Migrants Mass at Westminster Cathedral: 'We are all from here'

Image: ICN/JS

The world came to Westminster Cathedral on Monday as the three London Dioceses of Brentwood, Southwark and Westminster gathered for a special Jubilee edition of the annual Feast of St Joseph the Worker Mass, celebrating the contributions made to the life, work and faith in the UK by all those who come from other countries to make a home here.

Organised by the Justice & Peace Commissions, Caritas and Ethnic Chaplaincies of the three Dioceses, in spite of grey skies and rainy weather there was a party atmosphere in the Cathedral Hall, as participants prepared for the procession down Ambrosden Avenue into the Piazza - many wearing their national dress, singing, dancing, and carrying banners and flags. People walking down Victoria Street stopped to watch as the colourful parade filled the Piazza and entered the Cathedral.

The Chief Celebrant was Archbishop George Stack. (Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald, would have taken part - but they are at the Conclave in Rome.)

The Deacons were Rev Eze Uguola from Nigeria and Rev Eric Chelvarayan from Sri Lanka.

Musicians Giovanni Marseglia and Liz Simpson who accompany the Westminster Lourdes pilgrimage, led the Mass parts and - together with the Cathedral Organist.

Colette Joyce, J&P Co-ordinator with Westminster Diocese gave a warm welcome - "especially to all the members of the ethnic chaplaincies represented here today and to the parishioners of all three dioceses who have come along to celebrate their commitment to our multi-racial and multi-ethnic community."

Among VIP attending was Gopaljeet Singh Bhachu, Ambassador of City Sikhs, Mr Ruzbeh Hodiwala and Mr Shiruy Billimoria from the Zoroastrians; Christine Allen, Director of CAFOD, and members of her team; Naoise Grenham, Catholic Bishops of England and Wales policy team for migration and racial justice, Robina Rafferty from London Churches Refugee Fund; James Holland, Westminster Interfaith Co-ordinator, Gopaljeet Singh Bhachu, Ambassador of City Sikhs, Siobhan Garibaldi, president of the Catholic Women's League and representatives from: Caritas Westminster, Southwark and Brentwood, Catholic Association for Racial Justice, Jesuit Refugee Service, Union of Catholic Mothers and representatives of London Citizens.

Fr Dominic Robinson SJ Chair of Westminster Justice and Peace gave the homily, in which he reflected on the question 'Where are you from?' He concluded: "Where are we from? We are all from here, rooted now in where we live and work, and walking together in hope in the Christ who calls us all to build up his Kingdom here and now."

The Offertory Procession was brought up by representative from several chaplaincies.

The beautiful Offertory song was sung by the Nigerian Chaplaincy Choir. After Communion there were hymns sung by the Goan Chaplaincy and the Tamil Chaplaincy.

Post-Communion reflections were given by representatives from Citizens UK. Nori and Joan described the difficulties they had as migrants in this country and the support they've received from their churches and London Citizens. Joan is now training to be a teacher and works with London Citizens helping other migrants and refugees. She said: "A report by the Bishops Conference in England and Wales, called Love The Stranger, says: 'We call upon all Catholics to help ensure that their Members of Parliament and local authorities are aware of their responsibilities towards migrants and refugees.' If you or your parish would like to explore working with us, please come speak to us after the service."

After words of thanks and final blessing, the congregation processed out into the Piazza, where the sun was now shining and many people stopped to chat and pose for pictures under a blue sky.

LINKS

Read Fr Dominic's homily: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/52320

Watch ICN's video of the procession: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACsKrgUPdBM

For more pictures and videos from the days visit ICN's Facebook page

London Citizens: www.citizensuk.org/chapters/london/