Issuu

October 2026 | Edition Number 327 | FREE

Westminster Cathedral Magazine

‘Voce mea ad Dominum’ Saturday 3 October 1226

If you can, please make a donation for your copy to cover its production cost. Thank you.

COMPANIONS

Join the Companions ... and help us to keep publishing Oremus free of charge Although we earn income from the advertising which we carry, Oremus relies on donations from readers to cover its production costs. The Companions of Oremus was established to recognise those who give generously to support us. Open exclusively to individuals, Companions’ names are published in the magazine each month (see page 9). All members are invited to one or more social events during the year and Mass is offered for their intentions from time to time. If you would like to support us by joining the Companions, please write to Oremus, Cathedral Clergy House, 42 Francis Street, London SW1P 1QW or email oremuscomps@rcdow.org.uk with your contact details, including postcode. Members are asked to give a minimum of £100 annually. Please mention how you would like your name to appear in our membership list and if you are eligible to Gift Aid your donation. Postal subscriptions to Oremus may be purchased by completing and sending to the office the coupon printed in the magazine. Subscriptions to receive Oremus either by email (free) or as hard copy by post (p & p payable) can also be entered by visiting https://westminstercathedral.org.uk/the-cathedral-community/about-oremus/ and completing the form there. Thank you for your support.

Oremus

OCTOBER 2026

CONTENTS

Inside Oremus

Oremus Cathedral Clergy House 42 Francis Street London SW1P 1QW T 020 7798 9055 E oremus@westminstercathedral.org.uk W www.westminstercathedral.org.uk

Oremus, the magazine of Westminster Cathedral, reflects the life of the Cathedral and the lives of those who make it a place of faith in central London. If you think that you would like to contribute an article or an item of news, please contact the Editor. Patron The Archbishop of Westminster Chairman Fr Sławomir Witoń

Cathedral Life: 5

From the Editor Homily: Mass for Life by Bishop Frank Dougan

6&7

A new Organ Scholar by Augustine Cox Cathedral History in Pictures: The Cathedral Choir School Silver Jubilee

Oremus Team Tony Banks – Distribution Zoë Goodway – Finance Anne Marie Micallef – Marketing Paul Moynihan – Proofreading Manel Silva – Subscriptions Design and Art Direction Julian Game Registered Charity Number 233699 ISSN 1366-7203 Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor or the Oremus Team. Neither are they the official views of Westminster Cathedral. The Editor reserves the right to edit all contributions. Publication of advertisements does not imply any form of recommendation or endorsement. Unless otherwise stated, photographs are published under a creative commons or similar licence. Every effort is made to credit all images. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.

18 & 19

National Pilgrim Virgin Statue Visitation by Jerry Rivera

Editor Lorcán Keller

Features: Cycling Clapham to Brighton

Baby Loss Awareness Week by Jessica Burley

Memories, Prayer and Perseverance by Nathalie Raffray

10 & 11

‘It was an embryo of what it is today’ by Sr Maria Parcher DC

Ending homelessness tomorrow begins with what we do for children today by Cardinal Vincent Nichols

Part 1: Private Lives of the Popes by Philip Smyth

Book Review by the Editor

Regulars: St Francis in Meditation (c.1635-9), oil on canvas by Francisco de Zurbarán (1598-1664), © The National Gallery. On Saturday 3 October 1226, 800 years ago, the great St Francis of Assisi was born into heaven (died), singing Psalm 141 ‘Voce mea ad Dominum clamavi’ (I cried to the Lord with my voice). Having been commanded to ‘rebuild my Church’, St Francis’ influence over the last eight centuries has been immeasurable; everything from Christmas cribs to holy poverty, and even proto-environmentalism. To mark this incredible anniversary, Pope Leo XIV inaugurated a Jubilee Year of St Francis, from January 2026 to January 2027, complete with a plenary indulgence, which can be gained by visiting any Franciscan church, or church dedicated to St Francis, and fulfilling the usual requirements.

Monthly Album

14 & 15

The Friends

16 & 17

In Retrospect: 100 and 70 years ago Diary and Notices Crossword and Poem

21 24 & 25 26

Printed by Printed Easy – Tel: 01462 475 181 • All paper is obtained from well-managed sources or recycled stocks. • Pre-press methods do not use chemicals, developers, or fixers, and vegetable oil-based inks are used in place of pure oil options. • Waste is reduced as much as possible, and all offcuts and trimmings are recycled.

OCTOBER 2026

Oremus

If you would like to find out more or talk about the impact that you would like your gift to have, please contact Laura on the Cathedral’s Fundraising Team: cathedralgiving@rcdow.org.uk or call 020 7798 9058

Oremus is available for collection from the Cathedral, can be sent to you by post, read online at the Cathedral website or delivered direct to your inbox https://westminstercathedral.org.uk/the-cathedral-community/about-oremus/ Email: oremus@westminstercathedral.org.uk ✁

I wish to receive Oremus by post (Please fill out this coupon)

PLEASE COMPLETE IN BLOCK CAPITALS I enclose a cheque for £ payable to Westminster Cathedral Administration I enclose a donation of £ Name: Address: Postcode: For further information please call 020 7798 9052 or email oremus@westminstercathedral.org.uk . We would like to thank our readers for their continued support and all those who send donations. Increased postal costs for overseas mean that annual subscription rates are UK £28; Europe £58; Rest of the world £75. Send to: Oremus, 42 Francis Street, London SW1P 1QW United Kingdom Oremus 10.26

Oremus

OCTOBER 2026

FROM THE EDITOR

Westminster Cathedral Cathedral Clergy House 42 Francis Street London SW1P 1QW

Lorcán writes

Telephone 020 7798 9055 Email chreception@rcdow.org.uk www.westminstercathedral.org.uk

In November 1903, weeks before the fledgling Westminster Cathedral formally opened her doors, Pope St Pius X published his Encyclical Tra le sollecitudini, reaffirming the primacy of Gregorian chant, and ‘classic polyphony’. The Encyclical was a culmination of 19th century research and revival, much of which was undertaken by Dom Guéranger and the Benedictine monks of Solesmes. The monks used the new invention of photography to gather and document chant manuscripts from across Europe in an ad fontes attempt to reconstruct the originals.

October is incredibly busy this year. The highlight of the month is Adoremus, the National Eucharistic Congress, on Saturday 10 October. It will begin with Mass and talks at St George’s Cathedral, a procession of the Blessed Sacrament to Westminster Cathedral, Benediction, Mass, and all-night Adoration, ending with 6am Sunday Mass celebrated by Bishop Gerard Bradley. Much of the day will be livestreamed. At the end of the month, on Saturday 31 October, we will then welcome the Centenary Visitation of Our Lady of Fatima, and the relics of Ss Francisco and Jacinta Marto. Archbishop Richard Moth will crown the statue and celebrate the 12.30pm Mass. In brief, we will open the legal year, as per usual, with the ‘Red Mass’ on 1 October, followed by the National Altar Servers’ Mass on Saturday 3 October, both celebrated by His Grace the Archbishop. On Tuesday 6 October, four new canons will be installed in the Metropolitan Chapter, including the Cathedral Dean Fr Witoń. Bishop McAleenan will then celebrate Mass for Prisons Week on Monday 12 October, followed by Mass for the 40th anniversary of the Cardinal Hume Centre on Tuesday 13 October, celebrated by Cardinal Nichols. Finally, joint Evensong will be sung in Westminster Abbey on Friday 16 October and a Mass in thanksgiving for Bishop Stephen Wang’s Episcopal Ordination will be celebrated on Friday 30 October. OCTOBER 2026

Oremus

Also in residence Sr Jesuina, Sr Andelina, Sr Mariana and Sr Hermínia Music Department Simon Johnson, Master of Music Peter Stevens Obl. OSB, Assistant Master of Music Augustine Cox, Organ Scholar Cathedral Manager Peter McNulty Caption in here

Bold intro

Although firmly set within this musical culture, Westminster Cathedral Choir pre-dates the Encyclical by two years, with the founding of the Choir School on 5 October 1901 under the patronage of Pope St Gregory the Great, for whom Gregorian chant was named. This month, therefore, marks their 125th anniversary. Indeed, Cardinal Vaughan’s original plan was to staff the Cathedral with the Benedictine community in Ealing Abbey. The Choir then officially began their duty on Ascension Day, 8 May 1902, when the Chapter (Cathedral) Hall opened for worship. I have included in this edition a very interesting article written in 1926, for the Silver Jubilee of the school, which explains much of their early history. However, as I was searching for a suitable image of the school to use for the front cover, Louise Sage, Assistant Registrar (June 2022 to August 2026) and longtime member of the Guild of St John Southworth, ‘reminded’ me that 3 October also marks the 800th anniversary of the great St Francis of Assisi!

