Cardinal's Homilies
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
This morning we have heard an important appeal from the Apostle Paul. Recognising the diversity of gifts and services that make up the life of the Church, his appeal is that love is to be at the heart of everything. It is the love of Christ that...Read more
I am delighted to be with you today as we celebrate the centenary of this parish in the laying of its foundation stone. There is a year of celebrations to come! I thank everyone who has helped to prepare for this day, and all who care for the…Read more
My dear brothers and sisters, I am so pleased to be here with you today as we celebrate Holy Mass and place before our heavenly Father our joys, our anxieties and our sorrows, in union with Jesus. This is at the heart of the Mass. Here we stand...Read more
Pope Francis has spoken many resounding words in recent weeks. But the words that touched me most deeply were spoken during the World Youth Day in Lisbon. 'Todos, todos, todos', he cried. The Church is for 'everyone, everyone, everyone'.…Read more
Today I remember many of the joys of my years of service in the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Some of them brought me close to the history of the re-establishment of Catholic life in the country after the Reformation. I recall that the first meeting...Read more
Let us begin with the First Reading. What an immense gift - the reassurance and consolation it proclaims: God is not like us! In God we find none of our characteristics as fallen women and men: "My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are...Read more
It is our great joy to be here in Walsingham again on our annual pilgrimage. I thank most sincerely those who have made the arrangements for today, especially Fr John McKenna, our Director, and Elizabeth Uwalaka, our Pilgrimage coordinator. I...Read more
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ, Coming to church today all of us will have made the Sign of the Cross, at least once. We did so at the opening words of the Mass. Many will also have done so on entering the church, using the holy water...Read more
It is always said that the best appetiser for a good meal, or the most tasty sauce, is hunger. It makes the moment all the more enjoyable. And there is a keen hunger that lies at the heart of this ceremony, this ordination to the priesthood of...Read more