Stations of the Cross
Railway trivia is behind the naming of the Diocese of Brentwood, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

The diocese separated from the Archdiocese of Westminster in 1917 and was initially referred to as “Essex”.

The incoming bishop, Bernard Ward, was something of a railway buff and a savvy commuter: he chose Brentwood as his seat because its station was the first on the London side of Shenfield junction, which gave access to the Colchester and Southend lines.

The town also had a strong Catholic presence, with a number of convents, Catholic schools and a church that later became Brentwood Cathedral.

The Diocese of Brentwood will celebrate its centenary year with a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Vincent Nichols on 22 March and the premiere of a specially commissioned Missa Brevis on 18 June.