Cathedral Chaplains Fr Sławomir Witoń, Dean Canon Gerard King Fr Patrick van der Vorst, Precentor Fr Michael Guthrie, Archbishop’s Private Secretary Fr Vincent Mbu’i SVD Fr Paul Zhao SVD Fr Hugh MacKenzie Rev Paul Christian (Cathedral Deacon) Fr Clement Abobo, Fr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz (priests in residence)

Parish Safeguarding Representative Trevor Koschalka westcathsg2@safeguardrcdow.org.uk Cathedral Finance Manager George Kulasingham Cathedral Fundraising Manager Laura Dudhee Chapel of Ease Sacred Heart Church Horseferry Road SW1P 2EF

Main text

Italic text 5

HOMILY

Mass for Life The Rt Rev Frank Dougan, Bishop of Galloway On Saturday 5 September, 14 bishops concelebrated the 10.30am Mass for those attending the Mass for Life in London later that day. During that lively beginning to the Mass, I find myself thinking, ‘I wouldn’t want to be the preacher.’

disgruntled, it’s when people down here suggest that we need subtitles. So, I trust we won’t need subtitles this morning.

Having driven down on the overnight bus from Glasgow, I feel I can well represent one of the many aspects of the Scottish persona, which is a little bit disgruntled. Scots, you might know, are very good at being disgruntled. Things annoy us, and once we lose our ‘gruntle’, it’s very hard to get it back. Recently, there was an incident, or a story, which became big news up north. A well-known Scottish weather presenter, Judith Ralston, a Catholic, came down to London to present the national news. Something went wrong with the sound, which led to certain commentators saying, ‘maybe we need subtitles.’ If there’s anything that’s going to get a Scot

By providence I have been taking some weeks to re-read Pope Francis’s document, Amoris lætitia. On Thursday, as I was still reflecting on what I might say today, I came to the point where Pope Francis says this: ‘Each child has a place in God’s heart from all eternity. Once he or she is conceived, the Creator’s eternal dream comes true.’ These beautiful words perfectly express what it is we are reflecting on, and speaking and marching about today. ‘Each child has a place in God’s heart from all eternity, and once he or she is conceived, the Creator’s eternal dream comes true.’ This is why we do what we do. This is why so many of you, so many of us, are here today. Not

because of recent arguments, not because of science in the first instance, but, in the first instance, because we celebrate the love of God, who loves and sustains every single one of his children into existence. It is for that reason that the Church, from the very beginning, has so valued and prized parenthood. It is why she has so often spoken in defence of it, of its beauty, and given us examples of what parenthood should be from amongst our saints. Obviously, our Blessed Mother herself is a great example of motherhood, and St Joseph the great example of what it is to be a father. The Church gives us these examples and holds them up because the parent is such an important person, with such a great gift, and such a great responsibility. More recently, we also look to St Gianna Beretta Molla Oremus

OCTOBER 2026

HOMILY / ST LUKE’S HOSPICE and St Thomas More. I had to get an English saint in there somewhere but, just for balance, I’ll add in St Margaret of Scotland too. We value, celebrate, and rejoice in parenthood because that parenthood is called to reflect the parenthood of God himself; God the Father. All that we are called to do, and to be, is to reflect him; to reflect his love, and show his love to all of his creatures that he has loved into existence. It is why, as a priest, we’re given that great title father. Even though we are not called to be biological fathers, we are given the joy of being called priest. I have only been a bishop for a couple of years, but people come up to me all the time and call me ‘father’, and then apologise. But it is a lovely thing to be called a father, and so it is something I receive with warmth. Today is also the feast day of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Again, someone who never bore her own children, and yet had so many. Her great title of ‘mother’ is an honour because it reflects God the Father; how he presents himself in love and as Love. And so, therefore, a day like this is to celebrate the gift, and the privilege, and the responsibility of parenthood. We also reflect on the responsibility that each of us has to support those who are parents, to

support those who might become parents, and to support life in every instance. As I said, God has loved us into existence and continues to hold us in existence by his love. I invite you this morning to reflect on another mother saint, and take her example. Last week, we celebrated the feast of St Monica before celebrating the feast of her son Augustine, which is so appropriate; we celebrate the mother before we celebrate the son. I remember once taking a pilgrimage to Rome and going into the church of St Monica, and telling the pilgrims of her story. I later watched so many of the parents go to her tomb because they had children to pray for. Many would have argued that Augustine was too far gone, but it was the tears and prayers of his mother St Monica, and her perseverance, that changed him. And so, on a day like this, as we face those who, in the strongest of language, disagree, we respect them. We must always respect every person. We can sometimes fall into the temptation of feeling as if things are only going in one direction in our corner of the world. That our society is so far gone that life is no longer respected in the way it should be, according to God’s plan. We can be tempted to believe in

the inevitability of things only going in one direction, and that our arguments, and our statement, and our witness aren’t getting anywhere. That temptation is the enemy of hope. Instead, look to the example of someone, like St Monica, who could have lost hope, who could have been tempted to say, ‘There’s nothing else I can do.’ And yet, by her perseverance, by her tears, and by her prayers, her son returned to God. So, we keep doing what we’re doing. We keep saying what has to be said. We keep speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves. And we keep speaking up for God himself, who wants us to reflect his love to all, and who wants us to show that he has loved us into existence, and sustains us in his love. And we keep speaking up, with confidence, so that others will know and understand the same. We can feel put upon. We can feel attacked and put down. That’s not you; just ask St Paul! He would tell you the same thing from the very beginning: ‘When reviled, we bless. When persecuted, we endure. When slandered, we entreat’ (1 Corinthians 4:12). Why do we do this? Because each child has a place in God’s heart from all eternity. Once he or she is conceived, the Creator’s eternal dream comes true.

Cycling Clapham to Brighton Congratulations to John Grimes, a member of the Guild of St John Southworth, who cycled from Clapham Common to Brighton in 4 hours and 32 minutes, to raise much-needed funds for St Luke’s Hospice (Harrow & Brent). At the time of publication, John has raised £1,365. To support John and St Luke’s Hospice, visit justgiving.com/campaign/ slhlondontobrighton2026, or scan the QR code.

OCTOBER 2026

Oremus

BEFORE I FORMED YOU IN THE WOMB

Baby Loss Awareness Week: Remembering the babies who should be here Jessica Burley

Each year, buildings and landmarks are illuminated in pink and blue to mark the culmination of Baby Loss Awareness Week, from 9 to 15 October, creating a highly visible symbol of solidarity with those affected by pregnancy and baby loss. It is a time when we gather together to remember the children who have died, to raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss, and to acknowledge something that can so often remain unspoken. Pregnancy and baby loss can happen in many different ways, including miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, ectopic pregnancy and emergency medical interventions. Every loss is different, but behind each loss is a child who was loved, and a family learning to live with their absence.

Losing a baby changes a family forever. The grief does not simply disappear with time, and having their child and their loss acknowledged can mean so much to those living with it. As such, Baby Loss Awareness Week creates an opportunity to do this openly and positively, helping to break the silence and to show bereaved families that they are not alone. Communities also come together to create remembrance ribbon displays; pink, blue and white ribbons, representing individual babies who have died. When hundreds are displayed together, they become a powerful visual representation of the little lives that should be here, with a family and a story behind every one. Many such displays are held in support of Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society), one of the leading baby loss charities in the UK, which works to support bereaved families, and to fund research and improvements in care, helping to save the lives of future children. I became involved in Baby Loss Awareness Week following the stillbirth of my firstborn son, Jacob, in December 2021. Since then, I have organised remembrance displays and community activities in Beckenham. It has become a 8

meaningful way of keeping Jacob’s memory present, while also doing something positive for other bereaved families. This year, these will include ribbon displays across Beckenham and a Remembering Our Babies Service at Beckenham Crematorium on Thursday 15 October at 6.30pm, ending the week with the Global Wave of Light. At 7pm local time, people around the world light candles in memory of babies who have died, creating a Global Wave of Light that moves across time zones. For many families it is a simple, but deeply meaningful moment to pause, and to know that thousands of others are doing the same. Baby Loss Awareness Week is supported by the Baby Loss Awareness Alliance, which brings together charities and organisations including Sands to improve bereavement support, and to foster a greater understanding of pregnancy and baby loss. For those who have experienced loss, the week may mean remembering publicly, privately, or simply in their own hearts. For everyone else, it is an opportunity to listen, learn, and become better able to support someone who is grieving. A kind word, a candle, a ribbon, a prayer, or simply acknowledging a deceased child can mean more than we realise. The loss of a baby is not something that simply disappears with time. The love for that baby, and the place they hold within their family, can last a lifetime. By speaking about baby loss with compassion and understanding, we can help make sure that those little lives are never treated as though they did not matter.

To find out more about Baby Loss Awareness Week, visit babylossawareness.org and, for details of events in the Beckenham area, visit, or scan the QR code.

