Would you like to join the Westminster Justice and Peace Pilgrimage to Rome from 19-22 September?
We are taking a small delegation of 10 people to Rome to take part in the Jubilee of Justice on Saturday 20 September 2025.
There are a few places still available. Estimated cost for accommodation and flights – £430.
We will be staying at Villa Lante Center, a property belonging to the Sacred Heart Sisters and located in the heart of Trastevere, near the Vatican City. Activities will include a Pilgrimage to the Holy Door, Catechesis with Pope Leo XIV and meeting other Jubilee of Justice participants from around the world.
Participants are invited to make their own travel arrangements but we can give you advice on travelling together with other pilgrims.
Please contact Colette Joyce or Fr Dominic Robinson justiceandpeace@rcdow.org.uk by 15 July if you are interested in joining us.
A very special combined event was hosted by the Southern Dioceses Environment Network and the Northern Dioceses Environment Group on 4th June 2025 to mark the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis Papal Encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ – On the Care of Our Common Home (2015).
Colette Joyce (Westminster) and Mark Wiggin (Salford) facilitated the meeting, with prayers led by Bernadette Jordan (Salford) and Siân Thomas-Cullinan (Brentwood).
We calculated that approximately 115 people registered for the event and we estimate 95 attended.
Our guest speaker, Austen Ivereigh, is a well-known Catholic journalist, writer and commentator with a special relationship with Pope Francis.
Austen helped us to reflect on where we have come in the last ten years and what we are being called to do in the next ten.
The publication of the papal encyclical Laudato Si‘ in 2015 galvanised Catholics around the world and in every country to unite with those of all other faiths and none in the common cause of caring for our home planet and all the people on it. Pope Francis urged us to integrate questions of justice into our debates on the environment, ‘so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor’ – for they are one and the same thing. (LS, 49).
Austen deepened our reflection on the method that Pope Francis adopts to respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, using a broad SEE-JUDGE-ACT model. The first stage is to enter the crisis and open our eyes to places where there is pain and suffering. What is happening to our Earth? The second task is discernment: finding where God’s action can be seen and what frustrates God’s action. The third was to move to proposals for action in line with the Kingdom, confident that what is aligned with the arc of the Kingdom is never wasted.
He suggested that the Laudato Si’ apostolate can be considered as enabling these three tasks: (a) helping people to see what is happening to our Earth and to help people experience grief and the desire to repent; (b) helping people enter into an understanding of what is happening (as does Laudato Si’ in chapters three and four); and (c) enabling processes of synodal discernment that move through these two stages into concrete actions.
The Great Reformer- Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope (2014). Biography of Pope Francis.
Let Us Dream (2020). Pope Francis reflection on what we learnt during the Covid pandemic.
First Belong to God: On Retreat with Pope Francis (2024). An eight-day Ignatian retreat drawing on the wisdom of Pope Francis and the spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Pope Francis and St Ignatius encourage us recognise our triple belonging: to God, to Creation and one another.
Opening prayer: Bernadette Jordan (Diocese of Salford)
Adapted from a prayer by David Kossoff in ‘You have a minute, Lord?’ 1977
Lord, a word. It’s about the world. Your world that you made in six days, Resting on the seventh and being pleased with your work. And rightly so Lord. It is a beautiful world you made. Beautiful. Well, Lord, it’s getting dirty. We’re dirtying it, Lord. You made the seas and the creatures therein, Lord. And we are choking the creatures with filth and oil, Lord. You made all the creatures that fly and swim and live on land. And you looked on them and said, ‘Good.’ Well Lord, there’s quite a few You wouldn’t be able to find. Extinctions have happened and are happening right now. We try to improve on your work, Lord. We make a lot of noise and a lot of smoke. And a lot of what are called waste-products. Pollutants, Lord. Effluents and such. Wonderful gifts you have given us, Lord. Riches beyond imagination Now we have the fastest roads and The fastest cars and the fastest planes. But sometimes we don’t stop to see the wonders that are with us every day. Every Spring you make it all new again, Lord, Every summer it all grows. Every autumn you show us colours to Catch the breath, to swell the heart. Every winter you remind us of your presence. We need reminding, Lord. We litter the place. We clash with the colours. And worse, to be quite honest, Lord, A lot of us don’t notice.
