Matins

Daily prayer has been offered in this place for over a thousand years and your presence at today's service is warmly welcomed. At Matins most of the service is sung by the choir on our behalf. We participate through our presence and our listening, that the words and the music might become a prayer within us and lift us to contemplate God's beauty and glory.

The service always includes one or more psalms. These ancient prayers, taken from the Old Testament, reflect the full range of human emotions and experiences; from the depths of anger, resentment, and abandonment to the heights of ecstatic joy and praise. They were used by Jesus, and have always been at the heart of the Church's daily prayer.

The City of Westminster

Westminster first achieved the status of a city in 1540 when, for only ten years, it became a bishopric. Its first recorded civic administration dates from 1585, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, when an Act authorised the establishment of a Court of Burgesses 'for the good government of the City of Westminster'.

While Queen Elizabeth I was creating mayors elsewhere in England, she was concerned that a mayor in Westminster might challenge the authority of the monarch in her own capital city, and she therefore appointed instead the High Steward of Westminster Abbey as Chairman of her newly created Court of Burgesses. The first High Steward to chair the new Court of Burgesses was the Queen's First Minister, William Cecil, Lord Burleigh.

The Court of Burgesses was an administrative body which dealt with public health and morality, planning permissions, the prevention and punishment of crime, and the regulation of weights and measures. It comprised twelve Burgesses appointed by the Dean—one for each ward.
However, when the London Government Act of 1899 created twenty-eight Metropolitan Borough Councils, each having an elected Mayor, Aldermen, and Councillors, the authority of the Dean and the High Steward in secular affairs ceased.

The last High Steward who was also effectively Mayor was Lord Salisbury, who was then also Prime Minister. The Duke of Norfolk was the first Mayor of Westminster. On 29th October 1900, a Royal Charter confirmed the status of Westminster as a city.

Since 1935, in order to preserve this historic link between Westminster Abbey and the City Council, the High Steward (the Abbey's senior Lay Officer) has each year appointed the current Mayor of Westminster as Deputy High Steward of Westminster.

The new City of Westminster, incorporating the Boroughs of Paddington and St Marylebone, was constituted by Royal Charter on 1st April 1965. The following year, the Queen granted the First Citizen the style and dignity of Lord Mayor.

To recognise these links between Westminster Abbey and the City Council, the Dean and Chapter welcomes annually the new Lord Mayor of Westminster, the Deputy High Steward, in State to the Civic Service.

The Lord Mayor

Councillor Patricia McAllister was first elected in a by-election in 2009 to represent Queen's Park Ward, one of the most densely populated parts of Westminster. As Councillor, she advocates for residents, represents the local community, and facilitates community cohesion, notably helping set up the North Paddington Food Bank.

Patricia has Chaired the Rating Advisory Panel, Pension Fund Committee, Scrutiny of Climate Action Housing Regeneration & Renters Committee, Scrutiny Commission, Standards Committee and has served on a wide range of other Committees and task groups.
She has also been the Single Point of Access for the referral of victims of modern slavery and served in this role for several years.

Born on the West coast of Scotland, she has lived in Westminster for more than 50 years and has spent her entire working life serving the public. This includes a 30-year career in the Department of Work and Pensions, followed by time at the Camden Register Office and five years with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.

Prior to her election, she spent 18 months working on the frontline of a busy West London GP Surgery and has been involved with a special needs group for almost 30 years.

When possible, Patricia enjoys spending time with her family and going to the theatre and concerts.

The Lord Mayor's Chaplain

Fr Michael Jarmulowicz is parish priest of the RC Parishes of Our Lady of Lourdes, Maida Hill, and Our Lady of Sorrows, Paddington.

Prior to becoming a priest six years ago Fr Michael had a career as a doctor. He served as a Medical Officer in the submarine service of the Royal Navy, although the bulk of his career has been at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead.

He has an interest in medical ethics and was chairman of the governors of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, based in Oxford.

He also has an interest in helping children with disability achieve their maximum potential and is chairman of the trustees of the medical charity 'The Lejeune Clinic for Children with Down's Syndrome'.