Oremus

OCTOBER 2026

TEMPUS FUGIT / COMPANIONS

A new Organ Scholar Augustine Cox

Originally from Harpenden, in Hertfordshire, I have just completed a music degree in Trinity College, Cambridge, where I served as Organ Scholar from 2023 to 2026. Prior to this, I spent a gap year as Organ Scholar in Worcester Cathedral, working with the (then) assistant organist Nicholas Freestone. In a bizarre doublecoincidence, Nicholas has just joined the Cathedral Choir School as Head of Music. His vacant position in Worcester has since been filled by Alexander Robson, my predecessor in Westminster. After a week of Peter Stevens, the Assistant Master of Music, working overtime to show me the ropes, we now share the task of playing for services and assisting in the choristers’ rehearsals. It has also been thoroughly enjoyable getting to know the community of priests and sisters living in the Clergy House community, and the (almost) daily 7.35am Morning Prayer services are, among other things, a bonding experience.

I have been tasked with providing music before, during, and after services. Much of this is improvised, some is repertoire. At its best, the organ comments on the liturgy, rather than serving only to fill awkward silences. In an article from the 1993 issue of Revue Cœcilia, originally published in French shortly after Olivier Messiaen’s death in 1992, the composer and organist wrote on the subject of playing the organ during Mass: ‘At that moment I am in close connection with what is happening at the altar, almost like a priest […] The Blessed Sacrament is present while I improvise, and I know that under those conditions, what I do is better than in concert’. Although I was raised Catholic, I have only ever seriously played in Anglican environments, which makes this post especially satisfying. Alongside supporting the congregation in their singing and accompanying the Choir,

I will strive towards these ideals this year, and I am looking forward to imbuing this sense of musicianship into the current generation of choristers, and to playing a variety of repertoire on the Cathedral’s fabulous instruments.

Companions of Oremus

We are very grateful for the support of the following: Leticia Dominguez Abada Lagrimas Ambatali Zenaida Basbas Leonila V Bernabe Keith Best Lolita Botanes Richard Bremer Yvonne M. Bridger Hajnalka Burai Lorenzo Cabrelli Linda Challis Mrs Erlinda Chin R & L Collyer-Hamlin Daniel Crowley Benedicta Jamogha Dako Caridad Dataro Angelita Caronan Duran Emmanuel Ekewelem Cora Emflorgo Angelita Emperador Ms Georgina Enang Ruby and Joseph Farrell in memoriam Revd James Francis Friedenthal Euphrasie Mundele Kilolo William Gardner-Hunter Juanita Grecalda OCTOBER 2026

Oremus

Zoe & Nick Goodway Rosalinda Grimaldo Amanda Hill Jithro and Ira Nadine Hangad Bernadette Hau Mervyn and Barbara Hogg Mrs Cliona Howell Alice M Jones & Jacob F Jones Poppy K Rosanne Kay Mary Thérèse Kelly John Langan Raymund Livesey Alan Lloyd in memoriam Tony McGee Linda McHugh Christiana Thérèse Macarthy-Woods Ms Ludivina Mangmang James Maple Paul Marsden Mary Maxwell Lourdes Miranda Dr Denis Moloney Dr George Morris Abundia Toledo Munar Chris Stewart Munro

Kate Nealon Bett Ng Monica Abiodun Oguntoyinbo Cordelia Onodu Nigel Parker Fr John Pascoe Cris Ragonton Alan Rainer Ann-Marie Rivers Clementina Rokosu Precy Salvador John Scanlan Veronica Scrope Tessa and Ben Strickland Yollie Sumayod Julia Sutherland Ewelina Szydelko Eileen Terry Lucila Torrefiel Christiana Tetteh-Wayoe Dr Timothy I Young in memoriam Teresa in memoriam and Peter Zurenkas and of our anonymous Companions If you would like to become a Companion of Oremus, see page 2

CYCLE4HOPE

Memories, Prayer and Perseverance Nathalie Raffray, ACN Press Officer

Memories from childhood, old arguments and longforgotten worries surfaced unexpectedly as a cyclist pedalled alone across Europe towards Jerusalem. Yet, after completing what he described as the hardest stretch of his journey so far crossing into Italy, Andrew Foote said those thoughts now pass ‘like clouds in the sky’ as faith, prayer and a growing sense of protection sustain him on the road. Andrew, a gardener from Willesden, is hoping to raise £20,000 for Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a Catholic charity supporting persecuted and suffering Christians, by cycling more than 2,200 miles from Britain to Jerusalem. Having set off on 15 August from Westminster Cathedral, he told ACN that the toughest tests had come in recent days as he tackled steep mountainous terrain on Italy’s north-west coast. While he had expected the famed Côte d’Azur to provide some of the greatest challenges, the border region proved more punishing. He said: ‘France was easy compared to yesterday (12 September), and the day before approaching Genoa was really hard. It was really Italy that I found the sharpest. It’s basically the foothills of the Alps. I knew it would be tough.’ Despite the difficult climbs, Andrew said his body had adapted, with his legs getting stronger and an eight-year pain in his left shoulder vanishing, which he described as ‘most bizarre – almost like a miracle’. Weeks of carrying heavily laden panniers have also transformed his fitness to such an extent that riding an unloaded bicycle now feels effortless. He said: ‘It feels almost like I’m on an electric bike. There have been several times when I’ve gotten on the bike and nearly come off because I wasn’t expecting it to go as fast as it was.’ He told ACN much of the journey has been spent alone. Aside from two brief encounters with fellow cyclists in France and Italy, the pilgrimage has largely been a ‘solo venture’. That solitude, however, has brought unexpected opportunities for reflection. He said:

Andrew in Rome.

In difficult moments he turns to prayer, often repeating the Serenity Prayer to regain perspective. ‘My main focus is really just getting from A to B to C. I’m taking it one day at a time and trying not to look too far ahead. The way I look at it is that Rome is bronze, Ephesus in Turkey is silver, Antioch in Syria is gold, and Jerusalem is like the diamonds, so to speak.’

But rather than burdening him, Andrew said those memories often dissolve as quickly as they emerge. He added:

His next target is attending his first general audience with Pope Leo XIV in Rome on 23 September where he hopes to speak with the Pontiff. Crossing into Italy also marked something of a spiritual turning point. While impressed by the beauty of French churches, Andrew noticed many were closed. In Italy, he has found churches open, Masses readily available and faith more visibly woven into daily life. He said:

‘They just dissipate afterwards. Whatever thought has troubled me, when it comes back it doesn’t trouble me again, which is very therapeutic.’

‘The cultural difference was quite profound. It’s spiritually very different. In Italy it’s way easier to go to Mass and the churches are extraordinarily artistic and immensely elegant.’

‘Sometimes your head goes into weird places. I’ll remember things from my childhood or quarrels I’ve had in my life with people. Thoughts come from the strangest parts of my consciousness.’

Oremus

OCTOBER 2026

CYCLE4HOPE One particularly memorable moment came in Genoa after attending Mass and praying the Rosary at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate. Approaching a priest afterwards, Andrew explained that he was a pilgrim cycling to Jerusalem and asked for a blessing. To his surprise, the priest, Fr Matteo Ceccarelli, introduced himself as the city’s chaplain for pilgrims. Fr Matteo said: ‘This is amazing. We were just talking about pilgrims and pilgrimages before you came up to us’. The priest then offered a blessing and prayed for the success of the journey through the intercession of Our Lady. Experiences such as these have strengthened Andrew’s conviction that he is not undertaking this challenge alone. Thanking all of his supporters, he said: ‘One of the things I was fearful of before setting off was being lonely, being anxious, losing my temper but I have felt remarkably calm the whole way through. I can really feel like I’m being protected and that there’s a lot of people out there rooting for me and keeping me in their thoughts and prayers. I definitely feel like the Holy Spirit is protecting me through this. I really feel like I’m under Mary’s mantle.’ This year ACN marks the 10th anniversary of #RedWednesday with its £1Million4Hope Matched Challenge, where all donations are doubled, helping us bring hope to persecuted Christians. To learn more about #RedWednesday, and how you could get involved like Andrew, visit acnuk.org/ redwednesday.

Andrew with the Community of the Beatitudes in the Chapel of the Visitation, Pont-Saint-Esprit, France. OCTOBER 2026

Oremus

Andrew with the Franciscan friars at the Eremo Delle Carceri in Assisi, for the Jubilee Year of the Transitus of St Francis. A special thank you to everyone who has offered Andrew accommodation along the route. The Fondazione Centro Giovanni has kindly offered Andrew seven days accommodation during his stay in Rome, which has allowed Andrew to also visit Assisi. A big thank you to Don Antonio Lauri for his generous support to Andrew.

To support Andrew’s journey, and Aid to the Church in Need’s work supporting persecuted Christians worldwide, visit tinyurl.com/Cycle4Hope, or scan the QR code.

