Corpus Christi

The festival, held in honour of the Eucharist, is observed every year on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.

Thousands of people had flocked to the cathedral to see the Corpus Christi carpet of flowers and flower festival on Wednesday and Thursday.

On Thursday evening, the traditional mass, benediction and procession was held. The mass was conducted by Bishop Kieran Conry of Arundel and Brighton. He started the benediction and walked down the carpet of flowers, joined by a Roman Catholic Archbishop and a member of the Anglican clergy from South Africa. He led the procession to Arundel Castle quadrangle and was followed by the congregation and people carrying the blessed sacrament.

As the procession made its way to the castle, it was joined by worshippers and clergy from St Nicholas' Anglican Church.

Bishop Kieran paid tribute during his sermon to Duke Miles, the 17th Duke of Norfolk, who died on June 17 last year. And his son, Edward, who is now the 18th Duke of Norfolk, was given a floral welcome in the traditional carpet of flowers at the cathedral. He played a part in the service as well, as he helped to carry the canopy covering the blessed sacrament.

Georgina, Duchess of Norfolk, had set up a beautiful altar decked out with flowers and plants in the quadrangle, ready for the benediction.

After the benediction, the congregation walked back to Arundel Cathedral, where the service was concluded.