The Portal July 2014 | Page 4

THE P RTAL July 2014 Joanna Bogle DSG This is advance notice. An opportunity to witness for the Faith in our capital city. An event of special importance for members of the Ordinariate. Read on. After the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Britain in September 2010, which turned out to be such a magnificent success, some of us felt that we ought to have an annual commemoration. We decided to link it to the feast of Blessed John Henry Newman which falls in early October. And so began the “Two Cathedrals” procession through London. It is a Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, which starts at Westminster Cathedral, and finishes with Benediction at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark. Saturday 18th October This year’s Procession will take place on SATURDAY October 18th starting at 1.30pm at Westminster Cathedral. Mark the date now, and arrange to come. Altar servers are especially urged to attend: BRING COTTA AND CASSOCK and report to the Cathedral sacristy in good time for a 1.30pm start. Auntie Jo a n Two Cathedrals procession Page 4 na wri tes family groups – bring children, grandchildren, push-chairs. Everyone gets a booklet and when we run out of hymns, we simply start them again. If you feel you cannot manage the full walk, you could simply join us at St George’s – opposite the Imperial War Museum, nearest Tube station Waterloo or Lambeth North. But it is the walking that is the best part, and you don’t want to miss it. Come and witness to the Faith, and thank God for Blessed John Henry Newman, for an unforgettable Papal visit, for our beloved Benedict XVI who gave us the Ordinariate, and for so much more. ideal for family groups Ordinariate members have been part of the Procession from its earliest days, especially London members including those from Precious Blood Church, which is not far from St George’s Cathedral. It is a good opportunity for Ordinariate groups from near and far to get together. But above all, it is a great united act of witness in London: as we walk and pray, people stop and look, children point, tourists snap photos on mobile phones, you even get an occasional bow or Sign of the Cross (rare, but it does happen). The Procession is always a great event, and looks rather splendid crossing Lambeth Bridge, with the Houses of Parliament behind it. We need good numbers in order for it to flourish and grow and make an annually greater and greater impact. We sing, and we pray the Rosary – the Luminous Mysteries, as these focus on Christ’s public ministry and on the Eucharist. The Knights of St Columba act as stewards. The route takes us down Ambrosden Avenue and down to the river: crossing the Thames is perhaps the most spectacular bit, and then we finish in grand Come and join in. Pope Francis has called us to style, packing out St George’s Cathedral and lifting the evangelise. He wants us to get out there and tell people roof with rousing hymns. the joyful news of Christ. Here is one way of doing it. October 18th, London. Put it in your diary. Tell your The walk is not an arduous one. It is ideal for friends. Put it in the newsletter. Be there. contents page