CARDINAL HUME CENTRE

‘It was an embryo of what it is today’ 17 October 2026 marks 40 years since the Cardinal Hume Centre was opened. Four decades after helping to establish the Centre, Sr Maria Parcher looks back at its beginnings and reflects on how an ambitious idea became reality that has helped thousands of people in Westminster. In 1985, Sr Eileen O’Mahoney, a Daughter of Charity who had helped establish The Passage, noticed growing numbers of young people experiencing homelessness. Concerned about what would happen without support tailored to their needs, she began exploring the idea of a separate project for young people. With the Westminster Cathedral Administrator, Mgr Pat O’Donoghue (‘POD’), she identified the convent on Arneway Street as a potential home. They approached Cardinal Basil Hume, who supported the idea and asked religious orders across the Diocese to help. Some gave money, while others offered sisters to work there.

Sr Maria Parcher DC

The beginnings were modest, and the new Centre would support both young people and families, with the family day centre and a GP surgery becoming the first services to open, with a hostel opening in the following year. Then, as now, many people had a limited understanding of family homelessness. ‘Many thought that homeless people were those sleeping on the streets,’ says Sr Maria. ‘They didn’t realise families were living in hotels with nowhere permanent to call home.’ Today, the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre is more vital than ever. Each year, the Centre helps more than 1,500 people through a wide range of advice and support services, including a specialist family centre, supported accommodation for young people aged 16 to 25 experiencing homelessness, and expert advice on housing, welfare, immigration, employment and learning. ‘It was very much an embryo of what it is now,’ Sr Maria says, concluding: ‘Nothing major has changed. But everything has developed so much better.’

In 1986, Sr Eileen and Fr Peter Corcoran moved into the empty convent and began turning the idea into reality. Sr Eileen drove the project forward, while Sr Maria, also a Daughter of Charity, researched gaps in support by visiting established homelessness organisations and bed and breakfasts across London. What she discovered helped shape the Centre’s future. Parents, often with babies and young children, had to leave their temporary accommodation in the morning and could not return until evening. One mother lived with two young children on the second floor, while the kitchen was in the basement. Sr Maria recalls, ‘We had to do something. And there was nothing around here at that time.’ 12

Oremus

OCTOBER 2026

500 FUTURES

Ending homelessness tomorrow begins with what we do for children today Dear Friends, For 40 years, the Cardinal Hume Centre has stood as a place of welcome for so many in need. Founded by Cardinal Basil Hume, it strives to be faithful to a central teaching of our faith that every person has God-given dignity and worth and, in moments of greatest need, should be met with help and encouragement. This conviction filled the heart of the Cardinal; it remains as compelling today as it was in 1986.

A great privilege in my life has been the opportunity to work closely with Cardinal Hume. I was, therefore, delighted to be able to serve the Centre as Patron during my years as Archbishop of Westminster. I have seen the quiet but transformative impact of its work. The Centre does not simply respond to immediate need; it walks alongside each individual, helping them to rediscover confidence, build resilience, and move towards a more secure future.

‘ Sadly for many, it seems there is no sense of hope. Yet behind each face is a personal story, the circumstances that brought that individual person to this state. These people are precious in the eyes of God and thus must be precious in ours. Each person matters. No human life is ever redundant.’

Cardinal Basil Hume at the Cardinal Hume Centre open evening, 25 March 1994.

This is work of lasting importance, carried out with compassion, professionalism, and deep respect for each person. I recall on one visit to the Centre a young man who had arrived feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of his future. What struck him most was not the help he had received, but the way he had been listened to, respected and given renewed confidence. It was clear that this was more than support; it was a restoration of hope. I am pleased to be Patron of the 500 Futures campaign. This is both ambitious and deeply necessary. By seeking to support 500 more people each year, the Centre is responding to the increasing pressures faced by many. I warmly encourage you to support this campaign. In doing so, you will be helping to sustain and extend a work of lasting significance – one that offers not only practical assistance but also renewed hope for many for whom the future seems bleak indeed. Cardinal Hume would be so proud of this work and grateful for your assistance. With every good wish and my blessing,

OCTOBER 2026

Oremus

Please scan the QR code to find out more about the Centre's 40 years in Westminster. 13

MONTHLY ALBUM

Mass for Life On Saturday 5 September we were joined by 14 bishops from across England, Wales and Scotland at a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Richard Moth, for those attending the March for Life. The Cathedral was full to capacity including many families, the elderly, clergy and religious, and even a few protesters! The First Reading, following a little chaos, was incredibly poignant (1 Cor 4:6-15): ‘When reviled we bless; when persecuted we endure; when slandered we entreat.’

Chorister Inductions Congratulations to the four new choristers who were inducted into the Choir by their school chaplain, Fr Hugh Mackenzie, at Sunday Vespers on 13 September. Each boy received a white cotta and a Graduale Romanum, marking them as full members of the Cathedral Choir. Six boys have also been accepted as ‘probationers’ and have begun their initial training.

Oremus

OCTOBER 2026

MONTHLY ALBUM

The Catholic Hierarchy continued Following the election of Pope Leo XIV, the appointment of Archbishop Richard Moth, and his reception of the pallium, the brass plaque beside the Holy Souls’ Chapel was removed, updated and reinstalled. These plaques contain the names of every Pope and senior clergyman in this country from Pope St Gregory the Great and St Augustine of Canterbury, along with Popes St Peter and St Sylvester, and Restitutus, the Romano-British Bishop of London.

Peter Howell RIP (1941-2026) On Wednesday 23 September, we laid to rest Peter Howell, a well-known and long-standing member of the Cathedral Art and Architecture Committee (1974), who died on 15 August, aged 85. May he rest in eternal peace. Funny and outspoken, Peter was a prolific author (including a recent biography of John Francis Bentley), a distinguished academic, classicist, and architectural historian, who campaigned tirelessly for old buildings and churches.

Buckfast Choir On Saturday 12 September, we welcomed the Choir of Buckfast Abbey, who sang the 6pm Vigil Mass with Benedictine skill. They also lent their voices to St George’s, Sudbury, the following morning and spent some time sightseeing.

OCTOBER 2026

Oremus

THE FRIENDS OF WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL

Autumn in Full Swing Evan WJ McNamara, Vice-Chairman

After the summer break, September saw the Friends return with a busy programme of events, and it has been wonderful to welcome members and guests back to Cathedral Hall. We were delighted to welcome the distinguished author and biographer A. N. Wilson to Cathedral Hall for a fascinating talk on his recent book, The Wise and Their Works: The Legacy of the Great Exhibition of 1851. Later in the month, The Orion Orchestra returned for another wonderful evening of music, performing Schubert’s String Quintet in C major with Korean guest cellist David Son. We are very grateful to all our performers and to everyone who joined us. Our monthly quiz also returned, with Deacon Paul as quizmaster, which proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Our quizzes are a wonderful opportunity to bring different parts of the Cathedral community together, and I would love to see more of our

ministries forming teams for the next one. Whether readers, extraordinary ministers, servers or Guild members, why not gather a team and join us?

The Big Give September also saw the Friends undertake our final Big Give appeal of 2026, raising funds towards the urgent and essential upgrade of the Cathedral’s sound system. Much of the main sound control and processing equipment is now outdated and officially obsolete, making repairs increasingly difficult. For this campaign, the Friends secured £25,000 in matched funding, giving us the opportunity to turn £25,000 in online donations into £50,000 towards this important project. At the time of writing, the campaign has not yet concluded, so I look forward to reporting the final total in the next edition of Oremus. My sincere thanks go to everyone who has supported the appeal.

Looking Ahead Fundraising Dinner Preparations are well advanced for our special fundraising dinner at Brooks’s Club on Monday 5 October, welcoming Archbishop Richard Moth, who has kindly accepted the role of President of the Friends, as our Guest of Honour. We have been delighted by the response and the dinner is nearly sold out. For any last-minute availability, please contact friends@ rcdow.org.uk as soon as possible. The evening will raise funds towards the Cathedral’s important drainage and infrastructure works.

Quiz On Thursday 8 October, our next quiz will be hosted by Canon Gerard King, who has recently joined the Cathedral’s College of Chaplains. We look forward to welcoming him.

Archbishop McDonald On Thursday 15 October, at 6.30pm, we are delighted to welcome Archbishop Kevin McDonald, Archbishop Emeritus of Southwark, to Cathedral Hall. Archbishop Kevin will give a talk entitled ‘ARCIC: A Church in Dialogue’, exploring the work of the Anglican–Roman Catholic International Commission and the continuing importance of ecumenical dialogue. Tickets are £20, including refreshments afterwards.

Magnifica humanitas

Author A. N. Wilson in Cathedral Hall.

On Wednesday 4 November, at 6.30pm, Fr Hugh Mackenzie will discuss Pope Leo’ encyclical Magnifica humanitas and the implications of artificial intelligence. Tickets are £10, including refreshments afterwards. Oremus

OCTOBER 2026

THE FRIENDS OF WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL Carols by Candlelight

Friends a rare opportunity to discover more about an area at the heart of the Cathedral’s liturgical life.

