Dear Members
The Society of St Augustine of Canterbury and its members enjoy a special and close relationship with the Archbishop of Westminster, which is a real privilege of membership of the Society. The early months of 2026 were therefore a time of sadness and joy for us. Sadness as we said farewell and thank you to His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols on his retirement as a much loved and deeply respected Archbishop. Joy as we welcomed His Grace Archbishop Richard Moth to the Archdiocese and to his new home in Archbishop’s House. It was an honour for me as Chairman to represent the Society at His Grace’s Installation Mass and soon after that to welcome Archbishop Richard to our AGM & Reception.
At the Reception we heard from the Archbishop about his plans for Archbishop’s House: the Archbishop’s private accommodation and the rooms occupied by his Private Secretary require refurbishment, other areas of the House need updating and the currently underutilised Upper Library will be adapted for a wider range of events and meetings. I presented the Archbishop with the Society’s donation for 2026 of £40,000, much of which is already committed to the works that are underway. I also launched an appeal to our members for the work that Archbishop Richard wishes to have done as he settles into the House. That appeal remains open. Thank you to all of the members of the Society who have responded so generously thus far. Fr Peter Harris, our Honorary Chaplain and Ecclesiastical Adviser, and I continue to meet and discuss future projects in the House with the Diocesan architectural team.
Our Autumn Reception was held in Archbishop’s House in late October last year. Sadly, I was unable to be present due to a business commitment abroad but my predecessor as Chairman, Mrs Mary Goodwin DCSG DGCHS, ably took up the reins once more. A large group of members and guests were treated to a fascinating account from Councillor Robert Rigby KSG of his year as Lord Mayor of Westminster in 2024/25 and the importance of faith in political life.
Another memorable gathering of the Society was our annual Summer Outing, which this year took us to St Mary’s University, Twickenham on 30 June. Fr Peter, an alumnus of St Mary’s, celebrated Mass in the wonderful Chapel before lunch, which was followed by a talk about the historic buildings now occupied by the University and a tour of Strawberry Hill House. Fr Peter’s deep knowledge of the history of both the buildings and the many characters associated with them made the visit particularly special for those present.
We will return to Archbishop’s House for our Autumn Reception on 20 October at which Fr Patrick van der Vorst, Westminster Cathedral’s Precentor and Prefect of the Sacristy, will talk to us about his journey from Sotheby’s and the BBC’s Dragon’s Den to the priesthood, his website Christian.Art and his work in the Cathedral. We can look forward to an entertaining and enlightening evening!
We continue to welcome a steady stream of new members. Thank you to our existing members who make introductions among their friends and families. But we are delighted to welcome those who learn about us online or elsewhere. In this year of renewal for the Archdiocese of Westminster, please consider supporting the work of the Society if you do not already do so.
Vincent Keaveny
Chairman of Council
September 2026
The Society of St Augustine of Canterbury 