HM Queen Elizabeth II
Requiescat In Pace
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It is with deep sorrow and grief that Bishop Philip Egan has learned of the death of Queen Elizabeth II this evening.
Bishop Egan said: “A woman of faith, service, and duty: We remember Queen Elizabeth II in our prayers and offer up thanks to God for a woman who served the people of our kingdom tirelessly for over seventy years. We pray for the repose of her soul and that the Father receive her into His Eternal Kingdom. Our prayers and thoughts are with the royal family at this sad time.”
In her official role as ‘Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England’, the Queen, through her words and actions, always showed herself to be a woman of a deep Christian faith. Throughout her reign Queen Elizabeth II also ensured a relationship of mutual respect between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was an extraordinary woman who will not be forgotten by her people. May she rest in peace.
In the presence of the relics of St Bernadette, an overnight vigil took place at St John’s Catholic Cathedral in Portsmouth on Thursday 8th September 2022.
The vigil also provided a place of calm for people to come, pray and reflect on the life of Queen Elizabeth II throughout the night and many people took this opportunity. The Cathedral will remain open and a commemoration book is available for people to leave a reflection. If you can, please do visit.
Across the Diocese on Sunday, local parishes will be celebrating a Requiem Mass for the Queen. This will provide people with the opportunity to pray for the repose of her soul and that the Father receive her into His Eternal Kingdom. All are welcome! To find your nearest parish and the time of your local Mass please click on the button below.
Bishop Philip will be celebrating a Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at 10am on Sunday 18th September at St John’s Catholic Cathedral in Portsmouth, with civil dignitories in attendance. Click the button below for live streaming.
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