Emmaus Partnership
The Diocese of Northampton hosted the Becket Festival at Northampton Cathedral over the weekend of 6-7thJuly. The weekend celebrated the Saint Thomas Becket, co-patron of the diocese over the weekend of the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of Becket on 7th July.
When Thomas Becket was murdered on 29 December 1170 he was buried in haste in the crypt of the Cathedral in Canterbury. Due to the large number of pilgrims his tomb attracted, plans were made to move his body to a more impressive location in the upper church. However, a fire broke out, which slowed the progress, and tensions between the monks, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the King and the Pope meant it was not until 1215 that plans could be drawn up for the translation. The translation of the relics eventually took place in 1220.
Bishop David Oakley, bishop of the diocese of Northampton said:
“The Catholic Diocese of Northampton is proud to have St Thomas Becket as a patron. The Becket Festival is an opportunity for us all to celebrate the blessings of being a people of faith and social needs outreach throughout the Catholic communities of Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Slough”.
The link between Northampton and St Thomas Becket came when Becket was on trial at Northampton Castle in 1164 following a falling out with King Henry ii. Becket stayed at St Andrews friary which was on the land of the current Cathedral.
During the Festival, pilgrims had the opportunity to venerate the relic of Saint Thomas Becket. Relics are venerated, not worshipped. This veneration honours the saints and seeks their intercession with God. Relics remind the faithful of the saints’ virtues and holiness, inspiring them to lead holy lives. The veneration of relics is based on the Catholic belief in the communion of saints, the idea that saints are alive in heaven and can intercede for us. Relics are viewed as a tangible link to these holy individuals.
As the festival progressed pilgrims visited an art exhibition inspired by Thomas Becket. The art was submitted by artists from across the world and created through prayer and the Holy Spirit.
Ending the pilgrimage, Fr Gerard Skinner gave the Becket Lecture in the St Thomas Centre. This year the focus on Fr Ignatius Spencer, a Passionist priest who lived at Althorp House, on the outskirts of Northampton.
https://northamptondiocese.org/
Pic: Flikr/© Lawrence OP