Paul Mackness to be installed as Dean of St Davids Cathedral

The Venerable Paul Mackness will be collated and installed as Dean and Precentor of St Davids at a special service at St Davids Cathedral on Saturday, 17 October at 2.30pm.

During the service, Paul will also be inducted as Vicar of the parish of St Davids, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his ministry and in the life of the Cathedral and local community.

Paul, who currently serves as Archdeacon of St Davids, was announced as the new Dean in September following an open recruitment process.

As Dean, he will lead the life and ministry of St Davids Cathedral, one of Wales’ most significant Christian sites and a place of worship and pilgrimage at the heart of the Diocese of St Davids.

Speaking ahead of the service, Paul said:

“I am very much looking forward to beginning this new chapter of ministry in St Davids and to serving both the Cathedral and the wider parish and community.

“St Davids is a very special place, not only for those of us within the Diocese but for people across Wales and far beyond. I feel enormously privileged to have been entrusted with this role.

“There are challenges ahead, but there are also many opportunities. I look forward to working alongside the Cathedral Chapter, clergy, staff, volunteers, congregation and the wider community as we seek to build for the future while remaining faithful to the Cathedral’s long tradition of prayer, worship, pilgrimage and welcome.

“Above all, I hope that St Davids Cathedral will continue to be a place where everyone can feel welcome, and I would be delighted to see members of the local community joining us for the service.”

The service of collation and installation will take place at 2.30pm on Saturday, 17 October at St Davids Cathedral.

While the service is primarily an invited occasion, space will also be available for members of the local community and others who wish to attend, subject to capacity.

Paul brings extensive experience of ministry and leadership within the Diocese of St Davids to his new role. As Dean and Precentor, he will have responsibility for the leadership and ministry of the Cathedral, while his induction as Vicar will also formally establish his pastoral responsibility within the parish of St Davids.

St Davids Cathedral has stood at the heart of Christian life in west Wales for centuries and continues to welcome worshippers, pilgrims and visitors from across Wales and around the world.