Cardinal Vincent Nichols has celebrated the Requiem Mass for Sir David Amess MP at Westminster Cathedral. It took place at 10:30 am on Tuesday, 23 November.
Sir David was tragically killed at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex as a result of a knife attack on Friday, October 15. Cardinal Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, England, said, “the tragic death of David Amess creates a painful loss in so many lives. I pray for him that he be welcomed into the merciful presence of Our Heavenly Father. I pray for his family and friends, those reeling from shock at this time. I pray for his constituents all those who worked with him in his political career.”
Pope Francis, in a message read by the Papal Nuncio, praised Sir David for his “years of devoted public service guided by his strong Catholic faith.”
Papal Message
Saddened by the tragic death of Sir David Amess, His Holiness Pope Francis asks you to convey his heartfelt condolences and the assurance of his spiritual closeness to the Amess family.
His Holiness recalls with gratitude Sir David’s years of devoted public service guided by his strong Catholic faith and evidenced in his deep concern for the poor and the disadvantaged, his commitment to the defense of God’s gift of life, and his efforts to foster understanding and cooperation with the Holy See in its universal mission.
Commending Sir David’s soul to the loving mercy of Jesus Christ our Saviour, the Holy Father prays that all who honor his memory will be confirmed in the resolve to reject the ways of violence, to combat evil with good (cf. Rom. 12:21) and to help build a society of ever greater justice, fraternity, and solidarity.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
Order of Service
Homily
The homily was given by Canon Pat Browne, Catholic Duty Priest to the Houses of Parliament.
Eulogy
Rt. Hon. Ann Widdecombe DSG delivered a tribute to Sir David Amess noting his drive and passion as an MP.
