Westminster: Record number attend Rite of Election

Thousands of people gathered at Westminster Cathedral at the weekend for the annual Rite of Election.

And among them were 850 catechumens and candidates, accompanied by their families and those integral to their faith journey, breaking the previous
record of 757 in 2005

The Rite, where catechumens - those preparing to be baptized, and candidates - those already baptized are 'sent forth' by their bishops to prepare prayerfully to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter, was presided over by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor.

Commenting on the new record Anthony Curran, Director of Catechetics for the Diocese of Westminster said that every year he heard stories of people
who came into contact with the Catholic Church, inspired by the actions of ordinary people who live their faith.

"As they journey towards the Easter sacraments in our parish RCIA groups, their lives are touched and their hearts are changed - and so are ours,'
he concluded.

first posted 24 February 2009