The Nigerian community marked Independence Day yesterday, with a colourful and joyful Mass celebrated by Cardinal Anthony Okogie, Archbishop of Lagos. It was a great success, a testimony to the hard work and organisational skills of the wonderful Nigerian chaplain, Fr Albert, and to the faith of Nigerians in this country.
The choir, beautifully dressed, provided a delight to the eye and the ear! The music was compelling, and expressed a joy that we in the west perhaps forget should be at the heart of our worship.
The Cathedral was full; the atmosphere was bubbling with excitement. When the Cardinal asked the members of the congregation, "Are you happy?" they roared out "Yes!!" in a deafening chorus.
The Cathedral is blessed to be the venue for these events, and to bear witness to the great family of nations that is one in our faith.
The Cathedral was full; the atmosphere was bubbling with excitement. When the Cardinal asked the members of the congregation, "Are you happy?" they roared out "Yes!!" in a deafening chorus.
The Cathedral is blessed to be the venue for these events, and to bear witness to the great family of nations that is one in our faith.
The morning Mass for Aid to the Church in Need was also a beautiful occasion, with an inspiring sermon from Archbishop Elias Chacour from Galilee - and it had barely finished when the Cathedral began to fill with brightly dressed worshippers anticipating the afternoon Mass.
ReplyDeleteIn fact I think the 10.30am Saturday Mass is one of the most impressive 'regular' celebrations in London.
Fr Martin Edwards was wearing a very fine chasabule depicting the three Archangels - is this part of the Cathedral's collection?