It was an altogether different birthday for the Queen yesterday, as Her Majesty spent her 94th birthday under the UK’s coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference, sent a letter to the Queen assuring her of the “prayers and affection” of the Catholics of England and Wales.
Praising the Queen’s hope-filled Christian witness, the Cardinal wrote that we can look beyond the COVID-19 pandemic to a time “when light will overcome the darkness.”
20 March 2020
Your Majesty,
On behalf of the Catholic community in England and Wales, I write to wish you a very happy and blessed birthday. This occasion is a cause of great joy for us all.
I should also like to thank Your Majesty for your recent messages to the country. Through them, you have encouraged your people to care for one another in every way. Although the doors of our churches may, unfortunately, be closed at this time, our hearts are fully open to helping as best we are able.
The Christian witness you give tells us that we are to look beyond these present difficulties with hope, to a time when light will overcome the darkness. I assure you, Your Majesty, of the continued prayers and affection of the Catholics of England and Wales as we journey together through this time.
May our loving heavenly Father continue to bless you, your husband and your family and strengthen you in the demanding service you give to all.
With my profound respect, prayers and best wishes,
Cardinal Vincent Nichols
President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
