A SOLEMN requiem has been held in Truro Cathedral for the former bishop, Monsignor Graham Leonard.

More than 30 clergy who had served with Bishop Graham were present, including Bishop Richard Rutt, who was appointed Suffragan Bishop of St Germans by Bishop Graham and served with him until he was appointed Bishop of Leicester. He now lives in retirement in Cornwall.

In his tribute, Lay Canon Emeritus Jeremy Dowling spoke of the lasting influence of Bishop Graham's ministry on the county of Cornwall.

"He taught people to value their clergy; he revitalised parish life in a remarkable way through the system of pastoral visits, and in many ways bridged the gap between the administration and the parishes. He encouraged the laity to pray, learn and contribute.

"Cornwall has many reasons to be grateful to Graham Leonard, who never tired in his search for what he felt that God wanted of him. That he eventually found fulfilment in the Roman Catholic Church came as little surprise to those who knew him well; we rejoice that we in Cornwall were part of this good man's constant journeying to God."

The service was based on the Duruflé Requiem, sung by the Cathedral Choir, and the lesson was read by diocesan secretary Sheri Sturgess.

In his homily, the Bishop of Truro, The Right Rev Tim Thornton, spoke of the need for people to have courage to turn to God "in our own ways" to fulfil his purpose for us.