Catholic Police Guild Annual Requiem Mass

Archbishop Peter Smith with Commissioner Ian McPherson

Yesterday afternoon the Catholic Police Guild held its annual Requiem Mass for all deceased police officers at Westminster Cathedral. The principal celebrant was The Most Reverend Peter Smith, Archbishop of Southwark.

The first reading was recited by Superintendent Lisa Crook of the Metropolitan Police and the second reading was delivered by Chief Inspector Michael Slemensek of Warwickshire Constabulary. The bidding prayers were read by Metropolitan Police detective sergeant Chris Sloan who is chairman of the Guild.

The Mass was sung by the Metropolitan Police Male Voice Choir conducted by Richard Fox by kind permission of the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bernard Hogan - Howe. Trumpeter Martyn Tubb played the The Last Post which was followed by two minutes silence.

The service concluded with The National Anthem which was sung by the Choir plus the whole congregation.

Among the senior police officers in attendance from many parts of the country was Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Ian McPherson who is a former Chief Constable of Norfolk(2006-2009) and is pictured with Archbishop Smith who by coincidence is a former Bishop of East Anglia(1995- 2001).