Back

All our Cathedral volunteers are automatically members of the new Bishop William Riddell Guild.

William Riddell, the first parish priest of St. Mary's, died in 1847 from the typhus fever then sweeping through Newcastle. [He is buried in the crypt in the Cathedral courtyard with his assistant priest, Fr William Fletcher, who died from the fever in 1848.]

The late Cardinal Basil Hume honoured the selfless service of Bishop Riddell and Fr Fletcher, noting how they willingly risked their lives when caring for the typhus victims of the city. They were worthy, he said, of the title 'Martyrs of Charity'. This spirit of service and devotion to people's needs is alive today in the ministry of our volunteers who serve the Cathedral community and its many visitors.

The William Riddell Guild honours this service and will support our volunteers in the important work they do in support of the Cathedral's mission. A monthly Mass for their intentions as well as days of recollection and social events for members will be held throughout the year.