Northampton Cathedral was filled with joy and reverence on Saturday as clergy, religious, and laity gathered for the Becket Festival, marking the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Thomas Becket and celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Diocese of Northampton.
The Festival began at midday with a solemn Mass in the Cathedral, celebrated in thanksgiving for the Diocese and in honour of Saint Thomas Becket, whose relic is housed in the Cathedral. The sacred relic—a piece of Becket’s skull—was gifted to the Cathedral in the 19th century. It had been entrusted to Monsignor George Talbot, English Secretary to Pope Pius IX, by Bishop Mariano Venturi of Veroli in November 1852. Veroli, now part of the Diocese of Frosinone-Veroli-Ferentino in the Lazio region of Italy, holds a deep historical connection to the English saint. Mgr Talbot subsequently gave the relic to Northampton Cathedral, where it remains a focus of devotion.
While veneration of the relic took place within the Cathedral, a garden party was held for invited guests inBishop David Oakley’s garden. In attendance were His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson Esq, and His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada, as well as diocesan trustees, religious, priests, and headteachers from across the Diocese.
The afternoon featured the Becket Lecture, delivered by Fr Andrew Coy, a priest of the Diocese of Northampton currently serving as secretary to the Apostolic Nuncio in London. His lecture, titled “A Saint for Europe”, explored the spread of influence of the martyr across the continent and his witness to truth and conscience.
The Festival concluded with Solemn Vespers and Benediction, presided over by Bishop David Oakley, with assistance from Fr Daniel Rooke and Fr Benedetto D’Autilia.
The Becket Festival was a moment of deep spiritual significance and joyful celebration, uniting the diocesan community in faith, history, and hope for the future.
