THE BECKET FESTIVAL AT NORTHAMPTON CATHEDRAL
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Northampton announce the Becket Festival at Northampton Cathedral, Primrose Hill on Saturday 3rd July. The relics of Saint Thomas will be on display in the Cathedral throughout the weekend.
The weekend will begin with Mass to celebrate the Translation of the relics of Saint Thomas Becket at midday on Saturday 3rd July. Archbishop Richard Moth will preside at the opening Mass.
Thomas Becket And Northampton
Thomas Beckets links to Northampton date to October 1164 when King Henry II summoned Becket to Northampton Castle to face charges of financial misconduct and contempt of royal authority. The trial was politically motivated, Henry wanted to assert his control over the Church, and Becket was his main obstacle.
Before the trial, Becket is believed to have stayed at Saint Andrew’s Priory, a Cluniac monastery in Northampton. This is the site where our Catholic Cathedral stands today.
Translation of the Relics
When Thomas Becket was murdered on 29 December 1170 he was buried in haste in the crypt of the Cathedral in Canterbury. Due to the large number of pilgrims his tomb attracted, plans were made to move his body to a more impressive location in the upper church. However, a fire broke out, which slowed the progress, and tensions between the monks, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the King and the Pope meant it was not until 1215 that plans could be drawn up for the translation. The translation of the relics eventually took place in 1220.
All are welcome to join the lecture in the St Thomas Centre at Northampton Cathedral at 2.30pm followed by Vespers at 4pm
Program
12 noon: Opening Mass celebrated by Archbishop Richard Moth
1pm: Lunch (either packed lunch or food from Cafè 1850)
2.30pm: Becket Lecture
4pm: Vespers
