Two long‑serving lay members of the Archdiocese of Birmingham were honoured with papal knighthoods during the annual Mass for Vocations at St Chad’s Cathedral, celebrated on Sunday 26 April by Bishop Timothy Menezes.

Harry Harper was invested as a Knight of the Pontifical Order of St Gregory the Great, and Peter Brownhill was invested as a Knight of the Pontifical Order of St Sylvester. The investitures took place during a joyful celebration of Good Shepherd Sunday, a day when the Church prays particularly for vocations to the priesthood.

In his homily, Bishop Timothy addressed children and young people, encouraging them to think prayerfully and generously about their future. Reflecting on the idea of vocation, he reminded the congregation that discernment is not simply about personal happiness or success, but about how God’s gifts can be used in service of others.

“Thinking about what you want to do in life is not about what will make me happy,” he said. “It is about how I will use the gifts God has given me to help others and to make a difference.”

Bishop Timothy shared how he had felt called to the priesthood from a young age and urged young people not to be afraid to begin asking questions early, encouraging them to speak with their families and seek guidance.

Reflecting on the Gospel image of Christ the Good Shepherd, he spoke of the Lord as both guide and protector, one who lays down his life for his flock. He also shared a message from Archbishop Bernard Longley, read at all Masses across the Archdiocese, asking the faithful to pray for vocations and inviting those who may feel called to the priesthood to come forward with courage and generosity.

Drawing on his own experience, Bishop Timothy emphasised that priesthood should not be viewed primarily as sacrifice, but as a vocation rich in blessings, rooted in service through the sacraments and pastoral care. He encouraged the congregation to reflect with gratitude on the priests who have made a difference in their own lives and to continue praying for vocations, “because your own life of faith depends on it.”

Bishop Timothy also reflected on the importance of church buildings as places of encounter with the Risen Lord and as signs of faith handed down through generations. He highlighted the vital role played by those who offer their professional expertise to preserve and develop these sacred spaces.

It was in this context that Harry Harper and Peter Brownhill were recognised for decades of generous service to the Historic Churches Committee and the Art and Architecture Committee of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Through their work as architects, both men have supported the maintenance and sensitive development of St Chad’s Cathedral and many other churches across the Archdiocese, often travelling widely to do so.

“It has been my privilege to serve alongside both Harry and Peter,” Bishop Menezes said, thanking them for the humble way they have shared their knowledge, guided by faith.

The Pontifical Order of St Gregory the Great was founded in 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI, while the Pontifical Order of St Sylvester was founded in 1905 by Pope St Pius X. Both honours are conferred in recognition of outstanding service to the Church and the Holy See.

As he concluded the celebration, Bishop Menezes prayed that the beauty of the Church’s buildings and the faithful service of those who care for them might always point to truth, compassion and the welcome of Christ the Good Shepherd, “a place where nobody is excluded from the mercy and care of Jesus.”

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