Cardinal's Homilies
I am very pleased to be here today and I thank Archbishop Angaelos for sending his representative to this celebration. Indeed, I have learned much about these martyrs of Libya from Archbishop Angaelos. I also want to thank Alexandra, the author…Read more
My brothers and sisters, This Wednesday, 16 October 2024, a bill will be introduced to Parliament proposing a change in the law to permit assisted suicide. The debate will continue for a number of months, in society and in Parliament, before a…Read more
Reading the Gospel passage for this evening's celebration of the Mass I felt like the Scribe, faced with bringing out of the storehouse things both old and new. But what is new to say about St John Henry Newman? I could reflect on him as a seeker…Read more
‘The Angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth.’ Now we are here in a small village in Norfolk, called Little Walsingham, known as the Nazareth of England. We are here to refresh in our hearts and minds that unique…Read more
Many years ago now, I was waiting in the office of the Prefect of the Papal Household, Archbishop Harvey, when a fine porcelain vase on display there caught my eye. It was clearly English: Spode or Royal Worcester, I thought. On the front of the…Read more
This morning each of us has followed the path down to this Grotto. We have done this responding to the request presented by Our Blessed Lady that we come in procession to this sacred place. Here we stand with Bernadette, before Mary, imploring…Read more
‘Come here in procession’. This is the theme of pilgrimages to Lourdes this year. This is what we have done, from so many different parts of the world, speaking different languages, yet united in this desire: to be here in Lourdes, to be here…Read more
My brothers and sisters, today we gather for the ordination of our three new priests, Thomas, Domagoj and Robert. Let us begin by remembering that together we are the priestly people of God. Yes, all of us, a priestly people. Indeed, St Peter,…Read more
Today is a day of rejoicing as our Diocese, the Church of Westminster, receives the gift of a bishop to serve in our midst and strengthen our life of faithful service. This is a diocese of rich history and traditions. See, in our midst, the...Read more
My brothers and sisters, I often smile whenever the words from the musical 'Sweet Charity' come to mind: 'And the rhythm of life is a powerful beat, Puts a tingle in your fingers and a tingle in your feet.' I say this because sometimes I...Read more
My brothers and sisters, Today we stand at a special moment in the rhythm of the liturgical life of the Church. On Thursday we celebrated the ascent of Jesus into heaven and next Sunday we rejoice in the coming of the Holy Spirit, the great gift...Read more
The words we have just heard from the Second Book of Maccabees readily evoke the image of the elderly John Fisher, standing on Tower Hill at 10am on the morning of 22 June 1535 awaiting his execution. He was weak in body but clear and generous in...Read more
Given at the Mass celebrating the 75th anniversary of consecration of St James, Spanish Place, on the Fifth Sunday of Easter, 28 Today's First Reading finds the Church in Jerusalem somewhat troubled. The arrival of Saul, fresh from his dramatic...Read more
This Easter morning our hearts are full of hope and joy. So too is this Cathedral, with its beauty, its music, the splendour of this celebration of Mass and its fine Easter Candle representing the Risen Lord, whose Resurrection from the dead we...Read more
We have entered 'this most sacred night'. I welcome you, as we gather round this majestic candle, welcoming its light into our every darkness. We greet and salute the risen Lord. We rejoice in his victory. We acclaim him our King and Lord, to...Read more
Today we stand together at the foot of the Cross of Jesus. That is the meaning of Good Friday. This is a most precious place. Many years ago, I was taught to bring to this place all the worries and anxieties of the day, to parcel them up, tied...Read more