The Carpet of Flowers

Wednesday 6 June: Viewing of Carpet of Flowers etc., 9.30am to 9.00pm

Thursday 7 June: Viewing of Carpet of Flowers etc., 9.30am to 5.30pm

Solemn Mass at 5.30pm on the 7th June presided by Bishop Kieran. followed by Procession of the Blessed Sacrament at 6.30pm to Arundel Castle grounds.

After Benediction there they will process back to the Cathedral for final Benediction. Should finish approximately 7.45pm.

Parking - no parking around the Cathedral or in the grounds - Traffic Wardens will be at the gate to direct cars, coaches etc., to parking areas. Visitors may be dropped off at the gate and then picked up again at the gate. Toilets available at the back of the Cathedral and also in the Cathedral Hall. No steps to the Cathedral, but a disabled ramp at the Cathedral Hall if required.

Light refreshments at the Cathedral Hall on both days.

Each year the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), is celebrated in Arundel Cathedral with a carpet of flowers laid down the length of the centre aisle in honour of Blessed Sacrament; the whole work is undertaken by parishioners. In the ancient world it was the custom to strew flowers in the path of important persons as a sign of respect and reverence. This custom was adopted by the Church to honour the Blessed Sacrament, carried in procession on the festival of Corpus Christi. In some places in Europe this practice was extended so that whole streets were carpeted with flowers. Even today, in some towns in Italy, a carpet of flowers is laid for the entire route of the procession, in intricate patterns and pictures depicting scenes from the gospels.

Duke Henry, having seen the carpet of flowers in the village of Sutri outside Rome, introduced it to Arundel in 1877. The tradition was broken during the first World War but it was revived in 1919 and has continued ever since. The festivities conclude with a Mass in the Cathedral on the evening of the feast which is followed by a procession of the Blessed Sacrament to Arundel Castle for benediction. We pray that this delightful custom will long continue to give glory to God andjoy to all who come to see it.