Peter's Way of the Cross at the Old Bailey

The Great Hall of the Old Bailey was the dramatic setting for Peter's Way of the Cross last Wednesday, performed by The Choir of Westminster Diocese Lourdes Pilgrimage, directed by the composer Giovanni Marseglia, with actors from the Catholic Association for Performing Arts (CaAPA). The piece is a series of reflections on the Stations of the Cross, seen through the eyes of St Peter.

Mary Steele, from CaAPA, writes: "This was an unforgettable event. To be at the Old Bailey was pretty incredible to start with. The reception was a time for meeting up with old friends, meeting new ones, having a glass of wine and enjoying the delicious canapes. But then, at the end of the reception, going to the spectacular Grand Hall, for the performance of Peter's Way of the Cross was an amazing experience.

"The opening meditation was presented by Fr Dennis Touw. Reflections on each of the Stations of the Cross were beautifully read by Gabrielle Lister, Richard O'Callaghan, Michael Slater, Jonathan Coote and Kenneth Michaels. And then there was the choir and here, words do fail me. How can you describe such singing? Canon Pat Browne, Parish Priest at Pimlico and Catholic Chaplain to the Houses of Parliament, what a voice! The other soloists, Liz Simpson, Cecilia Hottinger Sue Garlick, Anne-Marie Pinnel and William Simpson also sang beautifully. This is the choir of The Westminster Pilgrimage who sing in Lourdes every year. There were two standing ovations at the end which were more than fully deserved.

It is hoped that a recording or video of Peter's Way of the Cross will be made at some time in the near future."

The concert was held at the Old Bailey at the invitation of Judge Nicholas Hillard QC, Recorder of the City of London, and organised by Bernard Lavery, Michael Slater and Sandra McGregor.

Proceeds from ticket sales will assist sick and disabled pilgrims on Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes this summer.

If you would like to make a donation to the pilgrimage send cheques made out to: 'WRCDT Lourdes Pilgrimage to 'Stations of the Cross', Vaughan House, 46 Francis Street, London SW1P 1 QN.'

For more information email: Sandra.macgregor@freshfields.com