Revd Smitha is now a Canon
Our Chaplain, Revd Smitha was conferred a Canonry to the seat of Catherine of Siena in the pro-cathedral in Malta, by Bishop Robert Innes on 24th September 2021.
In his warm commendation, Bishop Robert said: “This is in recognition of Smitha’s outstanding work at St Alban’s Copenhagen and her commitment to racial justice in Europe and beyond. It is an honour which belongs to us all.”
Smitha then promised her allegiance and obedience to the Bishop and his successors; declaring “I will order and govern myself by the statutes of the Cathedral Chapter of the Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe, and by the customs and regulations of the said church.”
Kneeling before the Bishop and in the presence of the whole congregation, Smitha prayed the prayer of St Benedict, the patron of Europe: “O gracious and holy Father, give us wisdom to perceive you, diligence to seek you, patience to wait for you, eyes to behold you, a heart to meditate upon you, and a life to proclaim you, through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Hospitality being one of the key signatures of Benedict’s Rule of Life, it was entirely fitting that the Eucharistic feast presided over by Bishop Robert was followed by celebratory fare; enabling everyone to mingle and get to know each other better.
Canon Smitha’s background as a teacher and trainer and her desire to grow everyone’s faith and discipleship; is in parallel with St Catherine of Siena, herself a renowned teacher. Look out for a trip to Malta when our very own Canon will be “installed” into her seat by Simon Godfrey, Chancellor of the Pro-Cathedral of St Paul in Valetta, Malta.
You could say we are “booming marvellous” in Copenhagen as Canon Smitha will now be in the company of our doyennes Canon Ulla Monberg and Canon Jemima Prasadam.
