The New Convent

The Cathedral Clergy House has been served for nearly thirty years by the Portuguese Sisters of Our Lady of Victories. They and their predecessors inhabited the dark corridors on thre ground floor of Clergy House, where little sunlight reached them, and the were subject to street noise. In the 19670s, a bequest was received from the McHugh family, which enabled a new convent to be built on the flat roof of Archbishop's House, overlooking Ambrosden Avenue.

Work commenced in early 1967. The Cathedral Chronicle commented: "Many people have watched the progress of the new building on the roof of Archbishop's House, and wondered for what purpose it was to be used. it has been most ingeniouisly designed by the Cathedral architect, Lawrence Shattock, and by Christmas will be ready for occupation; so the new year, we trust, will begin with a brighter aspect for our Sisters from the sunny south. They will have a little roof garden which we hope will be a source of pleasure to them, and a splendid view of the ever-changing skyline with its outcrop of skyscrapers. "

"May they reap great benefit from their new surroundings, especially during times of recreation, and may their sleep at night be sound and undisturbed."

A word on terminology: the convent stands above Archbishop's House, but owing to the labyrinthine geography of the building, it and the floor below (with its terrace) belong to Clergy House!

Your Starter For Ten

Some snaps from the parish quiz last week - a thoroughly enjoyable and well attended evening organised by the Friends of the Cathedral.

Deacon Edward and I played Bamber Gascoigne and Jeremy Paxman - only, we weren't so nice.

The winning team celebrated their triumph with becoming modesty ...

A Time in Rome

A short visit, last week, to Rome, staying at the Venerable English College. This prestigious institution has close links with Westminster, three of its former Rectors having become Archbishops of Westminster. Above, on the Cardinals' Corridor, portraits of Cardinal Hinsley (Archbishop 1935 - 1943) and Cardinal Godfrey (Archbishop 1956 - 1963) flank Cardinal Griffin.

In the library, they are portrayed as Rector: Hinsley (right) 1917 - 1928, and Godfrey (left) 1930 - 1938.

The third notable former Rector is our own Cardinal: his portraits in the college are by two of the most distinguished contemporary painters - both catholic themselves. Above, Cardinal Cormac was painted for the library by Andrew Festing, and below he shares a corner in the Cardinals' corridor with Pope Benedict XV, in a protrait by Michael Noakes - the twin of which hangs in Archbishop's House.

A Blessed Anniversary

We recently had the privilege of celebrating the fortieth wedding anniversary of Patrick and Nan Somerville; Bishop John Arnold celebrated Mass for then, and they gathered (with friends) in the sacristy for a photograph.

It is always important to mark these anniversaries - they are such a joyful witness to the sacrament of marriage. In this case it was a special delight, as Patrick and Nan are well known and loved Cathedral parishioners. Patrick, as a former Police Commissioner, helps us with security for major ceremonies, a role he fulfils with unsurpassed efficiency and tact.

Another Cathedral That Never Was ..

These designs were submitted to Cardinal Vaughan when he was considering a competition for his new Cathedral. The design is an eclectic - and not at all successful - mix, comprising elements of Ely Cathedral, the Lady Chapel of Westminster Abbey, and even the Natural History Museum!

Interesting, however, to note are the stripes, such a feature of Bentley's design.
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The Cardinal was not satisfied with any of the submissions to the competition, and instead appointed John Francis Bentley, who designed a Byzantine Cathedral.

Mass for the Holy Souls

The morning Masses today take place in the Holy Souls' chapel; it is a very special place to celebrate this great feast. Thereafter in November, the 10.30 Mass each morning is celebrated for the intentions of those dear and loved ones whose names are recorded on the sheets in the chapel.

A Chill November Light

The day was bright yesterday - the light flooded into the Cathedral.