Nation Reflects on Baptism of Christ with Broadcast from St. David’s Cathedral

St. David’s Cathedral was once more in the spotlight this morning with Mass of the Baptism of the Lord being broadcast on BBC Radio 4 ‘Sunday Worship’ programme.

The live broadcast meant it was an early start for the young choristers from St John’s College, who make up the Metropolitan Choir, and had followed a four-hour rehearsal the previous day.

Under conductor Dominic Neville, the choir gave a splendid performance and, according to one listener showed themselves to be one of the best cathedral choirs in the country, highlighted during the Mass by a most moving Communion Motet‘Os Justi’ (Anton Bruckner). They were accompanied on the organ by Dr. David Neville.

The Dean of the Cathedral, Canon Peter Collins, introduced the broadcast and presided at the celebration of this great Feast. Archbishop George Stack gave the homily focusing on the imposing character of St. John the Baptist and how the Baptism he imparted was more than a ritual cleansing. It marked a change in the way of life of the one being baptised. With John the last of the Old Testament prophets and Jesus the link who brings to fulfilment everything the Old Testament contains the Baptism we enter into within the Church marks a new way of life, through the action of the Holy Spirit, to a new life in Christ.