On
the First Sunday of Lent several hundred people gathered in Arundel’s beautiful
Cathedral of Our Lady and St Philip Howard to participate in and witness a key
stage of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
Watched by their godparents, sponsors, catechists, priests and families, the Candidates (who were validly baptized in other Christian denominations) and the Catechumens (who were never baptized) publicly attested to their desire to join the Catholic Church. This RCIA Rite of Election and Enrolment of Names was presided over by Archbishop Peter Smith, Archbishop of Southwark.
A
total of 143 individuals from A&B Diocese shared their intention to become
Catholics, while, on the same day, it is estimated that more than 3,000 people
nationally made the same declaration as part of their journey to joining the
Catholic Church at Easter.
In
his homily the Archbishop spoke of this day as a special window of opportunity
for the participants, a chance to allow Jesus to mold them in his likeness. The
Holy Spirit guides – often in hidden ways – and gives the gift of faith. He
reminded them of Pope Francis’ request to shun indifference and deepen their
personal encounters with Christ this Lent. In conclusion, he spoke of his
desire that the day be one of great joy and strength for the candidates; while
there will be challenges, he concluded by asking them to hold firm to the words
of Jesus: ‘Courage, do not be afraid for
I am always with you until the end of time.’ Following the testimony of the godparents and sponsors that their catechumens and candidates were properly prepared, the Archbishop greeted each candidate personally, together with their supporters.
It was fitting that the
Rite of Election took place in Arundel Cathedral, which is dedicated to St
Philip Howard and holds his relics. In his youth St Philip was a bit of a
playboy and indifferent to religion until the prayers of his saintly wife and
the preaching of St Edmund Campion converted him. Some of the candidates shared
their journeys and stories of conversion; as the Archbishop observed, the Holy
Spirit guides, often in hidden ways.
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