Reflection from Bernadette Pope Francis raised our awareness in his encyclical Laudato Si’ and coming together in celebration gives us hope. The natural world springs back new each year on Earth’s untrodden ground. This fills me with gratitude and thanksgiving. We are called to Hope that is linked to love and to a sense of responsibility for those who come after us. Lord, let us tread lightly on the Earth by reducing our demands and living simply.
Loving God, as we close this time together, we pause to recognise Your presence among us.
In our conversations, in our questions, and in our shared commitment to care for this beautiful, fragile world we carry with us the vision of Laudato Si’ A vision of a world where the earth is treated not as a resource to be used, but as a gift to be cherished.
A world where the dignity of every person is honoured, where the vulnerable are protected, and where justice and sustainability walk hand in hand.
Together, we hold onto the hope of a world that is fairer, greener, and more deeply connected, where communities flourish, creation is respected, and future generations can live with joy and peace.
As we step back into our daily lives, give us the imagination to dream big, the courage to act boldly, and the grace to stay rooted in love for You, for each other, and for our common home. Amen
A mass lobby is an event where lots of people meet with their MPs on the same day to have powerful conversations about issues we care about.
Supporters of more than 100 organisations from across the UK will come to Westminster that day to ask our MPs to take action on climate, debt and nature.
In this Jubilee year, it’s vital that MPs also hear from people of faith. So please come along and promote this mass lobby in your local community and parish.
Colette Joyce, the Westminster Justice and Peace Co-ordinator, will be based at the Faith for the Climate stall throughout the day in the QEII Centre, Broad Sanctuary, London, SW1P 3EE. Call or message her on 07593 434905 if you would like to meet up on the day or assist for an hour or two on the stall yourself.
Catholics in Westminster are also invited to join the Lobby via CAFOD who will also have a strong presence on the day. There are travel subsidies available for those who would benefit from receiving assistance to get to the event. Follow the CAFOD link for details.
If you have joined in with previous mass lobbies, you will know how powerful these moments are and about the uniquely inspirational atmosphere generated on the day.
For those who haven’t attended a mass lobby before, this day will be a unique opportunity to join the Church’s global debt campaign and make our call for the cancellation of the debts of countries hit hardest by the climate crisis, loud and clear. Even if you don’t get to meet your MP you can still be part of a big public act of solidarity and witness that will make a difference.
On the day, the Mass Lobby will end with Mass at Westminster Cathedral at 5.30pm! The Celebrant is Bishop John Arnold, Bishops Conference of England and Wales spokesman on the Environment.
In an address to members of the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, Pope Leo XIV addressed the question of the development of social doctrine and stressed the responsibility of all the faithful to contribute to this process. In this way, he said, we would make a contribution to better understanding, hope and peace.
“I invite you, then, to participate actively and creatively in this discernment process, and thus contribute, with all of God’s people, to the development of the Church’s social doctrine in this age of significant social changes, listening to everyone and engaging in dialogue with all.”
Westminster Justice & Peace has two fully-funded free places to offer to young adults (18-35) at the forthcoming National Justice and Peace Network Conference, 25-27 July 2025.
In return, we invite you to help as a volunteer at the event with tasks such as running our stall at the Just Fair, stewarding or helping with music and liturgy.
The Conference is being held at the beautiful Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire, DE55 1AU
All expenses will be covered including conference fees, accommodation, meals and travel.
Applicants must live, work or worship within the Diocese of Westminster.
To apply – please send a short message to the Co-ordinator, Colette Joyce, giving your name, address, phone number and email address and a brief description of why you are interested in this opportunity. Short-listed applicants will be invited to an online interview. Email: colettejoyce@rcdow.org.uk
Closing Date: 2 July 2025
CONFERENCE INFORMATION
“War is a defeat for everyone” – Words of Pope Francis, quoted by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re at His Holiness’ Requiem Mass on 26 April 2025.
“Peace be with all of you!” – The first words of Pope Leo XIV as he appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s in Rome having been just elected by the Conclave on 8 May 2025.
In this Jubilee Year, at a time of transition for the global Catholic community and great upheaval for the world, the National Justice and Peace Network invites you to our annual conference: ‘Towards a Just Peace – Challenging the Inevitability of Violence’
The weekend provides opportunities for networking and prayer with Catholics and others from across the country who share an interest in world peace and the promotion of social justice. There will be talks, workshops, prayer, a Just Fair with stalls from many different charities and organisations, and time for socialising.
Speakers this year include Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, who will address the theme, and Dr Joanna Frew of Rethinking Security, who will explore what real security looks like today.
