Corpus Christi
Carpet Of Flowers and Procession are cancelled this year
For over 140 years, Arundel Cathedral has celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi with a magnificent festival of flowers, featuring a world famous Carpet of Flowers in the central aisle of the Cathedral and a procession of the Blessed Sacrament from the Cathedral to the courtyard of Arundel Castle, where Benediction is given.
In view of the Coronavirus pandemic and in consultation with Bishop Richard, we have decided that the Carpet Of Flowers and Procession Of The Blessed Sacrament at Corpus Christi will not be possible this year. It is a sign of the extraordinary circumstances we currently face. The Carpet Of Flowers has only been cancelled once before – during the First World War when the men working on the Norfolk Estate were away at the front.
The next Carpet Of Flowers and Procession will be in June 2021.
The theme has not yet been decided for 2021.
The 2021 Carpet of Flowers will be open to the public on Tuesday 1st June where visitors can see the carpet being laid. This normally starts after the 10.00am Mass and the volunteers carry on working until it is finished, usually by 5.00pm.
During Monday and Tuesday that week other floral displays are arranged around the Cathedral.
On Wednesday 2nd June from 9.30am to 8.00pm and on Thursday 3rd June from 9.30am until 5.30pm the church is open for the festival.
Stewards will be available over these two days to answer any questions about the history of Arundel Cathedral and the feast of Corpus Christi. There will be stands for the Friends of Arundel Cathedral, the Poor Clares selling homemade cards and the Cathedral Choir with a selection of CD’s available to purchase. During the festival there is often the opportunity to hear the Cathedral organ being played.
There is no charge for admission and refreshments/food are available to purchase throughout both days in the Cathedral Centre, a short distance from the Cathedral past the St. Mary’s Gate Public House.
Photographs of the 2021 Carpet of Flowers will be on sale inside the Cathedral alongside many other quality gifts, books, keepsakes and brochures.
Masses on the Feast of Corpus Christi (Thursday 3rd June 2021) are at 8.30am at the Convent of the Poor Clares, Crossbush and in the Cathedral at 5.30pm. The 5.30pm Mass is presided by Bishop Richard Moth and is followed by the procession to the Castle.