On Monday 24th September His Eminence Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster since March 2000,  returned to Storrington to preside at the celebrations marking the Norbertine Order's 125 years of presence in the village. First of all he paid a short visit to St Joseph's Hall, his former home of 23 years whilst Bishop of Arundel and Brighton.  He was accompanied by Bishop Kieran Conry who, several years ago, moved away from St. Joseph's Hall to a more central location in the A&B diocese.

Afterwards both drove through the Order's flourishing new vineyard to Our Lady of England Priory to celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass on the Solemnity of Our Lady of England in the packed Priory Church, which also acts of the Catholic parish church of Storrington. Amongst those present were the Priory Community and its clergy, friends from the diocese, and ecumenical guests. The Rt. Rev. Paul MacMahon O.Praem., the Prior of the Community, warmly welcomed both Cardinal, Bishop and guests. He remarked that it was the first time a Cardinal had visited the Priory.

During the Mass, new music was sung which had been commissioned for the occasion by the Priory from the well-known American liturgical composer, Marty Haugen. After the Mass a Reception was held in the newly-decorated Priory Cloisters and also, because of the large numbers, in the Refectory, too.

 For a selection of photos of our celebration please click  here