ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRMAN
The Editor writes This summer edition of Oremus is being put together in the middle of what seems to be an incredibly busy June. The culmination of the season of sacramental preparation here in the Cathedral at Pentecost followed three successive Saturdays during which a total of 270 young people from the diocese were confirmed. Hounslow parish, presenting over 100 candidates, deserves special mention. The annual Matrimony Mass completely filled the Cathedral again and while, by the nature of the event, many older people were present, yet there was a good representation of children and grandchildren accompanying. Three events for children brought a particular atmosphere to the building: the Festival Mass for Mini Vinnies (see the Monthly Album) attracted a nationwide attendance, the Adoremus Mass for diocesan schools underlined the work that the Education Service has done to build on last year’s Eucharistic Congress in Liverpool, and St Paul – The Musical (see opposite) pulsated with enthusiastic singing, animated by the Music Outreach team. All of that contrasts with the present silence that pervades the Cathedral as we reach the halfway point of the Quarant’Ore Devotion. But this is no empty silence, since, both individually and in groups, people have come to witness to the Lord who promises that, if he is lifted up on the Cross, he will draw all peoples to himself. Readers may be a little surprised and, I hope, pleased that two pages are dedicated to a resumé of a new Vatican document, Male and Female He Created Them. But this is an important restatement of fundamental Christian teaching in the light of many contemporary assumptions about ‘gender fluidity’ and the supremacy of personal choice as to our identity. The Catholic Church does not wish to condemn and indeed, this document calls for engagement and discussion, but it also affirms the centrality of our Godgiven nature. It also repeats the teaching of St John Paul II, that parents are the primary educators of their children and bear a responsibility greater than that of any particular school or, indeed, governmental authority. Pope Francis has written in Amoris laetitia of the crucial role in the upbringing of children made by the family and the Church commits herself to supporting this work. Please do read this important resumé, as it confirms us in our Catholic identity and mission.
Westminster Cathedral Cathedral Clergy House 42 Francis Street London SW1P 1QW Telephone 020 7798 9055 Service times 020 7798 9097 Email chreception@rcdow.org.uk www.westminstercathedral.org.uk Cathedral Chaplains Canon Christopher Tuckwell, Administrator Fr Daniel Humphreys, Sub-Administrator Fr Julio Albornoz Fr Michael Donaghy Fr Andrew Gallagher, Precentor Fr Rajiv Michael Fr John Scott, Registrar Sub-Administrator’s Intern Oliver Delargy Also in residence Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Victories Music Department Martin Baker, Master of Music Peter Stevens Obl. OSB, Assistant Master of Music Jonathan Allsopp, Organ Scholar Cathedral Manager Peter McNulty Estates Manager Neil Fairbairn Chapel of Ease Sacred Heart Church Horseferry Road SW1P 2EF
Meanwhile, closer to home, I can report that Canon Christopher continues to make steady progress and is grateful for the support of all the prayers which are offered for him.
July – August 2019
Oremus
5