Further Information

Do also get in touch if you have an idea for a future event or would like to organise one for the Friends.

Looking Towards Our Golden Jubilee

As mentioned in last month’s edition, we are also planning an exclusive evening visit to Westminster Abbey, followed by a reception, as part of our Jubilee programme. In addition, discussions are underway for a special reception at one of London’s leading embassies. These are just some of the plans taking shape for our Golden Jubilee, and we look forward to sharing dates and further details as arrangements are confirmed.

Planning continues for a particularly important milestone: the 50th anniversary of the Society of Friends of Westminster Cathedral in 2027. Our Events Committee is developing an exciting programme to celebrate our history while looking confidently towards the future. Among the events being planned, Fr Patrick van der Vorst, Cathedral Precentor and Chairman of the Friends, will lead an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Cathedral Sacristy, offering

In the meantime, thank you to everyone who supports the Friends, whether by attending our events, volunteering or supporting our appeals. Your involvement enables us both to strengthen our Cathedral community and to continue supporting the Cathedral itself. If you are not already a Friend, please do consider joining us. For events, membership or our mailing list, contact friends@rcdow.org.uk. I look forward to welcoming you at one of our forthcoming events.

Our popular Carols by Candlelight returns this Advent, on Monday 7 December. The evening will begin at 6.30pm in Cathedral Hall, before we move to the Lady Chapel for carols led by Ed Picton-Turberville, followed by festive refreshments back in the Hall. Tickets are £30, and we hope Friends, visitors and guests will join us.

OCTOBER 2026

Oremus

For more information about any event, or if you are unable to book online, please contact: friends@rcdow.org.uk

Join the Friends To join the Friends of Westminster Cathedral, please visit tinyurl.com/ CathedralFriendsMembership.

CATHEDRAL HISTORY A PICTORIAL RECORD

The Cathedral Choir School: Its Silver Jubilee, October 1926

J.C.

This year (2026) marks the 125th anniversary of Westminster Cathedral Choir School, founded on 5 October 1901. The text below by ‘J.C.’ was written to mark the Silver Jubilee (1926). The Choir formally began their work on Ascension Day, 8 May 1902, when Cathedral services were held in the newly built Cathedral (or Chapter) Hall. On 5 October there will have been in existence for twenty-five years one of those institutions connected with Westminster Cathedral which has done much towards establishing the Cathedral’s world-wide reputation, namely, the Choir School. Cardinal Vaughan, the builder of the Cathedral, realised that in order to make it a worthy House of God in the centre of the Metropolis it would be necessary to provide a competent choir for the singing of God’s praises. With this idea, even before the opening of the Cathedral for public worship, the Cardinal selected a choir master—Sir R. R. Terry— who was destined to earn for himself and for his choir a reputation which in a few years spread far beyond the limits of this country, and under him he placed the first boys chosen to be the foundation of the Cathedral Choir. At first there were only eleven boys who began their work of training fired by the inspiring word of the Cardinal. They received their musical instruction, in the first place, in what is now the large reception room in Archbishop’s House, and for some months were lodged in a part of the Clergy House, which still retains the name of the ‘Choir Gallery,’ which it then received. From October, 1901, to Ascension Day, 1902, they were prepared for the inauguration of the Sacred Liturgy, which took place on that day in the Cathedral Hall, used temporarily pending the opening of the Cathedral. 18

satisfactorily. The Cathedral Choir began to take its proper place among the great London choirs, and even to extend its reputation beyond the shores of England. By the time that the lease of the house in St George’s Road came to an end Cardinal Vaughan’s successor in the See of Westminster had found ways and means of building a Choir School adjoining the Cathedral on the large piece of vacant land that formed part of the Cathedral ‘island’ site.

A chorister from the Westminster Cathedral Chronicle, October 1926. On the arrival of the first group of Cathedral chaplains to undertake their part in the singing of Mass and of the Divine Office the choir boys had to find another dwelling, as the rooms they occupied were needed for the priests. A house was then taken on a short lease in St George’s Road, and for some years the boys had to go backwards and forwards between that house and the Cathedral, where their education, both academic and musical, was carried on in what is now known as the Song School. This undoubtedly had its disadvantages, for all the classes had to be assembled in one room. Teaching in such circumstances was not easy. However, even with these handicaps and the inconvenience of having to go six times a day between the Cathedral and St George’s Road, their work progressed

In 1906 the boys, or ‘Children of the Choir,’ as they are sometimes called, moved into the new school buildings, and thenceforward they were able to receive their education in properly equipped classrooms, while the Song School was reserved for their musical training. From that time there has been little material change. The two outstanding features in this respect are the levelling of the ground about the school to form a playground—larger than any playground of any school of similar capacity in London—which took place some twelve years ago, and the building of the School Hall, which was opened in 1924, in order that the boys might have a properly equipped gymnasium and also a covered place to play in during wet weather. Within this comparatively short period of years many boys have passed through the school and have entered various professions. Very few have adopted a musical career. But one thing is particularly gratifying, namely, that on this the twenty-fifth anniversary of the foundation of the Choir School, the important post of Assistant Master of Music is held by one of the first eleven boys of the choir—Fr Lancelot Long, Mus.Bac. (Oxon). Incidentally, he is the only choir boy who so far has been ordained priest, though there are several others now preparing for the priesthood. Oremus

OCTOBER 2026

The Choir in 1922 under Sir Richard Runciman Terry (centred, with hood) To-day the total number of boys at the school is forty-three, of whom thirtytwo are boarders and eleven are day boys. Twenty-eight of the total number of boys are choristers. Although originally meant only for boys who could sing, the scope of the Choir School was later on extended. Boys were admitted who could be trained as servers necessary for the carrying out of the Liturgy on weekdays, when the Guild of St Gregory, composed almost exclusively of business men, could not attend. These servers, whether boarders or day boys,

The new gymnasium (right) built in 1924. OCTOBER 2026

Oremus

receive their education along with the choristers, and occupy the time which the others devote to musical training in additional study or in classes which prepare them for their functions in the Sanctuary and give them a greater knowledge of the Liturgy of the Church. A few words must be added about the Headmasters who have had charge of the school and contributed to its well-being. Although not actually the first Headmaster, Dr Driscoll assumed that position so early

The Crypt was, at that time, used as a school chapel. in the history of the school as to have been responsible for the successful carrying out of the changes from Archbishop’s House to St George’s Road, and from there to the present school building. It was only when the Cardinal Vaughan School actually came into being in 1914 that Dr Driscoll, who had been appointed its Headmaster, left the Choir School. He was succeeded by his Vice-Rector, Fr Herbert Hall, who has recently been made an honorary Canon of Westminster. On his retirement from the post of Headmaster, in order to give his undivided attention to the ever-growing work of the Holy Childhood, Fr Hall was succeeded by Fr Austin Donlin, the present Headmaster. It is a matter for regret that Fr Donlin is prevented through ill-health from taking part in the Jubilee Celebrations.

PONTEVEDRA CENTENARY

National Pilgrim Virgin Statue Visitation Jerry Rivera, World Apostolate of Fatima International On Saturday 31 October 2026, the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be solemnly welcomed at Westminster Cathedral, marking the culmination of a two-year pilgrimage to the cathedrals of England and Wales. This initiative, organised by the World Apostolate of Fatima, commemorates the centenary of the first Pontevedra Apparition on 10 December 1925. In the Dorothean Convent, the Child Jesus and Our Lady appeared to Sr Lucia and renewed the call for the Five First Saturdays Devotion, inviting the faithful to undertake ‘Confession, Holy Communion, the Rosary, and 15 minutes meditation on the mysteries, offered in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.’ The Cathedral Visitations were conceived both as a national commemoration of the Pontevedra Apparition and a renewed invitation to embrace the First Saturdays Devotion; a practice central to the Fatima message. Over the course of two years, the pilgrimage travelled to every cathedral in England and Wales, beginning at St 20

Joseph’s Co-Cathedral, Swansea, in May 2025. At each stop, hundreds of faithful gathered to honour Our Lady of Fatima, to deepen their understanding of the devotion, and to pray for peace and the conversion of sinners. The final visit to Westminster Cathedral, therefore, represents the spiritual summit of the programme and a moment of unity for the Catholic community. The liturgical celebrations will be led by the Most Rev Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. His participation underscores the continuing relevance of Fatima’s call to prayer, penance, and reparation in the life of the Church today. The World Apostolate of Fatima also expresses its deep gratitude to Cardinal Vincent Nichols and to the Bishops’ Conference for their support over the years, and for the approved resolution promoting the Five First Saturdays Devotion throughout England and Wales. Their encouragement has strengthened the national effort to renew this important Marian practice.

