Abbot Robert celebrates the legacy of Cardinal Hume
On Tuesday 20 June Abbot Robert celebrated Mass for the Memoria of St Alban at the Sacred Heart Chapel in Westminster, offered in memory of Cardinal Basil Hume in the year that would have been his 100th Birthday. The Mass was organised by the Cardinal Hume Centre, to celebrate the impact of the Centre which bears his name and stands as his enduring legacy. Many Old Amplefordians and friends of the Centre attended the Mass along with members of his extended family, which included Philip Marsden (J74) reading the First Reading and John Hickman (A60) and George Hickman (D93) doing the Offertory Procession. Fr Abbot was joined by Emma Craig, Head of Development & Alumni, who represented Ampleforth College and the Ampleforth Society at this special occasion.
Before Mass Abbot Robert spent the afternoon at the Cardinal Hume Centre, learning about their work with young people and families in Westminster who face poverty and homelessness, and spent time with George O’Neill, Chief Executive of the Centre. The main theme of the day, throughout the Abbot’s visit to the Centre and during Mass, reflected the first line of the Rule of St Benedict – “Listen carefully with the ear of your heart”. The Centre’s Chair of Trustees, Dr Robert Arnott, and George O’Neill both spoke about how the most important gift we can offer to those on the margins is that of genuinely listening to them, treating them with the innate dignity they deserve, something Cardinal Hume was so good at. The Abbot’s homily gave us much to think on, reflecting on the Gospel influences that shaped Cardinal Hume’s life and ministry, and spurred all attending on to become “agents of sabotage” in the world, so that through our own actions we can transform society and the lives of others. You can read his inspiring homily by clicking HERE.
We give thanks for Cardinal Hume’s example and wish the Centre every good fortune in its incredible work. If you would like to learn more about the Centre or offer your services as a volunteer or supporter, we encourage you to contact them, they would be delighted to hear from you.