THIS weekend saw the first woman Bishop enthroned at a special ceremony at St David’s Cathedral.

The delighted congregation applauded as Dean of St Davids, Very Revd Jonathan Lean presented Rt Revd Joanna Penberthy, now the 129th Bishop of St Davids on Saturday (February 11).

In keeping with the centuries-old tradition, Bishop Joanna had to seek permission to enter her cathedral, knocking three times on the outside of the west door before being admitted by the Dean of St Davids, Very Revd Jonathan Lean.

Her mandate, given to her by the Church in Wales’ senior Bishop, Rt Revd John Davies of Swansea & Brecon, was presented to the Dean and read out by the Diocesan Registrar, Anthony Jenkins.

After swearing the oath, the new Bishop was escorted to her stall in the Quire for her enthronement.

History was made when the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan ordained Bishop Joanna in January at Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff.

During the service, the Archbishop ordained Joanna, assisted by the Church’s five other bishops, and presented her with the symbols of office – the episcopal ring, pectoral cross and mitre.

Following Saturday’s the service, Bishop Joanna appeared outside the cathedral to give a blessing for the city and for the diocese and its parishes, watched and cheered by hundreds of onlookers.

At the time of her consecration Bishop Joanna said: “While being made Bishop is awe inspiring, I am very much looking forward to joining the people of St Davids diocese as we seek to live out and share our faith in the Risen Christ.

“I didn’t think at the beginning of my ministry that I would ever see women in the episcopate but you had to keep believing.

“What was important was living out the calling that we had at that time and by doing so, opening people’s eyes to the fact that God doesn’t just call men, God calls all of us to his ministry in a way which fits our own particular gifts and talents.”