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Winchester Cathedral bids farewell to Dean Catherine Ogle at Palm Sunday Evensong
Dean Catherine delivered the homily, speaking about the journey of life and faith, and the importance of focusing on what truly matters. She shared how Holy Week had profoundly shaped her own faith as a student at Leeds University, and how its impact has endured throughout her life and ministry. She concluded her sermon with one of her most cherished prayers: “For all that has been – thanks. For all that shall be – yes!”
The First Lesson, Zechariah 9.9–12, was read by Bruce Parker (pictured below), Chairman of the Friends of Winchester Cathedral. The Second Lesson, Luke 20.9–19, was read by Canon Roland Riem, Interim Dean.
The service also featured a beautiful offering of music from the Girls’ Choir, including a movement from Pergolesi Stabat Mater, translating as Grant that my heart may burn in the love of Christ. The Lay Clerks, who sadly could not be present, made their contribution later by video at the presentation, in the form of a humorous song.
At the close of the service, the Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, gave a special blessing to Dean Catherine and her husband, Robin. Speaking on behalf of all who worship and work at Winchester Cathedral, Bishop Philip gave thanks for her leadership and ministry.
Following the organ voluntary, members of the congregation gathered for speeches and several presentations, including a beautifully engraved glass plate by the artist Tracey Sheppard (pictured below).
Canon Roland Riem paid tribute to Dean Catherine saying: “She has maintained a prayerful regard for the welfare of others and the community she serves. And to me and many others we see in this a vivid example of self-sacrificial Christian love.
“The ministry that Catherine has laid down symbolically today will soon be taken up by someone else. And they will be grateful for her legacy. They will build on the gifts and graces we’ve so much respected and admired in Catherine, a humble integrity, a sense of fun, a belief that the deepest truths also embrace the widest circle, and a sense that our ministries, whatever their occasional pomp and circumstance, occupy a very small slice of the amazing history of this place.”
Winchester Cathedral extends its heartfelt thanks to Dean Catherine for her eight years of service and wishes her and Robin every blessing in retirement.
