Police officers and police staff who have died were remembered at Westminster Cathedral on 6th November 2019. The 96th annual solemn requiem Mass for all deceased police officers and staff was organised by Fr Barry Lomax, National Chaplain to the Catholic Police Guild.
In his written introduction in the order of service, Fr Barry shared the following words:
‘Our Mass of Requiem celebrated around this time every year affords that moment to reflect and remember both officers and staff who have made the ultimate sacrifice. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13).’
After the processional hymn, police officers presented two police headdresses and a wreath to the Bishop. These were placed on the sanctuary for the duration of the Mass.
Bishop Tom Burns SM, Bishop Emeritus of Menevia celebrated the Mass and delivered the homily.
The prayers of the faithful included prayers for deceased and serving police officers and police staff. Prayers were offered for members of the Catholic Police Guild who have died recently, police officers who have died in the past year in the course of their duties, serving and retired police officers and staff who have died recently and serving police officers and their families.
The music during the Mass was provided by the Metropolitan Police Choir under the direction of Richard Fox.
After Communion, The Last Post was played followed by two minutes of silence. The congregation then sang The National Anthem, led by the Metropolitan Police Choir.
The Mass was attended by Dame Cressida Dick, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Ian Hopkins, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Andy Adams, Chief Constable of the Ministry of Defence Police and a number of serving police officers and police cadets.
Photos from the Mass are available here.
Published: 11th November 2019
