Home » Destinations » United Kingdom » London: Corpus Christi Church on Maiden Lane

London: Corpus Christi Church on Maiden Lane

 

About Corpus Christi Church in Maiden Lane:

After the Protestant Reformation and the abolishment of the monasteries, the Corpus Christi church was built in reparation for the sins committed against the Blessed Sacrament in those days and in the centuries that followed.

Corpus Christi soon became a centre for Eucharistic devotion, and many well-known names are connected with this historic church. The hymn much loved by English-speaking Catholics around the world, Sweet Sacrament Divine, was written by Fr Francis Stanfield, Parish Priest of this church in the early 1880s. Mgr Ronald Knox preached at the 40-hour Devotions every year for nearly 30 years. His famous sermons were later compiled in the books Between Heaven and Charing Cross and Window in the Wall.

Cardinal Manning’s successor, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, requested that Corpus Christi become the jewel it was designed to be, the Eucharistic Shrine of the diocese. After a great deal of restoration work over the last few years, the church is now refurbished, particularly the sanctuary, with fresh colouring and shimmering gold leaf. The sanctuary has been restored to resemble the inside of a tabernacle, the gold wall signifying the majesty of the throne upon which Christ reigns over the universe. Three angels sit over the tabernacle with thuribles of burning incense, reminding us of God’s transcendence and that, in the sacrifice of the altar, heaven and earth are intrinsically linked. In the words of the Second Vatican Council, it is here that ‘we take part in a foretaste of the heavenly liturgy’ which is to come.

On 3rd June, Cardinal Nichols celebrated Mass and led us in procession of the Blessed Sacrament. He raised Corpus Christi parish to the dignity of the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament: an important day, both, for the diocese and the parish.

And so, the building work is over but the real work is about to begin. For here is the shrine, to encourage and promote devotion and love for our Saviour in the Blessed Sacrament: to help revitalise Eucharistic evangelisation, the heart of our life.

Almost two years ago they launched the Sodality of the Blessed Sacrament, which encourages devotion to the Mass and the Eucharist. The Confraternity is open to new members who wish to join with currently over 300 members worldwide. A Mass is celebrated on the first Thursday of the month, and is offered for the intentions of all members. At these Masses there is a different guest preacher who offers a reflection on distinct aspects of the Blessed Sacrament.

All members receive these homilies and other Eucharistic catechesis in a monthly newsletter together with a sodality badge in the shape of a monstrance.

You are encouraged to bring members of your parishes on pilgrimage to the Diocesan Shrine: First Holy Communion groups, school visits, Confirmation candidates, any other groups or individuals. Visiting priests can celebrate Mass here, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Benediction, a procession of the Blessed Sacrament, a tour: any or all of it can be arranged, to help people feed their faith.

If you can’t visit in person, Mass can be offered at the shrine for your intentions or you can have a lamp burning in the sanctuary for one week at a time before the Blessed Sacrament. All of these things, and joining the Sodality of the Blessed Sacrament, can be arranged by clicking on the menu tab ‘Get Involved’ on their website

Finding the Corpus Christi Church in Maiden Lane:

Address:  1-5 Maiden Lane, London, WC2E 7NB

Tel: +44 (0)20 7836 4700

Email: catholicchurchcoventgarden@gmail.com

Click here for the official website of Corpus Christi church in Maiden Lane.

View London Deals on tripadvisor!

⇐ Back to Catholic shrines & places of interest in London