‘Awe-inspiring’ Mass celebrated by papal nuncio at Canterbury Cathedral

The first Catholic Mass since the sixteenth century took place in the cathedral in 1980 – on St Thomas Becket’s feast day at the site of his shrine.

The apostolic nuncio to the Court of St James’s, Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, celebrated an historic Mass in Canterbury Cathedral.

The pilgrimage Mass commemorated the translation of St Thomas Becket. Becket was the 30th Archbishop of Canterbury, serving from 1162 to 1170, until he was murdered by supporters of King Henry II for his refusal to grant the King control of the Church. After his death, Becket was canonised by Pope Alexander III.  

Every year on 7 July, Canterbury Cathedral permits the St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Parish to celebrate Mass in Becket’s honour. Becket’s remains were moved from his original tomb in the crypt of Canterbury Cathedral to a purpose built shrine in Trinity Chapel, behind the high altar, on 7 July, 1220. Now, the day is celebrated annually.    

The first Catholic Mass since the sixteenth century took place in the now-Anglican cathedral in 1980 – on St Thomas Becket’s feast day, 29 December, at the site of his shrine. While many Catholic services have been held in Canterbury since then, this was the first time a papal nuncio had celebrated Mass in the cathedral since Catholic Masses were permitted again. 

Photo Credit: Graham Elliott

To open his homily, Archbishop Buendía said: “I am very pleased to be here with you this evening and to celebrate this Mass in honour of St Thomas of Canterbury.” 

He continued: “I would like to express in this emblematic place the Christian closeness of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to our Anglican brothers and sisters, passing them the invitation to listen, together with us, to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches. We are in the oldest Cathedral of the English-speaking world.” 

Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597 A.D. by St Augustine. 

Archbishop Buendía said: “Having travelled as pilgrims today, we do more than just honour a figure from history”.  

In his homily, he added, “This Mass of pilgrimage takes place within the context of the Jubilee Year. It highlights the Christian life as a spiritual journey, moving through life’s trials and joys with hope anchored in Christ.

“The stained glass windows all around us illustrate the many miracles attributed to St Thomas in the medieval period. This should be a living story, too. Our world, today as then, is in need of hope. We come in this Jubilee Year as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ to be inspired by St Thomas’ holiness and his courageous witness to Christ and His Church.” 

To close, he declared: “We pray to [St Thomas] as pilgrims in need of hope and healing, and we ask Our Blessed Mother, Queen of Martyrs, to intercede for us, that we might be faithful witnesses to Christ, growing each day in love of Him and each other.” 

The Salve Regina was sung for the first time in over 500 years at the end of Mass, followed by a reception with English “champagne”, chocolates and conversation.   

Elizabeth Forrester, who organised the Canterbury Mass on behalf of the St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Parish told The Tablet: “We are delighted it was such a success and certainly didn’t expect the overwhelming response this Mass has received both on the day and subsequently online.” 

She continued: “The response underlines the significance of Catholicism in the UK and the fact that the Reformation did not destroy it. It seems apparent that when these once Catholic sacred spaces are returned to their purpose and used appropriately, the outcome is awe-inspiring.” 

“This island, and all of Christendom, is in very great need of a return to its roots and a healing of the brokenness in this modern world. In this Jubilee Year, as Pilgrims of Hope, this remains our prayer for England,” said Forrester.

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