Private Requiem Mass for Ann Widdecombe

Buckfast Abbey

A private Requiem Mass was held at Buckfast Abbey, yesterday, Wednesday 12 August, for Ann Widdecombe. Around 100 family members, friends and colleagues, including former Tory ministers and broadcasters gathered to pay their last respects. Miss Widdecombe was a regular member of the congregation there.

The homily was given by the Abbot of Buckfast, David Charlesworth OSB. He said: "In the midst of the shock, clamour and sometimes unwarranted comment surrounding her death, our response is to pray for the repose of her soul, to give thanks for her fortitude, and offer Holy Mass in this Abbey Church which Ann called her safe haven.

"Here we pray that she has finally been enfolded in the arms of the Risen Lord, where true love and peace reign, and where she will hear the Lord's words, 'well done, my good and faithful servant'."

The Abbot said: "There is no doubt that Ann fearlessly upheld the moral and social teachings of the Catholic Church. Her voice regarding these issues certainly upset some.… In the midst of the shock, clamour and sometimes unwarranted comment surrounding her death, our response is to pray for the repose of her soul, to give thanks for her fortitude, and offer Holy Mass in this abbey church, which Ann called her safe haven."

Tributes were given by Miss Widdecombe's nephew, and Sir Christian Sweeting, a close personal friend. Donations made in her memory will be split between the Leprosy Mission and Abound, in support of the Christian Endeavour Hostel's projects in India.

A public memorial service is expected to take place later this year.