Cardinal's Homilies

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

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