The Diocese of Northampton gathered in solemn celebration on Saturday 5th July for a historic Mass marking the 175th anniversary of its foundation and the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Thomas Becket, its patron saint.
The Mass, held at Northampton Cathedral, was attended by clergy, religious, and faithful from across the diocese. Distinguished guests included His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson Esq; His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada; and The Worshipful the Mayor of Northampton, Councillor Jane Birch, accompanied by her consort, Mr Toby Birch Esq.
Presiding over the liturgy, Bishop David Oakley gave a powerful homily reflecting on the life and legacy of Saint Thomas Becket and its relevance to the mission of the diocese today.
“If diocesan patron saints had any choice in the matter,” Bishop David began, “one cannot imagine St Thomas of Canterbury applying to be our diocesan patron.” Recalling Becket’s dramatic exile from Northampton in 1164, Bishop David noted, “That said, we are most grateful for his patronage and his intercession.”
Drawing upon recent political debates and reflecting on the uneasy but vital relationship between Church and state, Bishop David connected Becket’s legacy to modern civic life, expressing gratitude for today’s public servants: “I am delighted to say that our civic authorities these days are very much of [St Paul’s] mindset… Their exemplary service is a model to us.”
In honour of the diocese’s 175 years, Bishop David recalled its humble beginnings following the restoration of the Catholic hierarchy in 1850. At that time, Mass-going Catholics in the diocese numbered just over 3,000. Today, the Diocese of Northampton serves over 22,000 weekly Mass-goers across 68 parishes in Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Slough.
“Our diocese is largely rural, with Milton Keynes as its only city,” he said, noting the increasing Catholic population now comprises nearly 9% of the area’s population. “These figures [are] the gift of Providence to us today.”
Encouraging the faithful not to be daunted by challenges but to embrace their calling with joy, he said: “This anniversary falls within a jubilee year celebrated throughout the universal Church. We are pilgrims of hope.”
He praised the vibrant work of the diocese’s schools, parishes, and charitable outreach, including Caritas Northampton, the St Vincent de Paul Society, and numerous parish-based social action groups. “It is encouraging to see how much of this work involves Christians across denominations and even those of other faiths,” he said.
Concluding, Bishop David expressed gratitude for all those who have laboured in the diocese since its foundation: “We do indeed give thanks for all those who have labored over the past 175 years within our diocesan family. We continue as pilgrims of hope… St Thomas Becket, pray for us.”
Pictures from the celebration can be viewed here
Listen to Bishop David’s homily here
