On Saturday 14th September, the Feast of the Holy Cross, Westminster Cathedral hosted nearly two thousand worshippers for the Westminster Eucharistic Festival. The event, dedicated to fostering devotion to the Eucharist, drew the faithful for an afternoon of prayer, reflection, and celebration, in harmony with Adoremus 2024, held concurrently at Oscott College near Birmingham.
The festival opened with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Nicholas Hudson, setting a reverent tone for the day’s proceedings. In his homily, Bishop Hudson remarked on the verse John 3:16.
‘“God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” the very words we hear on the lips of Jesus today.
‘I used to think: if only we could speak those words louder. Then it occurred to me that we do speak those words – very loud – with the millions, billions of crosses with which Christians have populated the world, every cross announcing that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son; none so eloquently as the huge cross which adorns our Cathedral here.’
Following the Mass, the cathedral was filled with the hymn Sweet Sacrament Divine as the altar was prepared for the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. As the hymn O Salutaris Hostia resounded through the space, the Blessed Sacrament was placed on the altar. A silence followed, and the congregation entered into a shared moment of deep prayer and reflection. The atmosphere was one of reverence and stillness, as worshippers sought strength and peace from his presence.
Fr Alan Robinson later delivered a moving sermon that drew parallels between the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross and the Eucharist. Reflecting on the significance of the day's feast, he remarked:
‘Today, on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we gather around our Eucharistic Lord with great joy in our hearts. For both the Cross of Jesus and the Most Blessed Sacrament turn sorrow into joy, bringing the hope of new life for each one of us.’
The Westminster Youth Ministry then led the congregation in a contemplative recitation of the Rosary, inviting worshippers to reflect on the mysteries of Christ’s life. Their voices guided the prayerful meditation, providing a peaceful interlude in the day’s devotions.
A highlight of the festival was Bishop Hudson’s sermon, which focused on the inspiring life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a London-born teenager who is on the path to sainthood.
Bishop Hudson reflected on Blessed Carlo’s deep devotion to the Eucharist, noting, "He loved the Most Blessed Sacrament intensely. He was famous for saying 'the Eucharist is my highway to heaven… the more we receive the Eucharist, the more we will become like Jesus, so that on this earth we will have a foretaste of heaven." He was so keen to make his First Holy Communion that he was given permission to make it early.’
After this reflection, a relic of Blessed Carlo was presented to the congregation, followed by a special blessing led by Bishop Hudson. Many in attendance were visibly moved, feeling a tangible connection to a young man whose faith continues to inspire people around the world.
The festival concluded with a grand Procession of the Blessed Sacrament around the cathedral. As the congregation joined in singing beloved hymns such as King Divine, Praise, My Soul, and Soul of My Saviour, their voices filled the vast space, lifting hearts in collective praise and adoration.
In a final act of devotion, the congregation united in a solemn prayer:
May the heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all of the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Amen.
It was a powerful expression of faith and devotion, offering all in attendance a moment to deepen their connection with Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist.
