26 January 2018

Commemorative Mass for Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor

On 22 January, Cardinal Cormac’s family, friends, former Headmasters at Prior Park College, staff, students, parents and alumni came together at Our Lady of Snows Chapel to pay their respects and pray for the Cardinal, who died 1 September 2017.

The Chief Celebrant was Bishop Declan, who was accompanied by twelve priests and College Chaplain, Fr Christopher Whitehead. Junior and Senior Chapel College Choirs sang magnificently.

Following the entrance procession, James Murphy-O’Connor, Headmaster at Prior Park, spoke eloquently about Cardinal Cormac, “the man and the uncle,” whose motto was ‘Gaudium et Spes’, Joy and Hope.

Father Rupert Allen read the Gospel, John 15:12-17, which was chosen by Cormac for his own funeral: “You did not choose me, no, I chose you.” Bishop Declan referred to this in his Homily saying Cormac “did not choose God, God chose him. The life of Cormac was a life of friendship with God.” Bishop Declan added that it was always a joy to meet Cardinal Cormac, a priest who others loved and who always had a deep respect for others. “His journey ends in eternal life, may he rest in peace.”

Throughout his time, Cormac remained a committed and supportive alumni of the College (1943-1950), and remained President of Prior Park Educational Trust until his death. The Chapel is at the heart of the College and so it was a fitting venue for the Cardinal’s Commemorative Mass.