National Police Requiem Mass 2024

Image: Catholic Police Guild

The National Police Requiem Mass took place at Westminster Cathedral on Thursday 7 November 2024.

Organised by The Catholic Police Guild, this was the 101st National Police Requiem Mass, commemorating all officers and staff who have died on duty and all members of the Guild.

The procession began at 2.30pm led by ten force standard bearers; representatives from different police forces; cadets accompanied by officers from Metropolitan Police.

The National Police Roll of Honour, which is maintained by The Police Remembrance Trust, and a memorial wreath, were all placed on the Sanctuary for the Mass. The priests and other chaplains, Westminster Cathedral clergy, and the main celebrant, Bishop Alan Williams SM of Brentwood followed. The Metropolitan Police Choir lead the music very beautifully.

Bishop Alan preached on the Gospel reading from Luke, on the Widow of Nain, where Jesus surprised her by bringing her dead son back to life. He encouraged us to be prepared to be surprised by Jesus in our daily life, to be grateful for what happens to us, and to find ways of Mission or Service.

The Prayer of the Faithful included prayers for the King and Queen, members of the Government, especially those responsible for justice and community service, serving and deceased police officers, and their families. They concluded with the prayer of The Catholic Police Guild.

The choir sang the Kyrie, Mozart's Lacrimosa Dies from his Requiem in D minor, Purcell's motet Thou knowest Lord the secrets of our hearts, Sanctus, and Benedictus, Agnus Dei, Ubi Caritas et Amor, as well as leading the congregation in Abide with me, Soul of my Saviour, and Faith Of Our Fathers.

The Remembrance was lead by National Chaplain Fr Barry Lomax, we remembered two police officers who had died since the last service. One of the widows read the lesson. The standard bearers stood in front; the Union Flag and all the Standards were lowered, police whistle signalled the start and end of two minutes silence; then we sang the National Anthem. The procession went out to the grand sounds of the organ voluntary. This was a most poignant part of the service.

CPG organiser Frank Pearson wrote on Facebook: "Guild awarded its highest honour, the Guild Fellowship, to our National Chaplain Fr Barry Lomax....A beautiful and fitting Requiem Mass. Our grateful thanks to all who contributed in any way. It is always worth the effort of making the journey from "up north". I would encourage all to consider making that effort as a "thank you" for all our colleagues did on our and the communities behalf. May they Rest in Peace & Rise in Glory."

Next morning, the wreath used at the Requiem Mass was laid at The National Police Memorial on The Mall.

The Catholic Police Guild was formed in 1914 by police from Westminster. In 1923, it became the National Guild for serving and retired officers in England and Wales.

LINKS

Catholic Police Guild: www.catholicpoliceguild.co.uk/

Police Remembrance Trust: https://thepolicememorialtrust.org/