Tuesday, 6 May 2008

Ecce Nova Facio Omnia

This mosaic can be found in Westminster Cathedral, the home of Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor. It is located on the wall at the entrance to the chapel of St George and the English Martyrs, just a few feet from the body of St John Southworth. John Southworth worked close to Westminster Cathedral for much of his priestly life, though he also has connections with Lancaster, where he was imprisoned for a time. The mosaic is of particular interest to our own Diocese, as the quotation 'Ecce nova facio omnia' - 'Behold, I make all things new' (Rev. 21:5) is the episcopal motto of our recently ordained coadjutor, Bishop Michael Campbell. Westminster Cathedral currently has a major appeal underway; £3 million is needed for essential repairs which begin this year. Details of the appeal can be found here, and the Westminster Cathedral website here.