London, 24th May 2016. The Delegation for Great Britain and Ireland held a reception in honour of His Excellency János Áder, President of the Republic of Hungary, to celebrate an important ecumenical event in England involving the return of the Relics of Saint Thomas Becket from Esztergom, Hungary, to London and Canterbury between the 23rd and 29th May 2016.
The reception, which will be attended by T.R.H. Prince Charles and Princess Camilla of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke and Duchess of Castro, will be hosted by the Delegate, His Excellency Mr Anthony Bailey on Tuesday, 24th May 2016 at Drapers’ Hall, Throgmorton Avenue, London.
The Relics of Saint Thomas Becket are kept in Esztergom, seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of the Church in Hungary. The ‘Peregrinatio’ of these Relics highlights the Christian roots, the spiritual connection with England, and the wider historical ties between the United Kingdom and Hungary. The reception will also be attended by His Eminence Cardinal Péter Erdö, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and Primate of Hungary.
The weekly programme of events will include a Holy Mass and religious ceremonies to be held in the Cathedral of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, in Parliament and a ‘Peregrinatio’ in Canterbury Cathedral through the Cathedral of Rochester. This joint initiative brings together the Roman Catholic Church of England and Wales with the Church of England and gives a chance to the faithful to venerate the Relics of Saint Thomas Becket for the first time in England after more than 800 years.
The Grand Magistry urges Knights and Dames to take part in this key event organized by the Delegation for the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The Constantinian Order has had longstanding relations with Hungary and was officially recognized by the Hungarian government in 2011 with a decree issued by the President of the Republic.
