Devoted to Your Service

As a nation, we have all been affected by the death of Queen Elizabeth the Second last Thursday. Since then, we have heard many fine tributes paid to her and through the various media have been able to relive and remember her long reign of seventy years. We are a nation in mourning.

Many commentators recall the words she said on her twenty-first birthday when she was Princess Elizabeth: ‘I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service.”

Cardinal Vincent Nichols in his message wrote: “We are heartbroken in our loss at her death, and so full of admiration for the unfailing way in which she fulfilled that declaration.” He reminded us what she said in her Millennium Christmas message “To many of us, our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.”

Our own Archbishop, John Wilson, in his message said: “As a devoted disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, Her Majesty witnessed to the Gospel of God’s love for all people and worked tirelessly to strengthen harmony, to defend justice and to promote peace. We now pray for the repose of her soul, remembering the promise of Christ, who is the Resurrection and the life: ‘I am with you always, even until the end of time.’ (Mt 28:20) May Her Majesty rest in peace and rise in glory.

We will of course pray for her especially at all Masses this weekend. Let us also pray for our King, for the Queen Consort and for all the Royal Family at this time of bereavement. We offer to them our deepest sympathy and condolence.”

Almighty God, you are the author and sustainer of all human life; grant that your servant, Elizabeth our Queen, whom you granted a long and happy reign as monarch of these lands may be forgiven her sins and rewarded with that eternal life promised to all those born again in the water of baptism and power of your Spirit. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit God, forever and ever, Amen.

Eternal rest, grant to her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.