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People from across our community of faith joined our Corpus Christi celebration at Arundel Cathedral last Thursday, with Mass followed by the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament to Arundel Castle, and Benediction in the castle grounds. Speaking during the homily, Bishop Richard reflected on the Jubilee Year and the increasing numbers of people joining the Church:

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"We are very blessed at Arundel with our Carpet of Flowers, a tradition that comes down to us from Duke Henry, who built the cathedral. This Jubilee Year is a journey to Christ; we have been blessed to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at the cathedral with 874 young people this summer, with more yet to come; I suspect the final number will be over 1,000 which is an increase on previous years.

"We saw 100 more adults baptised this Easter than last year, and are witnessing increasing numbers of people coming to the celebration of Mass Sunday by Sunday. This isn’t just happening in our Diocese, it is taking place across the country and is described as a ‘quiet revival’. The influence of the Holy Spirit across our communities - looking to and turning afresh to Christ - is something to be celebrated.

"The Lord nourishes us on our journey to Him; He accompanies us on this journey... Keeping our eyes on Christ, means that everything we do and say and everyone we encounter is informed by that gaze – we bring Him to our brothers and sisters, allowing ourselves to be nourished by His Word and Real Presence in the Eucharist; we rejoice as we walk with the Lord, and as He walks with us.

"Let us open our minds and hearts to all that Jesus says to us; let us be open to Him; that as we make that journey as Pilgrims of Hope, we bring the peace of the Risen Christ, as bearers of the message of the Gospel, to a world in need of its nourishment."

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‍To see photos from Corpus Christi taken by photographer Harry Robertson, click here.