The programme at Westminster Cathedral will include: Solemn Mass with the Pilgrim Virgin Statue, a procession and recitation of the Holy Rosary, an Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a reflection on the First Saturdays Devotion, and opportunities for personal veneration of the statue and the relics of Ss Francisco and Jacinta Marto. Volunteers from the World Apostolate of Fatima will also be present to assist pilgrims, to provide guidance, and to offer resources on the Fatima message and the First Saturdays Devotion. This culmination of Cathedral Visitations at Westminster Cathedral is expected to be a moment of grace for Catholics across England and Wales. In a time marked by spiritual and societal challenges, the Fatima message – rooted in conversion, prayer, and reparation – continues to offer hope and strength. The faithful are warmly invited to attend this historic event, to pray for peace in families, communities, and the world, and to entrust the nation to the maternal care of Our Lady of Fatima and her Immaculate Heart. Oremus

OCTOBER 2026

ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY YEARS AGO

In retrospect: from the Cathedral Chronicle Westminster Cathedral Chronicle, October 1956 Double Bereavement Coming so soon after the death of the late Cardinal, the loss of Archbishop Myers [Coadjutor Archbishop of Westminster] leaves the Cathedral bereft of two great Pontiffs. Of their manifold activities outside the sanctuary of the Cathedral others have written; in this column we write of them both simply as they have so often been seen by us, vested in their pontifical garments, leading us in the supreme functions of the liturgy. Archbishop Myers came to a ceremony as though he were perfectly capable of stopping any number of Attilas at the gates of Rome. Once vested, in contrast to his genial, sunny Common Room manner, he became hieratic, remote, and, when he had to intone some majestic text, tremendous. The individual touch of inspiration he gave to a ceremony was the sense of historic continuity with the age-old liturgy as performed by mighty Bishops and Abbots of the past whose effigies in marble and bronze lie in every great church in Europe. Those of us who were present at his last great pontifical function in the Cathedral, the liturgy of Good Friday, realised with a deep sorrow that it was likely to be his final effort. He tried so hard to sound the ringing note on which year after year he had sung the Bidding Prayers, but his voice cracked and faltered; one felt that it was only with acute distress that he was able to continue the ceremony. He had lived in full vigour long enough for this to be the first Good Friday of the New Order of Holy Week. It had been by his special request that in spite of his failing health he should perform the function as usual. We are proud to remember that the transition from the Old Order to the New should have been made for us by one who so magnificently embodied the immemorial traditions of the Church. .....

Westminster Cathedral Chronicle, October 1926

The work of clearing and levelling the ground alongside the Cathedral is progressing rapidly, in spite of the fact that the workmen have ‘made contact’ with some of the very solid foundations of the old Tothills County Prison. The whole area will be cleared and levelled by the end of the month, except for a small portion, where an altar is to be erected, near the new St Peter’s Hall. With the exception of August and September, Confirmation is given in Westminster Cathedral every third Sunday of the month. It may be useful to state again that all candidates for Confirmation must present the official card duly signed by a priest, through whom it can be obtained. Ladies to be confirmed should wear a veil. A hat or bonnet is unsuitable. A room is provided in the Cathedral for changing. Gloves should be removed before coming up for Confirmation. The new console, which will form the point of contact between the two organs in the Cathedral, is nearly complete. There only remain some minor adjustments and the fitting of the case. It is thought, by those in a position to judge, that this console will be quite unique in the facilities it will offer to the organist who is called upon to play two separate and distinct organs. Many new features have been introduced. For instance, all the combinations may be changed by the organist at any time without leaving his seat on the organ bench, and the change from the grand organ in the West Gallery to the little organ in the apse, can be made instantaneously or both organs may be played together. The full power of the two organs, or of each separately, may be obtained by one touch of a foot piston, or may be brought out gradually by means of a crescendo pedal. These are only a few of the many devices to aid the performer, which Mr Willis, the builder of both organs, has incorporated in this his latest masterpiece of console construction. The console is to be blessed by the Cardinal Archbishop before the High Mass on Sunday, 3 October, and will be inaugurated at the St Francis Centenary function on the following day.

Varia The seventh centenary of the death of St Francis of Assisi will be solemnly celebrated in the Cathedral on Monday, 4 October. The Cardinal Archbishop will sing the Mass in presence of the Chapter, and all the clergy of the Diocese are invited to attend. This solemn function will also be offered in commemoration of the twenty-fifth anniversary—which falls on the following day—of the foundation of the Choir School, a short history of which will be found elsewhere in this issue. Another function of special interest will be the celebration for the first time, on the fifth Sunday of October, of the new feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In December last the Holy Father issued an Encyclical Letter to the whole Catholic world explaining the reason of the new feast and how such feasts are instituted as special needs arise. OCTOBER 2026

Oremus

THE PAPAL HOUSEHOLD - PART 1

The Private Lives of the Popes Philip Smyth, Manager of JH Kenyon Funeral Directors The modern papacy is normally described through images, conclaves, encyclicals, journeys and encounters. There is, however, another history: the life behind the doors of the Papal Apartment on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace. Private secretaries, housekeepers and physicians all see a side of the Pope which the crowds in St Peter’s Square never see. Their recollections and memories help preserve the small incidents which tell us most about the man behind the office. Pope St Pius X (1835-1914) never entirely lost the simplicity of Giuseppe Sarto, the son of a village postman from Riese. The splendour of the Papal Court sat uneasily upon a man formed as a country priest. His tastes remained simple and his instinctive humility survived elevation to the Chair of Peter. It is one of the attractive features of his pontificate: the office changed, but much of the parish priest remained. His successor, Benedict XV (1854-1922), is sometimes called the ‘unknown Pope’. Giacomo della Chiesa reigned during the First World War and worked tirelessly for peace, yet his personality has left a much fainter impression on popular memory. He was tiny, thin, and slightly stooped, but he was also capable of joking about his unprepossessing appearance. We know surprisingly little about the domestic life of his Papal Household. That obscurity is itself rather characteristic of Benedict: a modest figure whose pontificate was overshadowed by the catastrophe taking place beyond the Vatican walls. With Pope Pius XI (1857-1939), there was no shortage of personality. Achille Ratti was a scholar, librarian, mountaineer and formidable worker, but he also possessed a famously short fuse. His Private Secretary, Carlo Confalonieri (1893-1986), had served him in Milan and remained at his side throughout the pontificate. Confalonieri later received the red hat and became Dean of the College of Cardinals. One of the stories which best conveys Ratti’s temper concerns the 22

French Jesuit, Cardinal Louis Billot. Their bitter disagreement over Action Française has passed into Vatican legend as the occasion on which the angry Pope took, or demanded, back Billot’s red biretta. The precise theatrical details are difficult to establish, but the anecdote has survived because contemporaries considered such behaviour entirely believable on Pius XI’s part. The household of Pope Pius XII (1876-1958) was dominated by one remarkable woman: Mother Pascalina Lehnert (1894-1983). She had cared for Eugenio Pacelli from his diplomatic years in Bavaria and remained with him through his years as Secretary of State, and throughout his pontificate. Her devotion to him was unquestioned, but so was her power. Senior Vatican officials nicknamed her ‘Virgo Potens’ (the Powerful Virgin). Cardinals often discovered that access to the Pope depended entirely on their ability to get past the German nun at his door. Pascalina’s care also extended to the smallest details. After large audiences, at which Pius XII had touched the hands of many pilgrims, his hands were disinfected upon his return to the apartment. She knew his habits, diet and health intimately, yet her influence rested entirely upon her relationship with Pacelli. When Pope Pius XII died at Castel Gandolfo on 9 October 1958, her position ended immediately, and she left the Papal Household. The end of that particular pontificate also produced one of the strangest scandals in modern Vatican history. Pius XII’s physician, Dr Riccardo Galeazzi-Lisi (1891-1968), used his exceptional access during the Pope’s final illness to obtain photographs and information which he attempted to sell to the press. Following the Pope’s death, Galeazzi-Lisi employed an experimental method of preserving the body. It failed disastrously. During the Lying-in-State, the body deteriorated badly, creating an appalling situation for those attending the bier. Galeazzi-Lisi’s position in the Vatican was finished.

