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The Catholic Police Guild celebrated its 100th National Requiem Mass at Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday November 7, with the participation of representatives from East Anglia.
His Eminence, Cardinal Vincent Nichols was chief celebrant, with two concelebrating bishops and chaplains from across the country.
As part of the celebration, each Police force in England and Wales was represented by a contingent of officers that formed a guard of honour replicating what occurred at a Requiem Mass in 1939, at the start of the Second World War.
Officers from Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies came to represent the two counties as part of a nationwide representation which included a delegation from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Accompanying those from Norfolk and Suffolk was Paul Gilbert, from St Mary’s Thetford, who is a volunteer lay chaplain based at Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. He also served during the Mass as Cardinal Nichols’ crozier bearer.
“Over 1000 officers were attendance. It was great that both Norfolk and Suffolk were able to attend to represent the Diocese of East Anglia,” said Paul.
At the end the Mass, a roll honour was announced for officers who have passed away in the last year from across the country.
The Catholic Police Guild was formed in 1914 by police from Westminster and in 1923, it became the National Guild for serving and retired officers in England and Wales.
Pictured above are Police representatives outside Westminster Cathedral and, below Paul Gilbert (left) with Cardinal Vincent Nichols during part of the Mass. Pictures by Mazur/CBCEW.
