Larry the Donkey at Westminster Cathedral
Larry the donkey returned to Westminster Cathedral to help tell the Christmas story at the seventh annual Advent Carol Service for Catholic primary schools on 5 December.
This year, Westminster Cathedral and the Catholic Children's Society (Westminster) held one service in the morning and another in the afternoon. 3,000 children sang carols and took part in the service which celebrated the Christmas story. Larry the donkey took part in both services, carrying Mary and Jesus towards the sanctuary while the children sang "Little Donkey".
HE Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, President of the Catholic Children's Society (Westminster), was principal celebrant of the morning service. Bishop Bernard Longley, Auxiliary Bishop in Westminster and Chairman of the Society's trustees, was principal celebrant of the afternoon service.
During the service, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor said: "I would just like to say that next year is a very important one for the Catholic Children's Society who have helped so much in organising this service. In 2009 the Society will be celebrating the 150th year of its founding; celebrating 150 years of devoted service to vulnerable children and families throughout the Diocese. We wish them well and look forward to the Society continuing to give families faith in the future through all the good work they do in our name."