Justin Welby to preach at Vespers in Westminster Cathedral to close Year of Mercy

Oct 12, 2016

LONDON: In an email to priests, the Diocese of Westminster has said Archbishop Justin Welby will preach at the close of Year of Mercy.

The end of the Jubilee of Mercy will be marked by the closing of the Holy Door at a ceremony held in Westminster Cathedral on November 13, followed by Vespers. The most senior bishop of the Church of England has been invited to deliver a sermon at the event. The theme of the sermon has not yet been released.

The diocese has invited clergy members to attend and to designate two parishioners to represent each parish. Cardinal Nichols also instructed that local Holy Doors in the diocese should be closed at the same time as the closing of the Cathedral Door at 3.30pm. All are welcome to attend the service in Westminster.

The announcement that Archbishop Welby will speak at the service follows the meeting between the Anglican leader and Pope Francis in Rome earlier this month to mark 50 years of efforts to strengthen relations between Christian denominations--Catholic Herald