On March 23, 2015, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, said a Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of King Richard III at Holy Cross Priory in Leicester. I am a little late in posting this information, but I didn’t want to slip off my radar for a number of reasons. First, the Requiem Mass was offered for a Catholic English king which shows us that prior to Henry VIII’s behavior England was a very Catholic country.
Secondly, Cardinal Nichols wore a chasuble known as the “Westminster Vestment,” which is believed to be from Richard III’s own wardrobe. The chasuble’s embroidery matches that described from his inventories, and has been dated to the third quarter of the 15th century. I find this vestment fascinating because some scholars say that Richard III probably attended a Mass in which this chasuble was worn. Once again our Catholic faith transcends time and connects today’s Faithful with those of years (centuries) gone by.
Several bishops from across England and Wales, as well as by Tim Stevens, the Anglican Bishop of Leicester, attended the Mass. You can view this Photo gallery of Requiem Mass.
I found the following words from Cardinal Nichols’ homily very meaningful. It is true that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life for all of us — regardless of our station in life.
The entry to that heavenly home, its open gates and sweeping drive, the royal road of life, is none other than the person of Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life. ~Cardinal Vincent Nichols
Photos: Medievalhistories.com, WSJ.com and Catholic-ew.org.uk