Workshop contributors include Richard Solly of Jesuit Missions and Ellen Teague of the Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Team who will explore links between violence and environmental problems. Another workshop will listen to the voices of bereaved Israelis and Palestinians who are committed to working together for a Just Peace. Bokani Tshidzu of Operation Noah will explore ‘Investing in Peace through Climate Action.’ Quakers in Britain will look at how local interfaith and intercommunal relations in Britain are impacted by international conflicts.
NJPN says: “Journey with us this jubilee year as we open the doors to a just peace for current and future generations. Join us as we commit to taking restorative action to bring about peace and justice for migrants, or people living in poverty and inequality and for a world in climate crisis. We owe it to future generations to make this Jubilee permanent”.
Clemente Attolico and colleagues with the delicious lunches they are taking to Farm Street.
By Nathalie Raffray
A prestigious Private Members Club in the heart of Mayfair has got involved with a project providing meals to people living on the streets.
Mark’s Club, in Charles Street, is one of several exclusive clubs to offer food donations to a homeless lunch project organised by the Central London Catholic Churches.
Annabel’s, George and Harry’s Bar, similarly exclusive clubs with a VIP list closed to most people, have also got involved, joining five-star hotels including the Connaught, Claridges and the Mandarin Oriental.
Set up in 2020 at the start of the coronavirus pandemic and supported by Westminster City Council, the homeless lunch service is run from Farm Street Church twice a week and can serve up to 180 people.
Clemente Attolico at Mark’s Club, told ICN that they heard about the project through Harry’s Bar.
They offer a variety of food, depending on the availability of the produce in the kitchen.
Clemente added: “We simply got involved so that we could participate more actively in our community’s wellbeing. A lot of properties were helping and it was only fair for us to participate as well. We are a small club, but we try to do our part.”
Father Dominic Robinson, parish priest at Farm Street church, said: “I’m so grateful to all the clubs for coming on board. It makes this such a wonderful community project which shows that a neighbourhood as wealthy as Mayfair also has a heart for the poorest.”
Besides the homeless lunch, served in the Arrupe Hall, the London Jesuit Centre, 114 Mount Street, also hosts the Cana Lounge Café downstairs where they serve tasty treats, hearty soups, sandwiches and hot cooked meals on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 11am and 2.30pm.
All items are offered for a reasonable recommended donation. All Café staff are volunteers, typically homeless or unemployed. The café’s mission is to help leverage skill development to get folks back into employment. Come and be a part of their journey. All food is made and prepared onsite. Daily specials, always fresh!
Takeaway and catering services are also available. For more details see links below.
Bishop Jim Curry is an auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of Westminster
Bishop Jim Curry, the Lead Bishop for the Holy Land for the Bishops’ Conference, has joined our former Middle East North Africa consultant, Dr Harry Hagopian, as a special guest on his monthly Middle East Analysis podcast. Contributing to a discussion on Gaza, the West Bank and the wider region of the Holy Land, Bishop Curry said that when Christians pray for peace, it can be both supplication and a cry of protest.
“Obviously, the Christian always wants to pray, and we can’t just dismiss prayer as fanciful. Prayer is a cry of protest as well as supplication,” says Bishop Curry. “The fact that we can pray in our churches publicly for the situation in Palestine and Gaza, in the West Bank, that we remember our Christian brothers and sisters and the wider community is important. So we can’t ever dismiss it.”
Bishop Curry also spoke about the Christian presence in the Holy Land as foundational and a vital part of the rich tapestry of the region:
“One of our fundamental tenets is to go on pilgrimage, because these lands are holy to us, they are holy to the Jews, and to Muslims. Christians have been part of the mosaic of those lands for over 2,000 years, they belong there. They’re not interlopers. They’ve built schools, they’ve built churches, they’ve built communities. So going to visit them is important for us. When we last visited [for the Holy Land Coordination], we were able to visit Bethlehem, Beit Jala, where the Latin Patriarch has a seminary, Aboud, and Taybeh. We were able to show that they are not forgotten. But I’m always conscious that afterwards, we walk away. We walk away and leave communities to struggle with lack of access to jobs, to security, to freedom of movement.”
The Bishop also shared his first impressions of the Palestinian city Ramallah, the administrative capital, that he visited in January 2025 as part of the Holy Land Coordination meeting, organised by the Bishops’ Conference:
“I’d never been to Ramallah, and as I looked around as we entered the city I saw a peaceful, busy, bustling city with cafes and buses, restaurants and shops, and people about their business.
