
A Funeral Requiem took place at St Mary's Cathedral on Friday 1st July.
The Cathedral was filled to overflowing as many hundreds of people from our diocese and nationally came to pay their last respects to a well loved Bishop.
Bishop Ambrose's relatives, civic leaders and dignitaries, nine Bishops, two Abbots, and over one hundred priests and deacons were among the guests, who also included several ecumenical and interfaith representatives.
The principal celebrant, Bishop Seamus, was joined by Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, and His Excellency Archbishop Antonio Mennini, the Apostolic Nuncio and many other bishops and priests.
The homily was preached by Canon Alexander Barrass.
During the Mass prayers were said for Bishop Ambrose, for his family, for the Ampleforth Community, for those whose lives he has touched, those whom he has led as bishop and for the needs of all people. The Final Commendation took place at the conclusion of the Mass; during this the coffin was sprinkled with holy water to remind us that in Baptism we die with Christ and when we die we share his Resurrection.
Following the Final Commendation the body of Bishop Ambrose was taken to Ampleforth Abbey, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 2 July, followed by burial in the vault under the Abbey church.
Listen to Audio from Vigil and Requiem: