The coronation of King Charles III will take place on Saturday 6th May 2023 in Westminster Abbey. This will be the first coronation for 70 years in our countries; indeed, the first since our late Queen, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, entered the ancient church as a young woman to take on the awesome responsibilities of monarchy. In his first address to our countries after the death of the Queen, His Majesty stated, in the context of the late Queen’s unwavering service, 'that promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.'
We are now invited to pray, from Wednesday 3th May until Friday 5th May, for His Majesty the King as he assumes the fullness of the high office of monarch. We can do this in our daily prayer asking Almighty God to guide the King in his appointed tasks. We can also pray for him when we gather for prayer at Mass. This triduum of prayer will culminate on Friday evening when the Bishops of England and Wales have asked each Catholic community to offer a special Mass for the King before the Coronation on Saturday. It will be the culminating moment of our three days of prayer when we ask God’s continuing blessing on our new King and Queen.
The Presidents of Churches Together in England, including Cardinal Vincent, are also encouraging Christians to join in a period of prayer leading up to the Coronation, 'a moment of great importance and joy for this nation. As Presidents of CTE, we invite Christians from all traditions to join together in a period of daily prayer, for both the King and the nation.'
The Cardinal prays: 'May God bless His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen Consort, preserve them both in health of mind and body and grant them every grace and blessing now and for the years to come.'
As we look towards the Coronation Day, which will be marked with joy and celebration across our nations and the Commonwealth, let us commend King Charles and Queen Camilla to our Heavenly Father, that he may sustain them in their duties all the days of their lives.
Photo: Chris Jackson (Royal.uk)