He was also awarded a papal knighthood (KSG) for his work within the Catholic Medical Association.

Westminster Abbey

An architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries, Westminster Abbey also presents a unique pageant of British history—the shrine of St Edward the Confessor, the tombs of kings and queens, and countless memorials to the famous and the great. It has been the setting for every Coronation since 1066. Today it is still a church dedicated to regular worship and to the celebration of great events in the life of the nation. Neither a cathedral nor a parish church, Westminster Abbey is a Royal Peculiar under the jurisdiction of a Dean and Chapter, subject only to the Sovereign.

In the 1040s, King Edward (later St Edward the Confessor), last of the Anglo-Saxon kings, established his royal palace by the banks of the River Thames on land known as Thorney Island and building a large Romanesque church. This church became known as the 'west minster' to distinguish it from St Paul's Cathedral (the east minster) in the City of London.

Edward's Abbey survived until the middle of the 13th century, when King Henry III decided to rebuild it in the new Gothic style of architecture. Westminster Abbey was designed to be not only a great monastery and place of worship, but also a place for the coronation and burial of monarchs.

It was natural that Henry III should wish to translate the body of the saintly Edward the Confessor into a more magnificent tomb behind the High Altar. This shrine survives, and around it are buried a cluster of medieval kings and their consorts. The Abbey contains some 600 monuments and wall tablets—the most important collection of monumental sculpture anywhere in the country—and over three thousand people are buried here.

Queen Elizabeth I, buried in the Lady Chapel, refounded the Abbey in 1560 as a Collegiate Church, a Royal Peculiar exempt from the jurisdiction of bishops. A Collegiate body of a Dean and Prebendaries, Minor Canons, and a lay staff was established and charged with the task of continuing the tradition of daily worship (for which a musical foundation of choristers, singing men and organist was provided). In addition, the Dean and Chapter were responsible for much of the civil government of Westminster, a role which was only fully relinquished in the early 20th century. Thus the Abbey was reshaped and newly patterned to discharge a distinctive, yet worshipful role in a modern age.

The whole of the church is served by a hearing loop. Users should turn their hearing aid to the setting marked T.

Members of the congregation are requested kindly to refrain from using private cameras, video, or sound recording equipment. Please ensure that mobile phones and other electronic devices are switched off.

The service is sung by the Westminster Abbey Choir, conducted by Andrew Nethsingha, Organist and Master of the Choristers.

The organ is played by Peter Holder, Sub-Organist.

Before the service, Matthew Jorysz, Assistant Organist, plays

Allegro maestoso (Sonata in G Op 28), Edward Elgar (1857–1934)

Alla breve in D BWV 589, Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

Fanfare (Four Extemporisations), Percy Whitlock (1903–46)

Romance,  William McKie (1901–84) Organist of Westminster Abbey 1941–63

Before the service the 'Laetatus Bell' is tolled. Its inscription runs:

LAETATUS SUM
FLOREAT CIVITAS: FLOREAT SENATUS

I was glad (Psalm 122: 1)
May the city flourish: May Parliament flourish

The Guard of Honour is commanded by Warrant Officer Roland Mackenzie, Officer Commanding 291 (Westminster and Chelsea) Squadron ATC and includes cadets representing a variety of Westminster's uniformed organisations.

Prior to the arrival of the Lord Mayor, a Procession comprising the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the City of Westminster; the Honorary Recorder of Westminster; His Majesty's Senior Coroner for Inner West London, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Westminster; moves to places in Quire.

Order of Service

The Lord Mayor of Westminster is received at the Great West Doors. All stand

All remain standing as the processions of the Lord Mayor and Councillors of the City of Westminster move to places in the Lantern and in Quire

The choir sings the Introit

Locus iste a Deo factus est, inaestimabile sacramentum: irreprehensibilis est.

This place was made by God: a priceless and unblemished sign of his presence.

