From the Acting Administrator

It seems as though 2020 is slipping through our fingers, so to speak. It has certainly been a year of unpredictable turmoil. At Westminster Cathedral it has been a time of reacting to circumstances beyond our control. We have tried to do so with a degree of commonsense and the virtue of hope, essential characteristics for any institution which seeks to be loyal to Jesus Christ. Having said this, it has been a testing time.

This month we shall say good bye to Fr Julio Albornoz and Fr Rajiv Michael, who are moving to be Assistant Priests in Sudbury and Brook Green respectively. I hear that Fr John Scott has quipped that the best ones always get taken from the Cathedral. He has a point in both these cases. Fr Julio has excelled in work with St Vincent de Paul Primary School and in the sacramental preparation of the children and young people of the Cathedral parish. He has added to that a pastoral concern which has endeared him to many. Fr Rajiv was quickly thrust into the preparation of adults for Baptism and Confirmation. He revelled in this role and has been responsible for some serious and deeply edifying instruction which has been appreciated by many. They have both been a pleasure to live and work with, and I know the other Chaplains join me in thanking them and assuring them of prayers and ongoing support and friendship.

It looks as though the clergy numbers will be reduced for a little while, so I do ask for patience and understanding as we spread ourselves a little more thinly. Despite this, we are all committed to the ongoing life of the Cathedral and pledge to do all that we can to maintain the Faith here, even in these odd and anxious days. It is good to report that September witnessed some normality returning to the schedule. The Lay Clerks reappeared and are now singing at the Solemn Mass and Vespers on Sundays, and each weekday at 5.30 pm the Mass is enhanced by the singing of the Propers. In October, we sincerely hope that the boy choristers will also return to sing at Solemn Mass and Vespers on Sundays in term time.

The Cardinal presided at Mass in the Cathedral twice in the same week in the middle of September. First, there was the Chrism Mass, held over from Holy Week. In a simple and moving ceremony he blessed the Holy Oils for use throughout the diocese. Secondly, he ordained two deacons and three priests on the following Saturday. It was so good to see the Cathedral fulfilling its role as the Mother Church of the diocese of Westminster. These glimmers of hope are something to rejoice in, and to draw strength from. We shall see what the autumn brings.

With all good wishes and prayers,

Fr Daniel Humphreys

Westminster Cathedral

Cathedral Clergy House 42 Francis Street London SW1P 1QW Telephone 020 7798 9055 Service times 020 7798 9097 Email chreception@rcdow.org.uk www.westminstercathedral.org.uk

Cathedral Chaplains

Fr Daniel Humphreys, Acting Administrator Fr Julio Albornoz Fr Michael Donaghy Fr Andrew Gallagher, Precentor Fr Hugh MacKenzie Fr Vincent Mbu’i SVD Fr Rajiv Michael Fr John Scott, Registrar

Also in residence

Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Victories

Music Department

Awaiting appointment, Master of Music Peter Stevens Obl. OSB, Assistant Master of Music Marko Sever, Organ Scholar

Cathedral Manager

Peter McNulty

Estates Manager

Neil Fairbairn

Chapel of Ease

Sacred Heart Church Horseferry Road SW1P 2EF