Cardinal Nichols welcomes more than 500 for Rite of Election

Image: Diocese of Westminster

Source: Diocese of Westminster

Cardinal Vincent Nichols has welcomed the largest number of candidates and catechumens to the Diocese of Westminster's Rite of Election since 2018.

Today, Saturday 8 March, Westminster Cathedral was filled with over 1200 people gathered to celebrate the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion, a key milestone in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Among the attendees were over 500 adults representing more than 80 parishes, all preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion - this coming Easter, together with their families and friends.

Since the pandemic, two-thirds of the diocese's parishes have sent groups to the Rite of Election. This year's celebration makes a total of over 1500 participants since 2021.

His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols presided over the liturgy, joined by Bishops John Sherrington, Nicholas Hudson, Paul McAleenan, and James Curry. During the service, the Cardinal declared over 250 catechumens as "the Elect," having been chosen by the community to move forward in their preparation for the sacraments. Their names were recorded in the Book of the Elect, a visible sign of their journey toward full initiation, blessed by the Cardinal.

In addition, more than 250 candidates, already baptized Christians, were affirmed by their sponsors and the congregation during the Call to Continuing Conversion. This affirmation recognises their heartfelt desire to complete their initiation and enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.

Representatives from every deanery were present as each parish was called forward to meet the Cardinal and the Bishops. In his homily, Cardinal Nichols reflected on the beginning of Lent and this gathering of candidates and catechumens in a Holy Year, reminding them that we are all pilgrims into hope. After the liturgy, many gathered in the piazza to enjoy the sunshine and take photographs with the Bishops.

Writing in the order of service, Cardinal Nichols said, "We give thanks to God for the ways in which our parishes and diocesan family will be enriched by you, and we promise to continue to support you and your families with our prayers and the example of Christian life that you experience in our parish communities." He also expressed gratitude for the support provided by priests, deacons, religious, parish catechists, godparents, and sponsors, wishing that the journey of all those involved would be a time of grace.

The Rite of Election, celebrated annually on the first Saturday of Lent, marks the beginning of a period of continued preparation until Easter, when the Elect and candidates will receive the Sacraments of Initiation in their parishes. The Book of the Elect will remain on display in the Baptistery of Westminster Cathedral until Holy Saturday, inviting visitors to pray for the Elect.