Words: Gradual, Mass for the dedication of a church
Music: Anton Bruckner (1824–96)

All sing the Hymn, during which the choir and clergy process to places in Quire and the Sacrarium

All people that on earth do dwell,
   sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;
him serve with fear, his praise forth tell,
   come ye before him, and rejoice.

The Lord, ye know, is God indeed,
   without our aid he did us make;
we are his folk, he doth us feed,
   and for his sheep he doth us take.

O enter then his gates with praise,
   approach with joy his courts unto;
praise, laud, and bless his name always,
   for it is seemly so to do.

For why? the Lord our God is good:
   his mercy is for ever sure;
his truth at all times firmly stood,
   and shall from age to age endure.

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
   the God whom heaven and earth adore,
from men and from the Angel-host
   be praise and glory evermore.
      Amen.

Words: attributed to William Kethe (d 1594) after Psalm 100
Tune: Old Hundredth 334 NEH Genevan Psalter 1551

All remain standing. The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE, Dean of Westminster, gives the Welcome

The Reverend Robert Latham, Minor Canon and Sacrist, says a Sentence of Scripture

The Sacrist and choir sing the Responses

O Lord, open thou our lips.
And our mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Praise ye the Lord.
The Lord's name be praised.

Music: Thomas Morley (c 1557–1602)

The choir sings Venite, exultemus Domino

O come, let us sing unto the Lord : let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving : and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God : and a great King above all gods.
In his hands are all the corners of the earth : and the strength of the hills is his also.
The sea is his, and he made it : and his hands prepared the dry land.
O come, let us worship, and fall down : and kneel before the Lord our maker.
For he is the Lord our God : and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Chant: Edwin George Monk (1819–1900)

All sit. The choir sings Psalm 5

Ponder my words, O Lord : consider my meditation.
O hearken thou unto the voice of my calling, my King, and my God : for unto thee will I make my prayer.
My voice shalt thou hear betimes, O Lord : early in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
For thou art the God that hast no pleasure in wickedness : neither shall any evil dwell with thee.
Such as be foolish shall not stand in thy sight : for thou hatest all them that work vanity.
Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing : the Lord will abhor both the blood-thirsty and deceitful man.
But as for me, I will come into thine house, even upon the multitude of thy mercy : and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness, because of mine enemies : make thy way plain before my face.
For there is no faithfulness in his mouth : their inward parts are very wickedness.
Their throat is an open sepulchre : they flatter with their tongue.
Destroy thou them, O God; let them perish through their own imaginations : cast them out in the multitude of their ungodliness; for they have rebelled against thee.
And let all them that put their trust in thee rejoice : they shall ever be giving of thanks, because thou defendest them; they that love thy name shall be joyful in thee;
for thou, Lord, wilt give thy blessing unto the righteous : and with thy favourable kindness wilt thou defend him as with a shield.

All stand

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Chant: Edward Hopkins (1818–1901)

All sit. Councillor Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster Council, reads the first Lesson, Deuteronomy 15: 1–11

Every seventh year you shall grant a remission of debts. And this is the manner of the remission: every creditor shall remit the claim that is held against a neighbour, not exacting it from a neighbour who is a member of the community, because the Lord's remission has been proclaimed. From a foreigner you may exact it, but you must remit your claim on whatever any member of your community owes you. There will, however, be no one in need among you, because the Lord is sure to bless you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you as a possession to occupy, if only you will obey the Lord your God by diligently observing this entire commandment that I command you today. When the Lord your God has blessed you, as he promised you, you will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow; you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you

If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted towards your needy neighbour. You should rather open your hand, willingly lending enough to meet the need, whatever it may be. Be careful that you do not entertain a mean thought, thinking, 'The seventh year, the year of remission, is near', and therefore view your needy neighbour with hostility and give nothing; your neighbour might cry to the Lord against you, and you would incur guilt. Give liberally and be ungrudging when you do so, for on this account the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake. Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, 'Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbour in your land.'

Here ends the first lesson.

