The annual Two Cathedrals’ Procession of the Blessed Sacrament took place on Saturday 18 October. It was led by Bishop Nicholas Hudson with Canon Christopher Tuckwell and Canon John O’Toole. The procession began with opening prayers at Westminster Cathedral as the Blessed Sacrament was brought to the altar. After leaving Westminster Cathedral, the procession crossed the Thames over Lambeth Bridge, passing Lambeth Palace and the Imperial War Museum to reach St George’s Cathedral in Southwark. Hymns were sung and the rosary was said during the procession. Benediction was held at St George’s Cathedral to mark the end of the procession.
Now in its fifth year, this annual event was first observed as a direct result of the visit of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI to the UK in September 2010. It is an act of thanksgiving for the graces received during the Papal visit, including the beatification of Blessed John Henry Newman, whose Feast is commemorated on 9 October.
One of the intentions for this year’s walk was to pray for peace in Iraq, Syria and throughout the Middle East.
Bishop Nicholas, who led the procession, served as a priest in Southwark and was ordained this year as Auxiliary Bishop for Westminster. At his ordination in June, Bishop Nicholas said “It’s often said, we’re a city ‘By the Thames Divided’ …It occurs to me that there are many bridges between Southwark and Westminster; and I hope I can be another.” In a visible way, Bishop Nicholas was therefore a bridge between both Dioceses on that day.
Photos are available here.
