Cardinal's Homilies
There is a poem by Frances Chesterton which opens with the words: 'Here is the little door'. Some of you may know it, more probably as set to music as a carol. It speaks of the visit of the Wise Men to the child Jesus with 'such tiny hands...Read more
The imagery and symbolism of light surrounds us at Christmas time: Christmas trees, home decorations, street lighting, and plenty of candles! One of my most powerful experiences of the coming of light is that of watching the dawn, the slow...Read more
In its nearly 120 years of existence, this Cathedral has witnessed much. It has withstood two world wars; been host to the installation of eight Cardinal Archbishops; it has welcomed two Popes. Its presence in this part of London is one of...Read more
St Paul, writing to Timothy and as we have just heard, gives what must be the shortest summary of our Faith: 'He (the eternal Word) was made visible in the flesh, attested by the Spirit (in his victory over death), seen by the angels (at his...Read more
Given at the ordination to the priesthood of Michael Nazir-Ali atOur Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory,Warwick Street on30 Gathered in this church, dedicated to our Blessed Lady, our reflections are guided by the scene depicted in the first...Read more
Every Catholic diocese in the world is invited, this weekend, to launch its 'Synodal Pathway', a journey of mutual listening and discernment. We can't be left out! This is the Pope's invitation and he has given us plenty of indications about...Read more
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am so pleased to be able to write to you now, at a time when our streets are again busier and, thank God, our churches are becoming fuller. I say again how grateful I am to all who have helped to keep our...Read more
This Mass, this 'Red Mass', is a cry from our hearts for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. How right it is that, each year, we have this opportunity to pray for the strengthening of the link between the administration of our laws and the...Read more
Given at the Pontifical Mass opening the Eucharistic Octave at Corpus Christi Shrine, Maiden Lane, on Saturday 11 My brothers and sisters, Today we take the first step in our celebration of the Eucharist in union with the International...Read more
It is a great pleasure for me to be here to celebrate this solemn Mass in honour of St James, especially as we are now in a time of fewer restrictions, enabling us to sing - somewhat quietly - in our praise of God. How appropriate that our first...Read more
Given at the Mass on the Day for Priests, 7 (outline version) I thank you for coming today, despite the thickets of regulations we have to observe. I welcome those participating via the live-streaming. Thank you. Today's Mass, in thanksgiving...Read more
This homily was given by the Cardinal at the Mass of Ordination to the Priesthood, celebrated at Westminster Cathedral on 26th June 2021. So, a solemn choice, and election is made. And the ordination is now to follow. Of course, this choice, this...Read more
Corpus Christi is the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, offered for the forgiveness of the sins of the world. It is also the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ given as our food and drink for eternal life. There are many rich reflections...Read more
This Mass to mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of The Passage may be late, by a year, but we are not short of gratitude and thankfulness. There is much in the story of these 40 years for which we are thankful: for the initiative of...Read more
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am very pleased to share with you this Pastoral Letter, prepared by the Bishops of England and Wales for use in churches on 23 May 2021, Pentecost Sunday: The Solemnity of Pentecost reminds us that...Read more
We celebrate this Mass in these days between the Ascension and Pentecost. Now those two feasts are full of the richness of our faith. And these days can be a real time of creativity for us, thinking afresh of our faith and today how it is lived...Read more