Saint Peter is the Abbey’s patron saint, and on St Peter’s Day the Collegiate Body and wider Abbey community would usually be celebrating with a Festal Eucharist. This year we mark St Peter’s Day with a special podcast which includes a reading by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. This episode reflects on the Abbey’s dedication to St Peter, and on the inspiration St Peter offers us in the life of faith.

 

A 15-minute service of prayers, reading, address, music and blessing recorded this week in the Sacrarium in front of the statue of St Peter by the High Altar.

 

Introduced by The Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian

 

Address by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle

 

Reader: Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal

 

Introduction: Canon Hawkey

Reading: Matthew 16: 13–19 HRH The Princess Royal

Address: The Dean

Anthem: Palestrina Tu es Petrus

Prayers and Blessing: Canon Hawkey

 

Music: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records).

 

This podcast was recorded with all contributors observing social distancing.