Bishop Robert writes on his recent pastoral visit to Italy:

This was my first visit to the historic port city of Genoa in North-West Italy. The picture shows the lighthouse (centre left) which is the symbol and landmark of the city, It is also one of the tallest and oldest lighthouses in the world. 

The beautiful former stock exchange (right) points to the historic trading wealth of the city and thus its longstanding cosmopolitan nature. The city is evidently regaining prosperity and confidence after some more difficult post-industrial years: and the rainbow indicates God’s enduring faithfulness. 

The community of the Holy Ghost, Genoa owns its own building. A few decades ago, the community was very small in size and almost had to leave, but by the faithfulness of God they stayed and are now growing, and are younger and stronger. 

Nonetheless, the building requires a great deal of work and there was plenty of evidence of masonry that is in need of repair. 

It was my first ever visit, after twelve years as bishop, and a longstanding member quite rightly greeted me by saying: ‘It is very good to see you bishop – at last!’ 

It was a joy to confirm Daniel and Nicole, seen here with Chaplain the Revd. Robert Morley and Archdeacon David Waller. 

Lots of people came to this service, even though it was on a Saturday. They describe themselves as one big family, and their Chaplain’s ministry is deeply appreciated. 

From Genoa we travelled on to Florence which, albeit in the same general region of Italy, was a much longer journey than we had expected (I come from a small country!). I always find the Florentine architecture breathtakingly beautiful.  

Our church, St Mark’s, lies just across the famous Ponte Vecchio from the Campanile. 

The Church is very fortunate to own a palace in the centre of Florence, which includes a gorgeous worship space, meeting rooms and apartments. St. Mark’s is currently engaged in a strategy process to work out how best to use its space. 

I presided and preached on Bible Sunday. I invited the congregation to think about how, when and why we read the Bible. The service was packed, and I was delighted to meet over coffee many visitors from across the world. 

North then to Bologna with the smooth and fast Italian frecciarossa – Italy to my mind having long overtaken Germany in the provision of high quality express trains.

The community of Holy Cross, Bologna, meets in a building generously provided by the Franciscans. Members of the congregation could recall a time not so long ago when the building had to be locked during worship, as the Catholic Cardinal was so disapproving of Anglican ministry in general and women’s ministry in particular. Thankfully things have changed, and we welcomed a Catholic ecumenical representative to our worship. 

The congregation is linked to Florence. They had never before had a visit from the Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe! And so it was very special to confirm three candidates and admit the two younger ones to holy communion. 

I began this blog with a lighthouse. And we conclude with these youthful candidates holding candles as a sign of their Christian witness in the world. I was reminded of the children’s song:

I AM A LIGHTHOUSE,

A shining and bright house,

Out in the waves of a stormy sea. 

The oil of the Spirit keeps my lamp burning;

 Jesus, my Lord, is the light in me.

You can view this blog here:

https://bishopineurope.wordpress.com/2026/10/26/pastoral-visit-to-north-west-italy/

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