Bishop John Arnold, auxiliary in Westminster, celebrated a Pontifical High Mass of Requiem in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday November 6 for the repose of the souls of all deceased members and supporters of the Latin Mass Society.
Fr Nicholas Schofield was assistant priest, Fr Andrew Southwell, LMS national chaplain, was deacon and the sub-deacon was Fr David Irwin. Gordon Dimon of the LMS was MC.
A congregation of some hundreds heard the men of the Cathedral choir sing the plainsong Requiem Mass. The Mass was followed by a homily by Bishop Arnold and then the traditional ceremonies of Absolutions at the Catafalque. The coffin for the occasion was supplied by the Fairways partnership, funeral directors.
Before Mass Dr Joseph Shaw, chairman of the LMS, laid a wreath along with other LMS committee members on the grave of Cardinal Heenan in the Cathedral nave in thanksgiving for the cardinal’s efforts to preserve the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. Fr Patrick Hayward read prayers for the occasion.
Dr Shaw said: “This was the second time that Bishop Arnold has celebrated the LMS’s annual Requiem Mass and we are most grateful to him. We also thank Canon Christopher Tuckwell, the Cathedral administrator, and Fr Alexander Master, the Cathedral precentor, for their help.”
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.