Eighty-eight members and their guests attended this year’s Autumn Reception, following Holy Mass in Westminster Cathedral which was celebrated for the intention of the Society and its members, living and deceased.
His Eminence, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, welcomed the Society to Archbishop’s House. This year’s Guest Speaker was Councillor Robert Rigby KSG, a Life Member and former Council Member of the Society, who spoke about his year in office as Lord Mayor of Westminster 2024/25.
Recounting a year of some 800 engagements and two state visits by Japan and Qatar, Cllr Rigby’s Catholic faith and Benedictine education were his guiding light throughout, which he in turn reflected by means of a listening approach and a focus on humility.
Speaking of his faith as Lord Mayor, Cllr Rigby received support from many in this, including his family, friends, the Catenians and his Catholic chaplain. One of his two chosen charities was the Cardinal Hume Centre and, during the course of the year, Cllr Rigby received a Papal Knighthood of Saint Gregory the Great at Westminster Cathedral.
Following the talk, Cardinal Nichols spoke briefly about recent events, including the State Visit by Their Majesties to the Vatican as well as the Holy Father’s proclamation of Saint John Henry Newman as co-patron of the Church’s educational mission. The gathering continued in the presence of His Eminence with a convivial reception until the close of the evening.
The Society of St Augustine of Canterbury 