Abbey welcomes New Lord Mayor of Westminster

The Civic Procession to Westminster Abbey

Source: Westminster Abbey

The new Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Robert Rigby, attended Matins at Westminster Abbey on Sunday 7 July. The annual Civic Service celebrates the historic links between the Abbey and the City of Westminster.

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, welcomed the Lord Mayor and Councillors of the City of Westminster to the service, and pronounced the Blessing.

The sermon was preached by the Lord Mayor's Chaplain, Father Christopher Colven.

Councillor Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster City Council, read Deuteronomy 24: 10-15, 17 - end; and the Lord Mayor read Romans 12: 3-18.

Prayers were led by The Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival, Minor Canon and Chaplain.

The service was sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by the Organist and Master of the Choristers, Andrew Nethsingha. The organ was played by Peter Holder, Sub-Organist. Music before the service was played by Matthew Jorysz, Assistant Organist.

Before the service, the Abbey's Laetatus bell was tolled. The bell is inscribed with the words: 'May the City flourish: May Parliament flourish'.

A collection was taken for the Lord Mayor's nominated charities, the Cardinal Hume Centre and the MCC Foundation.

A former chair of the Catholic Union, Mayor Rigby is the first Catholic to hold this honorary title. Read more about him in our earlier report: Catholic elected as new Lord Mayor of Westminster