London: Mass for migrants at Westminster Cathedral

More than 2,000 Catholic migrants living and working in London are expected to attend a special Mass for Migrants, which will be celebrated at Westminster Cathedral next Monday, 5 May at 11am. The Mass will reflect the tremendous diversity of London's Catholic community, with music from countries including Lithuania, Vietnam and Nigeria. A number of dignitaries, including the Lord Mayor of Westminster and Ambassadors from EU and other countries, will be attending the Mass. The Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, Rt. Revd. Thomas McMahon, Bishop of Brentwood who will give the Homily and Bishop Pat Lynch, Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark. This will be the third Mass for Migrants to have been organised jointly by the Diocese of Westminster, the Archdiocese of Southwark and the Diocese of Brentwood. Bishop Pat Lynch said: "Over the last few years, there has been a transformation of the social character of the dioceses in England and Wales. Across the country in all our dioceses, we have migrants from nearly every continent in the world, adding people and vibrancy to our parishes. We, the Bishops of England and Wales, have been considering this new social reality with a view to issuing a statement calling for a more visible culture of welcome, hospitality and solidarity with our migrant sisters and brothers in God's family. We recognise and celebrate their rich cultural and spiritual patrimony and the ways in which they are enriching us as they join us in our parishes and dioceses. This statement, 'Mission of the Church to Migrants in England and Wales' is the result. " For further information see: www.rcdow.org.uk