Cardinal's Welcome
I am pleased to provide this introduction to our Annual Accounts. In both written and numerical accounts here the story of the life of the Church in the Diocese of Westminster is to be found. It is a story of dedication, hard work and great fidelity to the mission we receive from Jesus Christ himself. It is a story for which we give thanks to God for the grace and inspiration which God gives to so very many people. I thank all who have contributed to the activities recounted here and to those who have prepared these accounts, whether in word or in numbers.
This year saw the introduction of the Jubilee Year, coming to its completion in 2025. The motto of this Jubilee Year is ‘Pilgrims in Hope’, or as some would prefer, ‘Pilgrims into Hope’.
These are mottos which are most apt for the work and spirit of this Diocese.
In the first place, we recognise that our hope comes fully and strongly from the person of Jesus Christ. In his very being, in his words and deeds he portrays the truth of our shared humanity and shows us the way to conduct ourselves in our efforts and living. I am sure that in so many places in this account of our work is to be found the inspiration and application of his teachings. Our efforts in service of those who are in need, those who are grieving, those who are facing danger, those who are vulnerable are vividly described here.
Secondly, we recognise that the foundation of our work of service, and of our hope, is the fundamental dignity of every human person, a dignity given to them by God. Because this dignity is a gift of God and not a concession of any state or earthly power, then it is a foundation stone that anchors our respect and care for all whom we meet, in whatever circumstances. Human dignity is a lodestone of this Report.
Thirdly, we also acknowledge that the hope into which we are making our way is the hope of our ultimate fulfilment, the promise of eternal life in the glory of heaven. So the horizon against which this Report is to be read and appreciated is that of life beyond death, an ending of our pilgrim way, kept in sight and formative of every step we take. This vision shapes and enriches our educational endeavour, whether of children, young people or adults. We are preparing people for heaven. We will accompany them through grief and loneliness with his hope of future fulfilment always in mind.
Again I thank all who are contributors to the life of this local church, the Diocese of Westminster.
✠ Cardinal Vincent Nichols
Archbishop of Westminster
