Mass and Dinner with Cardinal Nichols

On Wednesday 10 December, the Venerable English College hosted a special Mass and dinner for Cardinal Vincent Nichols.

 The evening coincided with the Cardinal’s last visit to Rome in his capacity as a member of the Vatican’s Dicastery of Bishops. The Cardinal has served on the Dicastery, which advises on episcopal appointments, for the past 10 years.

 The evening was also an opportunity for the VEC to mark the Cardinal’s 80th birthday which he celebrated in November.

In remarks after dinner, Fr Stephen Wang, reflected on the Cardinal’s leadership of the Catholic Church in England and Wales which has seen him take part in two conclaves, Pope Benedict’s State Visit to Britain in 2010, and King Charles’s recent State Visit to the Vatican earlier this year.

 Cardinal Nichols responded with some memories of his time as a seminarian at the VEC which coincided with the Second Vatican Council. He encouraged current seminarians at the VEC to form strong friendships and do all things for the praise and glory of God.

 Cardinal Nichols is due to return to Rome in January for the Consistory of Cardinals called by Pope Leo.

Cardinal Nichols with Fr Stephen and the serving team after Mass

The community and guests stand to sing Ad multos annos