The first phase of this project has now been completed and this first phase of a new Cathedral Centre was officially blessed and opened on the 18^th September by Bishop Terence Brain, the tenth bishop of Salford. 

At the opening ceremony there was a large section of people representing many different groups. There was a good representation of people from the City of Salford including the Mayor and Mayoress of Salford, members of the Council, as well as representatives from the planning and conservation offices. We also had the honour as guests of four local members of parliament, local church leaders, as well as a large group of architects, builders and engineers who had worked on the project. 

With these guests there were also family guests from around the diocese representing some of the parishes and all the different pastoral works of the diocese; a representation of the priests in the Bishop’s Council, Cathedral Chapter, Diocesan Trustees and Rural Deans; as well as all the staff who will now work in the new Cathedral Centre. 

The Opening Ceremony was, in many ways, a simple occasion but there was a great atmosphere amongst staff and visitors and everyone seemed happy to be there and delighted with the building and the possibilities that it offered for the future.