With plans shelved due to the Coronavirus outbreak for a service in York Minster on the 7th June to celebrate and give thanks to God for the ministry of Dr John Sentamu on his retirement after fifteen years as Archbishop of York, the Diocese of York is united in prayer for him and his wife Margaret as he steps down on that day.
The Diocese of York has released an online video tribute (right) to Dr Sentamu this evening, Friday 5th June, made during the ‘lockdown’ response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, and based on a series of recollections recorded by lay and ordained people from across the Diocese which has been led by Archbishop Sentamu since the 30th November 2005.
As we bid farewell, we pray once again the prayer he gave us at the time of his 2016 Pilgrimage through the Diocese of York:
Father in Heaven,
Mould me into Christlikeness;
And Stir up in me,
the Fire of Your Love.
Holy Spirit,
Fill me with Your Power;
And Help me to Tell of the Love
And Salvation in Jesus of Nazareth.
Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of the Father,
Renew my Friendship in You;
And help me to Serve You
With a Quiet Mind
and a Burning Spirit.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Please Keep Me
In the Joy, Simplicity, and Compassion
Of Your Holy Gospel. Amen