Members of the Catholic Police Guild gathered for the 92nd Annual Solemn Requiem Mass for deceased police officers on 5 November at Westminster Cathedral. The principal celebrant was the Rt Rev Richard Moth, Bishop of the Armed Forces, along with concelebrants Fr Eugene Campbell from the Diocese of Clifton and Fr John Minh from the Diocese of East Anglia.
Joining them in the sanctuary were Metropolitan Police Senior Chaplain Rev Jonathan Osborne and Thames Valley Police Chaplain Rev David Wilbraham.
At the start of Mass, a Police Headdress, carried by Chief Inspector Graham Price of the Metropolitan Police, was processed and presented to Bishop Richard and placed in the sanctuary for the duration of the Mass as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by officers in the line of duty.
In his homily, Bishop Richard paid tribute to the work of the officers. He spoke particularly about the faith of the Guild members as it sustains them and informs their response to the people and situations they encounter, witnessing to the call to bring Christ to all whom they encounter.
The music was led by the Metropolitan Police Male Voice Choir, conducted by Richard Fox.
At the end of Mass, to remember those who have died, the Last Post was played, followed by two minutes' silence.
Guests at the Mass included Lord Mayor Councillor Audrey Lewis, Legion Trustee Lieutenant Colonel Joe Falzon, Chief Superintendent Stephen Richards of Merseyside Constabulary, Assistant Chief Constable Gavin Stephens of Surrey Constabulary and Deputy Chief Constable Matt Jukes of South Wales Constabulary. Also present were Frederick and Elizabeth Philips-Schofield, family of the late PC Richard Philips-Schofield of Hampshire Constabulary who died in 2014.
Founded in 1914 as the Metropolitan and City Catholic Police Guild, the CPG was formed to provide for the spiritual needs of Catholic police men and women. Its membership now includes Police Officers, Police Staff and Police Community Support Officers from across England and Wales.
