23/02/2026
Another tremendous Rite of Election. Congratulations to all the Elect!
If anyone doubted the quiet revival in Catholicism across the Western world, then this picture is the answer.
This Easter will see 120 ‘new’ Catholics join the Church in the Archdiocese alone – a 20 per cent increase on last year.
The story is the same across Europe, with record numbers of new adult converts being reported in England, Ireland, France and Belgium.
Canon David Wallace, who oversees the RCIA programme for adults seeking to join the Church, said: “It was lovely to see the Cathedral filled with so many people who are hungry to know more about the faith and to live it fully in their daily lives.
“Here at the Cathedral we have been working with 13 adults as they grow in knowledge and faith and it has been a deeply rewarding experience as we accompany them now in this last phase of preparation before they are baptized or received into full communion at Easter.”
Archbishop Nolan said: “It is always one of the highlights of the year for me to preside at the Rite of Election and meet the new generation of people who have made the conscious and active decision to join the Church.
“Recent years have seen a steady growth in numbers, and each of these people can tell their own story of coming to faith, which in itself is an inspiration for us ‘cradle Catholics’.”
