CWL comes to Westminster
The Catholic Women's League of England and Wales changed the venue of its pilgrimage from Walsingham to Westminster this year and filled the Cathedral. More than 1,100 women travelled from all parts of England and Wales to join in the Mass of Thanksgiving led by Bishop Peter Doyle, who is our Ecclesiastical Adviser, Bishop John Crowley who was our Ecclesiastical Adviser until recently and Bishop John Arnold of Westminster.
After the Mass the crucifix made from the wood of the first canteen erected in England in the Great War next to the Cathedral was processed to the great door where a short service of remembrance was held. Our pilgrimage coincided with the 65th anniversary of D-Day. Mgr John Walsh, Administrator of the Bishopric of the Forces, was also present together with a number of priests, one of whom was flown down from Newcastle for the occasion because of his busy parish schedule. The singing was led by the Kinsella family from Sawbridgeworth in Hertfordshire and at the offertory a prayer was sung that was written by Sarah Kinsella.
In 1909 every member was asked to contribute one penny to the Cathedral and enough was raised to install the mosaic of St Joan of Arc. This year every member has been asked to contribute £1 and a cheque for £4,000 was handed over to Canon Christopher Tuckwell at the end of Mass.
Members were able to visit the crypt and the processional cross which they bought and gave to Cardinal Bourne was also on view. This is only used in procession in front of the Archbishop so it was not used during the Mass. Members were delighted that Archbishop Vincent Nichols joined them in the Cathedral Hall after the Mass.