Celebration of Pontifical Vespers Summer 2018

On a peerless summer evening Bishop Richard Moth welcomed nearly 100 people to a special celebration of pontifical vespers. The Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Susan Pyper, attended in an informal capacity and Her Grace, the Duchess of Norfolk, contributed the first reading. The Cathedral choir, led by Elizabeth Stratford, was in glorious form with the sun streaming in through the West window adding an extra sense of spirituality to the occasion.

The Bishop took as his theme for his homily the Lord’s two great commandments: to love God above all others, and to love your neighbour as yourself’. The second was dependent on the first. If God was given that primacy all other things would follow. It was the feast day of St Henry, Emperor of Bavaria in the 11th century and the Bishop took the opportunity to explore some of the tensions that exist between the provision of beautiful settings for worship and the value of direct giving to those in need. Henry was distinguished by his commitment to the Church, building churches throughout the land, arguing that nothing was more important than the worship of God. The Bishop acknowledged that, while this is an ethical dilemma for every generation, the history of the church has many lessons for today. Through worship Christ will be seen in the other- whether our neighbour, refugees. the poor or the vulnerable.

Organised by The Friends of Arundel Cathedral*, and by kind permission of their Honorary President His Grace the Duke of Norfolk, the service was followed by a champagne reception in the Collector Earl’s Garden, where in the warm late summer sunshine guests were able to mingle and wander round if they wished. Notwithstanding the dry weather the gardens were resplendent and for those wishing to learn more there was a guided tour. The provision of canapes, and a gentle jazz trio made for a truly memorable evening.

*More information about membership from Lindsey Stratford, Administrator, Friends Office, Cathedral House, Parson’s Hill, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AY. Email:aruncathfriends@btconnect.com Tel: 01903 884567