“It was a warm day, with a blue sky, and I thought ‘that’s what normality looks like’. People don’t run away from normality. We were asking ourselves, ‘what would normality look like?’ And there we saw it. Someone whispered into my ear, ‘You should have seen Gaza. It was bigger and more well-organised’. Now all we see are these images of rubble and people being displaced – hungry and frightened. I’d seen a different reality in Ramallah, a place that worked. I’m sure people complain about the services there, but I saw something different and it stayed with me.”
In the face of conflict, death, destruction and extreme hardship, Bishop Curry offers a suggestion to enable us to cling to a shard of hope:
“What can we do? We can go on advocating that normality is possible, that people can live well together. People want to live well together… Everywhere we went, we heard this plea, ‘We just want to live normal lives. We want jobs, we want our kids to go to school, we want them to be able to play their part in this land when they come back after university’. It still comes back to me, that image of what normality is. People don’t run away from normality.”
He reserved special praise and heart-felt prayers for the small Catholic community of the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza:
“They are giving a witness to the possibility that our despair can’t be the final word about the human situation. That little community there, the Holy Family in Gaza, they are a living sign that human beings can live together, and they can work together for each other’s good.”
Bishop Nicholas has responsibility for Justice & Peace in the Diocese of Westminster
In response to the government’s recently announced Strategic Defence Review, Bishop Nicholas Hudson, Chair of the International Affairs Department at CBCEW, expressed the strong hope that the government will not neglect international peacebuilding efforts.
Bishop Hudson said: “I understand that the government has a very difficult decision to make given the current fiscal position and international environment.”
“However, if defence spending is to increase, it should not be at the expense of other ways of promoting peace and justice. Peacebuilding is a vital aspect of international security that must not be sacrificed to an increased emphasis on defence.”
Earlier this month the government announced the review, with wide-ranging measures, including building 12 attack submarines and a commitment to raise defence spending to 2.5% by 2027-28 with the aim of 3% by the next parliament.
Bishop Hudson added: “It is important to ensure that the expansion of military funding does not result in the diversion of resources away from foreign aid and support for the world’s poorest people. Without a balanced investment in diplomacy, multilateralism, and assistance to the poor as vital means of securing peace, we risk deepening the very crises we seek to prevent.
“I also hope that the UK approaches the development of autonomous weapon systems with great caution, always upholding the principle that machines must never replace human moral judgment or responsibility in matters of life and death.
“I urge our government leaders to remember that true security comes not only from strength, but also from compassion and active peacebuilding.”
Read the Catholic Bishops’ document on disarmament and the ethical use of weapons:
Everyone is welcome to join us for the monthly Memorial Prayer Vigil for Refugees and Asylum-Seekers outside the Home Office, SW1P 4DF, on Monday, 16 June from 12:30pm to 1:30pm.
This month is of particular significance as it takes place during Refugee Week 16-22 June 2025.
The theme of this year’s Refugee Week is ‘Community as Superpower’. Come and raise your voices and swell our community so that together we can have a much greater impact!
Praying for:
Those who died trying to reach the UK
Victims of current wars
Those in detention and who are homeless
The UK to be a more welcoming nation
Sign up to receive email news & alerts of changes orcancellation at: homeofficevigil@gmail.com
Cardinal Vincent Nichols has shared a message for the upcoming tenth anniversary of Caritas Bakhita House, the Diocese of Westminster’s safe house for survivors of trafficking and exploitation.
To mark the anniversary, the Cardinal will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving in Westminster Cathedral on 30th June at 5.30pm, which will be attended by the centre’s staff, volunteers and supporters.
Cardinal Nichols extends the invitation to the faithful and general public, noting: ‘It’s a moment for us to thank God for the new life given through the work of [Caritas] Bakhita House, inspired by the compassion and the love that Jesus has for everyone; as he gave his life, that we might live life to the full.’
Opened in 2015, the initiative began as a response to Pope Francis’ injunction for the Church to contribute to combating human trafficking. Since then, the safe house has offered round-the-clock support to over 200 women, including tailored support plans, access to medical and psychological support, therapeutic activities and support with bringing perpetrators to justice.
Cardinal Nichols reflects: ‘I’m most proud of [Caritas] Bakhita House for the way it builds a community… of women who have been rescued from trafficking and found their way back to healthy, productive lives — along with many of their babies, too.’
Diocese of Westminster Justice and Peace Commission 