The Most Rev. Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, celebrated Mass for the Closing of the Year of Faith on the Feast of Christ the King at Westminster Cathedral on 24 November.
In his homily Archbishop Nichols reflected on the passion and commitment that the Year of Faith has been lived in the Diocese and wider Catholic community:
“I salute all of you who are seeking deliberate and intentional formation in this knowledge and love of the Lord”
“In a special way the dedication which you all show highlights the energy and enthusiasm of so many in our Diocese who not only embrace faith more deeply but are also ready to share it.”
“So many Catholics do this day by day in quiet, unsung ways, in their homes, with their friends, never looking for reward or attention, quietly faithful to their faith and to their call from the Lord. I thank them all most sincerely.”
Archbishop Vincent also spoke of how the Feast of Christ the King reminds us of our calling to be Missionary Disciples.
“Today’s Feast Day is a great reminder of this missionary calling. Jesus is the Universal King. His desire is to draw all people into his love. And this is our task: to offer his exquisite and unimaginable invitation to all people, the invitation to share in the fullness of life.”
After the Mass, Archbishop Vincent joined with members of the congregation on the piazza where members of the Neocatechumenate held an Act of Witness.
The Year of Faith was begun by Pope Benedict XVI with the purpose of rediscovering the beauty and joy of being Catholic; build a greater understanding of the faith so as to increase our confidence in the ‘New Evangelisation’.
For photographs of the Closing of the Year of Faith Mass at Westminster Cathedral click here.
