Cardinal's Homilies
One of the characteristics of St John's Gospel is that Jesus is presented as being aware of his destiny. The washing of the feet, then, is introduced by these words: 'Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to pass from this world to the...Read more
Today, it is gratitude that flows through this solemn celebration of Mass and blessing of the holy oils. White vestments, full organ music, cheerfulness of spirit, a true celebration of faith. Thank you all! Words full of joy and confidence come...Read more
As we enter this Holy Week, let's look back for a moment to its beginnings. The very first word spoken at the birth of Christianity was a word that echoes throughout the entire venture of faith. It's a word that should fill our hearts, today...Read more
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of St Joseph. Today we mark the blessing of Alban Roe House. I thank Fr Abbot and the community for their invitation to me to take part in these ceremonies. For me, they bring back happy memories and joyfully...Read more
Introduction Your Excellency, Archbishop Maury; Your Excellencies, Ambassadors to the Court of St James; Chargés d'Affaires; friends and families, my brothers and sisters: I welcome you to this celebration of Mass this morning. Today, the...Read more
I would like to take you to Oxford Street, not as it is today, but in the year 1581. It was, I think, the route along which those being dragged on hurdles to their deaths at Tyburn would have travelled. The day is 1 The prayer we have offered…Read more
Today is a great celebration of our faith. It is a celebration of faith found, for many of you; of faith reaffirmed and reshaped; of faith renewed for us all, not least thanks to the witness of so many present here today. I thank you for the...Read more
Given on 10th February at the Mass in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes at Westminster Cathedral.Read more
Today around the world is observed as a world day of prayer and awareness for the victims of human trafficking. We know in our prayer here we are joining people throughout the world, and wish and pray for an end to and end of this scourge of...Read more
Today is a joyful moment. It's a day when we celebrate another step on the emerging, from the long course of history, of the one who is our Saviour. His birth was heralded by angels. Shepherds came to greet him and then spoke to everyone about...Read more
On this night we mark the most celebrated birth in all history: the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Bethlehem, the City of David, the heroic King of Israel, anointed by God and a focal point of the ancient promises. Tonight we celebrate the coming...Read more
Not far from here, there is a very special house. I think of it as a miracle house. I would like to tell you about it. It is a home and place of healing for many, many women who have escaped or been rescued from situations of modern-day slavery...Read more
We have gathered this evening just for one purpose: to herald the birth of Jesus, the Christ. It is his coming that we celebrate with our finest words and best music! We do so because of the light he brings into the darkness of the world. We...Read more
We celebrate this ordination of Br Joseph on a day rich in resonance for our faith. This Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary proclaims, without any ambiguity, the presence and saving action of God in our history. Here,...Read more
The eight priests for whom we pray today were so different in character. Looking again at their names, here on the Mass booklet, brings back precious memories of each of them. How different are their stories, the steps they took on this earth,...Read more
As a Cardinal, I have to go to Rome quite often, to meetings in the Vatican. Very often, St Peter's Square is filled with pilgrims and tourists. Those of you who know Rome will also know of another tourist hot-spot: the area around the Spanish...Read more