Paul Mackness installed as Dean of St Davids Cathedral
Space for the service is limited, but members of the public are invited to attend, subject to capacity. Mackness, who currently serves as Archdeacon of St Davids, was announced…
The Venerable Paul Mackness will be collated and installed as Dean and Precentor of St Davids Cathedral on Saturday, 17 October, at 2.30 pm. The ceremony will also see him inducted as Vicar of the parish of St Davids, formally linking the cathedral’s leadership with the local community.
Space for the service is limited, but members of the public are invited to attend, subject to capacity. Mackness, who currently serves as Archdeacon of St Davids, was announced as the new Dean in September after an open recruitment process.
He brings more than two decades of ministry experience within the Diocese of St Davids, having held senior posts in parishes across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. St Davids Cathedral, perched on the coast of Pembrokeshire, is one of Wales’ most historic Christian sites and a recognised place of pilgrimage.
The cathedral’s origins date back to the 12th century, when it was founded to house the relics of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. Its modest size belies its national significance; the cathedral sits at the heart of the smallest city in Britain.
As Dean, Mackness will oversee the cathedral’s worship, pastoral care, education programmes and its extensive outreach to visitors and pilgrims. The role also involves stewardship of the cathedral’s historic fabric, which includes a Grade I‑listed nave and a medieval choir.
“I am very much looking forward to beginning this new chapter of ministry in St Davids and to serving both the Cathedral and the wider parish and community,” Mackness said. “St Davids is a very special place, not only for those of us within the Diocese but for people across Wales and far beyond.”
I feel enormously privileged to have been entrusted with this role.”
He added that the cathedral faces both challenges and opportunities, particularly in maintaining its historic character while engaging a modern audience. “There are challenges ahead, but there are also many opportunities.”
I look forward to working alongside the Cathedral Chapter, clergy, staff, volunteers, congregation and the wider community as we seek to build for the future while remaining faithful to the Cathedral’s long tradition of prayer, worship, pilgrimage and welcome.”
Mackness highlighted the importance of inclusivity, hoping the cathedral will remain a welcoming space for all. “Above all, I hope that St Davids Cathedral will continue to be a place where everyone can feel welcome, and I would be delighted to see members of the local community joining us for the service.”
The appointment follows a period of transition for the cathedral, which has been seeking a permanent dean since the retirement of its previous incumbent in early 2023.
Diocesan officials say the open recruitment process attracted a strong field of candidates, reflecting the cathedral’s national profile. Local clergy and volunteers have expressed optimism that Mackness’s experience as archdeacon will bring stability and fresh vision.
“Paul’s deep knowledge of the diocese and his pastoral sensitivity will be invaluable as we navigate the next chapter of the cathedral’s life,” a senior canon remarked. The service will be led by the Bishop of St Davids, who will present Mackness with the cathedral’s dean’s crozier, a symbol of his authority.
Following the installation, a public reception will be held in the cathedral’s nave, allowing parishioners and visitors to meet the new dean. St Davids Cathedral continues to attract thousands of pilgrims each year, drawn by its spiritual heritage and the dramatic coastal landscape.
Mackness’s appointment is seen as a step towards sustaining that legacy while fostering greater community engagement.