On Friday 3 October, people from across the archdiocese gathered to give thanks for Archbishop Malcolm McMahon following his retirement earlier this year.

Parishioners, clergy and dignitaries gathered at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Chris the King to celebrate the 11 years Archbishop Malcolm served as the Archbishop of Liverpool.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols was the homilist and warmly paid tribute to Archbishop Malcolm, saying: “Most recently, Archbishop Malcolm described himself as yesterday's man. Well, what a yesterday.

“Leadership of Pax Christi, initiator of the diocesan synodal path, even before Pope Francis had thought of it, leading us through the tragic events in Southport in July last year, fashioning the restructuring of parish life and the emergence of families of parishes, compassionate in the face of hardship and our wrongdoing, for example, the LoudFENCE events, rejoicing in the recognition of the miracle cure of Jack Traynor in Lourdes so many years ago.

“The list is long and forgive me if I'm not mentioning any other favourite events of the past 11 years, but all of them are things we treasure and for which this evening, we thank God.”

Archbishop Malcolm said: “It’s been a wonderful 11 years. Yesterday, at the jubilarians lunch, we were celebrating priesthood. It was a wonderful celebration.

“I do have one moment which gave me a great sense of pride. That was when we had the 2018 National Eucharistic Conference here in Liverpool, and I stood outside the Liverpool Echo Arena and welcoming people from all over the country. I felt so at home, at home amongst God’s people and home here in Liverpool.

“That is one highlight among many, that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

The Mass was followed by a drinks reception in the cathedral’s crypt.