My brother, Chris, recently finished his PhD in the study of semiotics. For those who don’t know what that is (as I didn’t) it is the exploration of how we, as human beings, make meaning in our lives. For example, we celebrate baptisms, 21st birthday parties, wedding anniversaries, moving house… all these and more are ways in which we mark an important event and make it meaningful in our lives. And, for me, what happened on Sunday 19th October was also one of these events: I was installed as Synod Clerk and therefore a Canon of the Cathedral of Edinburgh.
The actual installation only took two minutes, placed as it was in the context of Evensong – but as I had the cope of the Canons placed upon my shoulders, I felt a shift, a change within me. I was reminded of Elisha being given the cloak of succession by Elijah before the older prophet was taken into heaven; a cloak – being a symbol of a new role, new responsibility with a new flock for which to care. I receive this honour with humility.
I was also so very touched by those who wished me well, came along to the Cathedral or watched online. I thank you, each one of you. Two of my children were there, David still being Madrid, and my brother and sister watching online. I can’t also help feeling that Mum and Dad would be watching from their heavenly thrones pleased as punch for me in my new role.
Thank you all for your support and love.
Liz O’Ryan
It was a pleasure to support Liz as she was installed. Fourteen of us made the journey on an X7 bus; others came by other modes of transport. Jenny Wright Ed