The apostolic nuncio to the United Kingdom celebrated Mass at Canterbury Cathedral for the first time in modern history. The Mass, held on July 7, marked the feast of the Translation of St. Thomas Becket and was attended by hundreds, including the Vatican’s cricket team. Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía emphasized the Mass as a pilgrimage highlighting the Christian life and the need for hope. Attendees received a plenary indulgence due to the jubilee year customs. This event marks a significant moment as the apostolic nuncio presided over the Mass, a first in modern times.
10 days ago
For the first time in modern history, the apostolic nuncio to the United Kingdom, Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, celebrated Mass at Canterbury Anglican Cathedral 1. This significant event occurred on July 7, 2025, coinciding with the feast of the Translation of St. Thomas Becket 1. Hundreds attended the Mass, including the Vatican’s cricket team 1.
While the Catholic Parish of St. Thomas of Canterbury traditionally holds a Mass at the cathedral annually on July 7, this marked the inaugural occasion for the apostolic nuncio to preside 1. Archbishop Maury Buendía described the Mass as a "pilgrimage" within the jubilee year, emphasizing Christian life as a spiritual journey rooted in hope in Christ 1. Attendees were granted a plenary indulgence, a custom associated with the jubilee year 1.
Father David Palmer, a former Anglican priest now part of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, underscored the profound historical context of the event 1. He noted that Canterbury Cathedral, often seen as the home of Anglicanism, was originally the "mother Church of Catholicism in England" 1. It served as the seat of St. Augustine of Canterbury, who was sent by Pope Gregory to establish the Roman Catholic faith in England 1. For those who have transitioned from Anglicanism to Catholicism, this event holds particular significance and joy 1.
The Mass honored St. Thomas Becket, who served as archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170 1. Becket was martyred by supporters of King Henry II due to his staunch defense of the Church and its rights 1. He was canonized shortly after his death by Pope Alexander III, and his body was translated to a shrine behind the altar in 1220, an event possibly attended by a papal legate 1. King Henry VIII later destroyed Becket's crypt in 1538 in an effort to suppress allegiance to the saint 1.
How does the Church view ecumenical dialogue and shared worship?
The Catholic Church views ecumenical dialogue and shared worship as essential components of its commitment to Christian unity, a commitment solemnly pledged at the Second Vatican Council . This pursuit of unity is seen as a duty of the Christian conscience, enlightened by faith and guided by love, with its divine source in the Trinitarian unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit .
The ultimate goal of the ecumenical movement is the visible unity of the Church, which Christ desires for His Church . This unity is brought about through the faithful preaching of the Gospel, the administration of the sacraments, and governance in love, leading to the confession of one faith, common celebration of divine worship, and fraternal harmony . The Council affirms that this unity does not require sacrificing the rich diversity of spirituality, discipline, liturgical rites, and elaborations of revealed truth, provided this diversity remains faithful to apostolic Tradition .
Ecumenical dialogue is a crucial means for achieving deeper fellowship and working towards perfect unity in faith . It helps Christians learn from one another and delve more deeply into the truth, always remaining open to the Holy Spirit, who guides into all truth . The dialogue of truth, preceded and accompanied by the dialogue of charity, has yielded significant results .
Catholic participants in dialogue are guided by principles that emphasize clear and complete presentation of Catholic doctrine, while avoiding false conciliatory approaches that might obscure its genuine meaning . Catholic belief needs to be explained profoundly and precisely, using terminology that separated brethren can easily understand . Theologians are encouraged to act with love for truth, charity, and humility, remembering that in Catholic teaching there is a "hierarchy of truths," meaning truths vary in their relationship to the foundation of the Christian faith .
Shared worship, or communicatio in sacris, is approached with careful discernment, governed by two main principles: bearing witness to the unity of the Church and sharing in the means of grace .
The Catholic Church's discipline regarding communicatio in sacris takes into account the degree of communion in ecclesiality and sacramentality of other Churches and ecclesial communities .
By way of exception, and under certain conditions, access to the sacraments of Eucharist, Penance, and Anointing of the Sick may be permitted or even commended for Christians of other Churches and ecclesial communities . This is permissible in situations of "grave necessity" or danger of death, provided the individual seeks the sacraments on their own accord, manifests Catholic faith in respect to these sacraments, and is properly disposed . Examples of such circumstances include the admission to Holy Communion of a parent of a child being baptized, receiving First Holy Communion or Confirmation, or the immediate family of the deceased at a Funeral Mass . This pastoral discernment is exercised by the diocesan bishop, always prioritizing the care and salvation of souls, and ensuring that sacraments are never shared out of mere politeness, and that confusion or scandal to the faithful is avoided .
Beyond dialogue and specific instances of shared worship, the Church emphasizes "spiritual ecumenism," which is considered the soul of the entire ecumenical movement . This involves a change of heart, interior conversion, renewal of the Church, and sustained and persevering prayer for Christian unity . It also includes a commitment to common charity, a desire for conversion to overcome infidelities that cause division, and a purification of past memories . The Holy Spirit is seen as leading the Church on this path of renewal and reconciliation .
In summary, the Catholic Church's approach to ecumenical dialogue and shared worship is rooted in its profound commitment to the visible unity of all Christians. While dialogue is actively pursued to foster mutual understanding and deeper communion, shared worship is carefully regulated by principles that balance the expression of the Church's unity with the provision of grace, with particular consideration given to the sacramental reality of other Christian communities. Underlying all these efforts is spiritual ecumenism, emphasizing conversion of heart, prayer, and holiness of life as the driving force for unity.