Over seventy members and their guests gathered for our Autumn Reception this year. After Holy Mass had been celebrated in the Cathedral at which members, living and deceased had been prayed for, we made our way to Archbishop’s House.
Mary Goodwin, Chairman, opened proceedings by welcoming the large group. She explained that the Cardinal had been called away and that Bishop Nicholas Hudson had very kindly stepped in as our ‘host’. Mary introduced Alderman Vincent Keaveny CBE KCSG KStJ KGCHS, a member of the Society, who gave a highly interesting and entertaining account of his year as Lord Mayor of the City of London. Vincent regaled us with his stories of a unique and very busy year during which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sadly died and we celebrated the Accession to the Throne of King Charles. His experiences included hosting hundreds of events at Mansion House, countless high level meetings and travel worldwide as the most senior ambassador for the City of London. Click to read Vincent’s speech.
Bishop Nicholas Hudson then spoke to us about the recent Synod in Rome which had lasted a month and had involved representatives from every nation. The purpose of the Synod had not been to “change doctrine” but to discuss and share insights on the practice of the worldwide church today. Bishop Nicholas suggested it was well worth taking time to read the national synthesis document which is available on the Bishops’ Conference website. The Bishop led prayers at the end of his talk and we remembered John Barrie, our recently deceased former Chairman. After his talk, Bishop Nicholas kindly took several questions before a convivial reception which continued until the close of the evening.
The Society of St Augustine of Canterbury 