We had good seats and could see the front of the church and also the readers on the platform. The Cardinal was wearing a very special vestment. It actually belonged to Richard III and has been kept in a museum. It was extra meaningful to tie that in to the event.
The chasuble, known as the Westminster Vestment, is part of the heritage collection of Ushaw College, the former Catholic seminary at Ushaw Moor, near Durham. There is a tradition that it was worn by the Benedictine monks of Westminster Abbey during the reign of King Richard, who died at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. It was absolutely gorgeous and the colours are still vibrant.
Here is an article about the Requiem, with the Homily given by Cardinal Nichols.
There were several wonderful choirs participating in the event, including several choirs from local Catholic schools.
Although Richard's body was not present, since it is waiting in the Cathedral for Thursday, I felt like his spirit was present with us in the Priory and that he felt honoured by our remembrance of him.
The vestment is beautiful, and so well preserved. Five hundred years is a long time to wait in Purgatory for prayers; not as long as eternity, I suppose!
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