The contrast with Pope St John XXIII (1881-1963) could hardly have been greater. Angelo Roncalli brought warmth and humour into the Papal Household. His Private Secretary, Loris Francesco Capovilla (1915-2016), had served him as Patriarch of Venice and followed him to Rome after the Conclave of 1958. Capovilla became the custodian of an enormous store of memories of Papa Giovanni and, more than half a century later, was created a cardinal by Pope Francis at the age of 98. With Pope St Paul VI (1897-1978), the relationship between Pope and secretary was exceptionally close. Pasquale Macchi (1923-2006) had served Giovanni Battista Montini before his election and remained as Private Secretary throughout the pontificate. The most dramatic moment came at Manila Airport on 27 November 1970, when Benjamin Mendoza y Amor Flores, disguised as a priest, attacked Paul VI with a knife. Macchi immediately threw himself upon the attacker and restrained him, preventing further blows. What Macchi remembered particularly, however, was the Pope’s reaction. Paul VI looked at his secretary with what Macchi described as a gaze veiled by a slight reproach at the violence with which he had dealt with the attacker. The extent of what had happened was not immediately apparent. Paul VI continued with his engagements but, when he was later able to undress, he discovered a large bloodstain on his undershirt. The knife had caused a small wound to the chest, close to the heart, and another near the base of the neck. When asked afterwards about his assailant, Paul VI’s response was characteristically simple: ‘I have forgiven and forgotten.’ The bloodstained undershirt was preserved and, when Paul VI was canonised by Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square on 14 October 2018, it was presented as a relic of the new saint. To be continued… Oremus

OCTOBER 2026

BOOK REVIEW

A Dolorous Stroke Healed Lorcán Keller

GALAHAD AND THE GRAIL, by Malcolm Guite, illustrated by Stephen Crotts; Canterbury Press, London, 2026; ISBN 978 1 78622 712 6 (376 pages). I first came across Malcolm Guite on YouTube, giving a very interesting explanation of Tolkien’s Tom Bombadil and Goldberry, while peering out from a cloud of tobacco smoke, pipe in hand. His gravelly voice and hobbitesque appearance only added to the charm. I have since discovered that, in addition to his work in Cambridge, Guite is a talented poet and an Anglican clergyman. He still occasionally pops up on my feed with an Arthurian or Tolkien-related video, but it was his guest appearance on Catholic podcaster Matt Fradd’s channel, ‘Pints With Aquinas’, where I discovered his new book Galahad and the Grail (March 2026). This beautifully illustrated epic-poem is written in the form of an English ballad, in much the same genre as G.K. Chesterton’s The Ballad of the White Horse (1911) and Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1798). Here, Guite rebaptises the Arthurian legends, imbuing them again with a sense of the sacred. Indeed, every page is bursting with religious and sacramental imagery, living comfortably alongside ancient mythical figures, such as naiads and dryads. This should be no surprise as, in Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur (1485), the sword in the stone appears in the churchyard after Matins and the first Mass of Christmas Day, because Merlin and the Archbishop of Canterbury trusted that Christ would send a miracle. Galahad and the Grail is a unique retelling of these legends, the first in a series of four books – Merlin’s Isle – with The Coming of Arthur due to be released next month. Centred on the young Sir Galahad (the ‘red cross knight’), he and his brothers in arms set out at Pentecost to heal the perpetually wounded Fisher King and, thereby, the barren Wasteland surrounding the Grail Castle, three counties wide. Here the parallel of the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:5) wounded by the spear of Longinus, the imagery of the Grail and the quasiliturgical healing, is vividly Eucharistic: ‘Jesus appeared to Joseph then and gave him gifts most rare: the dish whereon He broke the bread and ‘lo! this is My body’ said. The chalice too, whereof ’tis said it held that wine so rich and red which Holy Jesus hallowèd to be His blood for this world shed, whereby our inmost souls are fed and also, stained with His own blood, a dark and sacred spear.’ OCTOBER 2026

Oremus

Guite notes that the book is intended to be read aloud, as all good stories once were, and I hear that his self-narrated audio book is a popular option for this very reason. Even as someone who read it quietly, I found myself carried along by the pulsating rhyme as if it were a chant or, indeed, a ballad. Every generation retells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, from Malory and Tennyson to Disney and Monty Python. However, films in particular seem to have flattened Logres (Arthur’s realm) to a greyscale fantasy. Guite, on the other hand, presents a glittering, jewel-toned world of abbeys and Masses, river sprites and chivalry for a modern word grappling with its own ‘dolorous strokes’ of secularism and national identity. ‘Once more the story must be told. Poet, take up the tale.’ 23

DIARY

2026 The Month of

October The Holy Father’s Prayer Intention For mental health ministry Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.

Thursday 1 October

St Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin & Doctor 9.30am Red Mass to start the legal year (Archbishop Moth; Full Choir) Haydn – Missa Sancti Nicolai Malcolm – Scapulis suis Organ: J.S. Bach – Fantasia super Komm Heiliger Geist (BWV 651) 7.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed) 9.30pm Luminiscence (ticketed)

Friday 2 October

Friday abstinence Holy Guardian Angels Harvest Fast Day 1.15pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for Vocations to the Priesthood (Blessed Sacrament Chapel) 7.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed) 9.30pm Luminiscence (ticketed)

Saturday 3 October

800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday 2.30pm National Altar Servers’ Mass sung by Gunnersbury Catholic School (Archbishop Moth) 8.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed)

Sunday 4 October

Ps Week 3 27th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 8am Mass offered for Cathedral Benefactors, living and dead 12 noon Solemn Mass (Full Choir) Tye – Missa Euge bone Palestrina – Vir erat in terra Organ: Franck – Choral No 3 in A minor 4pm Solemn Vespers and Benediction (Full Choir) Bevan – Magnificat sexti toni Byrd – Laudibus in sanctis Organ: Buxtehude – Passacaglia in D minor (BuxWV 161) 4.30pm Mass for the Deaf Community (Cathedral Hall)

Monday 5 October

125th anniversary of Westminster Cathedral Choir School Feria 24

2026 Benefactors’ Masses On the first Sunday of each month, a Mass is celebrated for the benefactors of Westminster Cathedral, living and dead. Sunday 4 October 2026, 8am Sunday 1 November 2026, 10am Sunday 6 December 2026, 8am

For more information, contact Laura Dudhee, at 020 7798 9058 or email cathedralgiving@rcdow.org.uk

The Cathedral is open from 7.30am and closes in time for 7pm. Monday to Friday: Morning Prayer 7.35am, Mass 8am, Mass (Latin, unless there is a Funeral) 10.30am, Confessions 11.30-12.30pm, Mass 12.30pm *, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 1.15-4.30pm, Benediction 4.30pm, Confessions 4.30-5.30pm, Sung Vespers 5pm (Latin, Choir, except Tuesday, English, Cantor), Solemn Mass 5.30pm (Choir, Tuesday: Boys’ voices, Wednesday: Men’s voices) Saturday: Mass 8am, Morning Prayer 10am, Mass 10.30am (Latin, Choir,) Confessions 11.30-12.30pm, Mass 12.30pm *, Confessions 5-6pm, Sung Vespers 5.30pm (English, Cantor), Sung Mass 6pm. Sunday: Mass 8am, Sung Morning Prayer 9.30am, Sung Mass 10am, Confessions 10.30-12.30pm; Solemn Mass (Choir) 12noon *, Solemn Vespers (Choir) and Benediction 4pm, Confessions 5-6.45pm, Sung Mass 5.30pm, Mass 7pm. For full opening and closure times of the Cathedral and for confession and service times please consult the Cathedral diary on the website. * Live streamed via the Cathedral website (St Faustina Kowalska, Virgin) 2pm Mass for St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust

Tuesday 6 October

Feria (St Bruno, Priest) 4.45pm Chapter Vespers, with the Installation of Canons 5.30pm Chapter Mass

Wednesday 7 October

Our Lady of the Rosary 1.15pm Lunchtime Concert 7.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed)

Thursday 8 October

Feria 7.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed) 9.30pm Luminiscence (ticketed)

Friday 9 October

Friday abstinence St JOHN HENRY NEWMAN, Priest & Doctor 1.15pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for Vocations to the Priesthood (Blessed Sacrament Chapel) 7.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed) 9.30pm Luminiscence (ticketed)

Saturday 10 October

Adoremus National Eucharistic Congress 2026 Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday (St Paulinus of York, Bishop; St Denis, Bishop, and Companions, Martyrs; St John Leonardi, Priest) 3pm Eucharistic Procession from St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, to Westminster Cathedral 5pm Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament (Bishop Curry) 8pm Holy Hours led by the Youth Ministry teams of Westminster, Southwark, and CYMFed 11pm All-night vigil until 5am

Sunday 11 October Ps Week 4 28th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Week of Prayer for Prisoners and their Families 6am Closing Mass of Adoremus, the National Eucharistic Congress 2026 (Bishop Bradley) 12 noon Solemn Mass (Full Choir) MacMillan – Westminster Mass Palestrina – Exsultate Deo Organ: Reger – Introduction & Passacaglia in D minor 4pm Solemn Vespers and Benediction (Full Choir) Reid – Magnificat tertii toni Bairstow – Blessed city, heavenly Salem Organ: Franck – Adagio (Symphonie III) Monday 12 October

Feria (St Wilfrid, Bishop) 5pm Solemn First Vespers 5.30pm The Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) attend the Vigil Mass of St Edward the Confessor (Bishop McAleenan)

