Pastel Shades

With a monsoon thundering down outside, and a day of appointments ahead capped by a Finance Committee meeting, I offer a picture taken in the calm of yesterday morning. It shows the Grand Organ, masked from the Cathedral nave by wooden shutters so as to preserve a Byzantine authenticity (Byzantine churches do not have organs!). Beneath stand the two blood-red pillars that flank the main entrance; a reminder of the dedication of the Cathedral to the Most Precious Blood of our Saviour, through which we must pass to be saved. You may also glimpse an Eric Gill station of the Cross, and our fine statue of St Peter, proclaiming our unity with Rome. It is, however, the lovely hues of the marble, drawn from the ancient quarries that furnished Haghia Sophia, that delight the eye.

Parliamentary Links

Today sees two events that bear witness to our links with Parliament. At 5.30, we celebrate Mass in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft. This medieval fragment of the old Palace of Westminster was orginally the crypt chapel of St Stephen's, long since replaced by the present Houses of Parliament. It is an enormous privilege to be able to celebrate Mass there, as we do several times a year for MPs, Peers and and staff in the Palace of Westminster. As ever, the Mass provides a link not just with the Church throughout the world, but in every age, and we recall our forefathers who once worshipped at Mass in this chapel.

To arrive at the chapel, one passes through Westminster Hall, whose layers of history are especially poignant for a Catholic: St Thomas More, the Cathusian Martyrs, St Edmund Campion and so many others were tried and sentenced here.

The second event is a concert given in the Cathedral tonight by the Parliament Choir. Composed of members and staff in both Houses of Parliament, it is good to know that they can, when required, sing from the same hymn sheet! Or oratorio sheet - tonight they are performing Mendlessohn's Elijah.

Choristers in the Telegraph

Today's Daily Telegraph features the choristers of Westminster Cathedral, as part of its campaign to choose readers' favourite carols.

A quiet moment in the Sacristy

Cardinal Vaughan keeps watch over his foundation ..

Children's Advent Carol Service

Above, the aftermath of the children's Advent carol service, with 2,500 school children filling the Cathedral. In the centre, you may make out the Cardinal, in choir robes, who led the service with wonderful enthusiasm. He was, however, almost upstaged by Larry the donkey ..

The carol service has become a regular feature in the Cathedral diary, and has steadily grown in popularity in the diocese. It is a great opportunity for children to begin their preparation for Christmas, and to meet the Cardinal. For us, it helps fulfil our desire that every catholic pupil of the diocese should visit the Cathedral - and have a memorable experience there. The hard work it entails (imagine returning the chairs to the nave evening Mass) is certainly worth the effort. More photos available on the Diocesan website

Preparations for the Children

As the sanctuary is filled with children preparing for the Advent Carol Service this afternoon, we are treated to the astonishing sight of the Nave cleared of chairs. We are expecting 2,500 schoolchildren from around the Diocese - and Larry the donkey!

Advent Begins

The first candle is lighted on the Advent Wreath, expressing our hope in the Saviour who has come, and will come again in glory.