A bold profession of the ultimate object of Christian hope

Last Saturday [29 April] marked a very special day in the relationship between the Vatican and the United Kingdom. A unique musical performance of the setting of the words of Saint John Henry Newman, canonised by Pope Francis just two years ago, was performed in the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside-the-Walls. With a choir of over 300, a full symphony orchestra (The Southbank Sinfonia) and semi chorus, this huge work received a standing ovation from its audience which included three Cardinals, two Abbotts, an Archbishop and a Bishop of the Anglican Church, alongside the British Ambassador to the Holy See, HE Chris Trott. This performance of the ‘Dream of Gerontius’, set to music by Sir Edward Elgar, marks a very special place for our Parliament and the Parliament Choir. As representatives of the United Kingdom, it makes a powerful ...