Ut unum sint – ‘That they may be one’ (John 17:21)
There is a long-standing tradition here in Westminster Cathedral, marking the week of prayer for Christian unity with joint, ecumenical services with St Paul’s Cathedral. Since 1908, 18 to 24 January has been kept as an octave for unity, beginning on the feast of the Chair of St Peter (removed from the calendar in 1960 as it was identical to the feast we still keep on 22 February), and ending on the Conversion of St Paul the Apostle.
On Tuesday 20 January, Cardinal Vincent Nichols will preside at Solemn Pontifical Vespers at 5pm, sung by the joint choirs and clergy of St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Cathedral, in thanksgiving for St John Henry Newman’s elevation As Doctor of the Church.
We will also welcome the Rt Rev and Rt Hon Rowan Williams (Baron Williams of Oystermouth), former Archbishop of Canterbury, and other ecumenical guests.
All are most welcome to attend. Please note that (said) Mass will be celebrated at the later time of 6pm.
In similar fashion, Westminster Cathedral Choir and clergy will sing joint Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral at 5pm on Friday 24 January. Entry is free and all are most welcome to attend.
To accommodate the choirs, the Evening Mass will be said on Tuesday (6pm) and Friday (5.30pm).
‘God has created me to do Him some definite service…’
ST JOHN HENRY NEWMAN, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
