Westminster Cathedral

Westminster Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster and the Mother Church for Roman Catholics in England and Wales.

For over a hundred years countless Christians and visitors of every faith and none have crossed the threshold of this holy place, sensing the presence of God and filling it with prayer and contemplation.

Our Cathedral is a vibrant parish church; a living house of prayer where Holy Mass is offered over forty times every week and Confession is available six hours each day.

This great edifice was opened in 1903 and was consecrated in 1910. Designed by John Francis Bentley, the leading church architect of his day it is inspired by the early Byzantine style.

Since 1930 the Cathedral has been home to the shrine of the English saint and martyr, St John Southworth. This Lancashire priest lived and ministered to the poor in the streets of Westminster. He was martyred in 1654. The presence of his earthly remains in the Cathedral remind us that our ultimate destiny is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Westminster Cathedral is the home of a much-loved, world-famous Choir which sings at the daily Solemn Mass. People from all over the world come here to listen to great music from its remarkable and extensive repertoire.

Westminster Cathedral is usually open from 7.00am-7.00pm every day and welcomes all.

DEDICATION OF THE CATHEDRAL:

With the laying of the foundation stone in June 1895, the Cathedral was dedicated to The Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to his Blessed Mother, his Foster Father St Joseph and St Peter, his Vicar. There are secondary patrons, also: St Augustine and all British saints, St Patrick and all saints of Ireland. These dedications provide a meditation in themselves and are reflected in features of the Cathedral such as the pelican feeding her young with the blood of her own body (an ancient symbol of Christ selflessly nourishing redeemed humanity), the great crucifix that hangs between the nave and the sanctuary, and the side chapels, many of which honour patron saints.

Dedication of the Cathedral:
The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Precious Blood
To the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord
Jesus Christ
To his Blessed Mother,
His Foster Father Saint Joseph
and St Peter his Vicar
Secondary Patrons:
St Augustine and all British saints
St Patrick and all saints of Ireland

DOMINE JESU REX ET REDEMPTOR PER SANGUINEM TUUM SALVA NOS

(Lord Jesus, King and Redeemer, save us by your blood)

All saints of Britain and Ireland, pray for us