Tuesday 13 October

In the Cathedral: St EDWARD THE CONFESSOR, Patron of the Diocese and of the City of Westminster 5pm Solemn Second Vespers 5.30pm Solemn Mass for the 40th anniversary of the Cardinal Hume Centre (Cardinal Nichols; Boy’s voices) Britten – Missa brevis in D Plainchant – Iste confessor Elgar – Ave verum corpus Organ: Walton – Orb & Sceptre

Wednesday 14 October

Feria (St Callistus I, Pope & Martyr) 1.15pm Lunchtime Concert 7.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed) Oremus

OCTOBER 2026

DIARY & NOTICES Thursday 15 October

St Teresa of Jesus, Virgin & Doctor 5.30pm Solemn Mass attended by guests of the Missio centenary reception 7.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed) 9.30pm Luminiscence (ticketed)

Friday 16 October

Friday abstinence Feria (St Hedwig, Religious; St Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin) 1.15pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for Vocations to the Priesthood (Blessed Sacrament Chapel) 5pm Joint Evensong at Westminster Abbey (Cathedral: Said Vespers and Mass) 7.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed) 9.30pm Luminiscence (ticketed)

Saturday 17 October

St Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop & Martyr 2pm Rosary Crusade of Reparation 6pm Westminster Cathedral Junior Voices sings at Mass 8.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed)

Sunday 18 October

Ps Week 1

World Mission Day 29th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 12 noon Solemn Mass (Cardinal Koovakad; Men’s voices) Lassus – Missa In te Domine speravi Palestrina – Cantabo Domino Palestrina – Deficiant peccatores Organ: Franck – Fantaisie in A major 4pm Solemn Vespers and Benediction (Full Choir) Guerrero – Magnificat primi toni Byrd – Laudate Dominum Organ: J.S. Bach – Fugue in G minor (BWV 542)

Monday 19 October

Feria (St John Brébeuf and St Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs; St Paul of the Cross, Priest)

Tuesday 20 October Feria

Wednesday 21 October

Feria 1.15pm Lunchtime Concert 7.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed) 9.30pm Luminiscence (ticketed)

Thursday 22 October

St John Paul II, Pope 7.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed) 9.30pm Luminiscence (ticketed)

Friday 23 October Friday abstinence Feria (St John Capistrano, Priest) 1.15pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for Vocations to the Priesthood (Blessed Sacrament Chapel) 7.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed) 9.30pm Luminiscence (ticketed) Saturday 24 October

Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday (St Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop) 6pm Amici Coro sings at Mass with Adult Confirmations (Cardinal Nichols) 8.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed) OCTOBER 2026

Oremus

Sunday 25 October Ps Week 2 30th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 12 noon Solemn Mass (Men’s voices) A. Gabrieli – Missa Pater peccavi Byrd – Unam petii a Domino Byrd – Ut videam voluntatem Organ: J.S. Bach – Prelude in C major (BWV 547) 4pm Solemn Vespers and Benediction (Full Choir) Bellini – Magnificat octavi toni Clemens non Papa – Ego flos campi Organ: Alain – Scherzo Monday 26 October

Feria (Ss Chad and Cedd, Bishops) 5.30pm Solemn Mass attended by St Wilfrid’s Young Adults Group, Widnes (Archbishop Sherrington)

Tuesday 27 October

Feria 7.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed)

Wednesday 28 October

Ss SIMON AND JUDE, Apostles

Thursday 29 October

Blessed Martyrs of Douai Morning liturgies in Crypt Afternoon and evening liturgies in Cathedral Hall 7pm The Bach Choir perform Mozart: Great Mass in C minor (ticketed)

Friday 30 October Friday abstinence Feria 1.15pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for Vocations to the Priesthood (Blessed Sacrament Chapel) 5.30pm Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving (Bishop Wang) 8pm Luminiscence (ticketed) Saturday 31 October

Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday 12 noon Centenary Visitation of the National Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima and the relics of Ss Francisco and Jacinta Marto 12.25 Enthronement and Crowning (Archbishop Moth) 12.30pm Solemn Mass, followed by the public veneration of the relics (Archbishop Moth) 2.30pm Holy Hour and Benediction 4.40pm Enrolment and Investiture of the Brown Scapular 8.45pm Luminiscence (ticketed)

Sunday 1 November Ps Week 3 ALL SAINTS 12 noon Solemn Mass (Full Choir) 4pm Solemn Vespers and Benediction (Full Choir) 4.30pm Mass for the Deaf Community (Cathedral Hall) Monday 2 November

THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED (ALL SOULS’ DAY)

Key to the Diary: Saints’ days and holy days written in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS denote Sundays and Solemnities, CAPITAL LETTERS denote Feasts, and those not in capitals denote Memorials, whether optional or otherwise. Memorials in brackets are not celebrated liturgically.

What Happens and When Catholic Evidence Guild

Clergy House Room 2, Tuesdays 7pm

Catholic Grandparents’ Association Hinsley Room, Second Sundays 12-3.30pm Charismatic Prayer Group Cathedral Hall, Fridays 6.30-9pm Divine Mercy Prayer Group St Patrick’s Chapel, Sundays 1.30-2.30pm Filipino Club Cathedral Hall, Second Sunday 1-5pm Guild of the Blessed Sacrament Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Mondays 6.15pm Guild of St Anthony Lady Chapel, Tuesdays 6.15pm Interfaith Group Hinsley Room, Third Wednesdays 1.30 -3pm Legion of Mary Hinsley Room, Monday 1.30-3.30pm Oblates of Westminster Cathedral Hinsley Room, Fourth Sundays 2.30-4pm Padre Pio Prayer Group Sacred Heart Church, First Thursdays 1.30-3.30pm Rosary Group Lady Chapel, Saturdays 11.15-12.00noon Walsingham Prayer Group St George’s Chapel, First Tuesdays 2.30-4pm Yoruba Association Hinsley Room, Third Sundays 1.30-3pm 25

CROSSWORD AND POEMS The Ancestry of Christ Janet Wilkes In the corner of a field were Deep-set footsteps, showing how hard It was to eke out a living there. But where else could she go to glean Ears of wheat that had fallen to The ground, unhindered by any Young men who might be working there? For when Boaz saw Ruth he knew The law required he leave corners Of his fields unpicked and that her Husband had been his distant kin.

Clues Across 1 Blows inflicted as punishment or self-flagellation in old times (7) 6 Apologia Pro Vita ---, St John Henry Newman’s defence of his Catholicism (3) 8 Person living outside his or her native country (5) 9 River flowing through the Bordeaux wine region (7) 10 ‘Virgin of the -----’, famous painting by 12 Down [National Gallery] (5) 11 ------ Picone medieval city in central Italy whose Patron is St Emygdius (6) 13 Follower of Jesus, she was at the Crucifixion and the discovery of the empty tomb (6) 15 Marine symbol of hope used by early Christians (6) 17 Seen under Westminster Bridge (6) 20 The Lord is “the Alpha and the ?” [Rev. 22] (5) 21 See 12 Down 23 One of several used in organ playing (5) 24 Dona --- requiem, Agnus Dei in Funeral Mass (3) 25 Children’s ups and down in playgrounds! (7)

Then Boaz removed his sandal As he was required to do and Took a step toward Ruth and they Formed a partnership together And created a timeline to The Christ.

To submit a poem whether by yourself or another for consideration, please contact the Editor – details on page 3.

Clues Down 1 Marks of Christ’s wounds on saintly person, as in Feast of 17 September (8) 2 A ruling or heading on a document, originally written in red ink (6) 3 William ----, London Quaker, founder of U.S. state, hence name (4) 4 Feast of the ----- Sorrows of Mary, 15 September (5) 5 Manner of coming forward (8) 6 Coating applied with water on walls, ceilings and sculptures (6) 7 A rara ---- is something very unusual [‘rare bird’] (4) 12 & 21 Across: Great Italian artist and genius of religious and other works (8,2,5) 14 Co-ordinated with northings to find place on a map (8) 16 Name of (Greek) great Pyramid in Giza, an ancient Wonder of the World (6) 18 African saint, mother of St Augustine of Hippo (6) 19 Worshipped false gods (5) 20 ‘Gabriel’s ----’, instrument giving name to famous work by Morricone (4) 22 ‘In this ---- of tears’, Hail Holy Queen (4)

ANSWERS Across: 1 Stripes 6 Sua 8 Expat 9 Garonne 10 Rocks 11 Ascoli 13 Salome 15 Anchor 17 Thames 20 Omega 21 Da Vinci 23 Pedal 2|4 Eis 25 Seesaws Down: 1 Stigmata 2 Rubric 3 Penn 4 Seven 5 Approach 6 Stucco 7 Avis 12 Leonardo 14 Eastings 16 Cheops 18 Monica 19 Idols 20 Oboe 22 Vale

Oremus

OCTOBER 2026

Oremus