All stand. The choir sings Te Deum laudamus

We praise thee, O God : we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship thee : the Father everlasting.
To thee all angels cry aloud : the heavens, and all the powers therein.
To thee cherubin, and seraphin : continually do cry,
Holy, holy, holy : Lord God of Sabaoth;
heaven and earth are full of the majesty : of thy glory.
The glorious company of the apostles : praise thee.
The goodly fellowship of the prophets : praise thee.
The noble army of martyrs : praise thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world : doth acknowledge thee;
the Father : of an infinite majesty;
thine honourable, true : and only Son;
also the Holy Ghost : the Comforter.
Thou art the King of glory : O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son : of the Father.
When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man :
thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.
When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death :
thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God : in the Glory of the Father.
We believe that thou shalt come : to be our Judge.
We therefore pray thee, help thy servants :
whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with thy saints : in glory everlasting.
O Lord, save thy people : and bless thine heritage.
Govern them : and lift them up for ever.
Day by day : we magnify thee;
and we worship thy name : ever world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord : to keep us this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us : have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us : as our trust is in thee.
O Lord, in thee have I trusted : let me never be confounded.

Collegium Regale, Herbert Howells (1892–1983)

All sit. The Right Worshipful Councillor Patricia McAllister, Lord Mayor of Westminster, reads the second Lesson, Matthew 5: 1–16

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

'Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

'Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

'Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

'You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

'You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.'

Here ends the second lesson.

All stand. The choir sings Jubilate Deo

O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands : serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song.
Be ye sure that the Lord he is God : it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise : be thankful unto him, and speak good of his name.
For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting : and his truth endureth from generation to generation.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Collegium Regale, Herbert Howells

All remain standing, and turn to face east, whilst those who wish to affirm their faith say the words of the Apostle's Creed

I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth: and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried, he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Sacrist and choir sing

The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

All kneel or sit for the Lesser Litany; the Lord's Prayer, and the Responses

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.

O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us.
And grant us thy salvation.

O Lord, save The King.
And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.

Endue thy ministers with righteousness.
And make thy chosen people joyful.

O Lord, save thy people.
And bless thine inheritance.

Give peace in our time, O Lord.
Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God.

O God, make clean our hearts within us.
And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.

The Sacrist sings the Collects; of the Day, for Peace, and for Grace

O God, the protector of all that trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy; increase and multiply upon us thy mercy; that, thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal: grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ's sake our Lord. Amen.

O God, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day; defend us in the same with thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance, to do always that is righteous in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Thomas Morley

The Sacrist says the Prayers for the Royal Family, and for the Members of the Order of the Bath

Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness, we humbly beseech thee to bless our most gracious Sovereign Lord King Charles, Queen Camilla, William Prince of Wales, The Princess of Wales, and all the Royal Family: endue them with thy Holy Spirit; enrich them with thy heavenly grace; prosper them with all happiness; and bring them to thine everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God save our Gracious Sovereign, and all the Members of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath living and departed. Amen.

All sit. The choir sings the Anthem

Blessed city, heavenly Salem,
Vision dear of peace and love,
Who of living stones art builded
In the height of heaven above,
And by Angel hands apparelled
As a bride dost earthward move.

Out of heaven from God descending,
New and ready to be wed
To thy Lord, whose love espoused thee,
Fair adorned shalt thou be led;
All thy gates and all thy bulwarks
Of pure gold are fashioned.

Bright thy gates of pearl are shining,
They are open evermore;
And, their well earned rest attaining
Thither faithful souls do soar,
Who for Christ's dear name in this world
Pain and tribulation bore.

Many a blow and biting sculpture
Polished well those stones elect,
In their places now compacted
By the heavenly Architect,
Nevermore to leave the Temple
Which with them the Lord hath decked.

To this Temple, where we call thee,
Come, O Lord of hosts, today;
With thy wonted loving kindness
Hear thy servants as they pray;
And thy fullest benediction
Shed within its walls alway.
   Amen.

Words: Urbs beata Jerusalem c 7th century, office hymn for the dedication of a church, translated by John Mason Neale (1818–66)
Music: Edward Bairstow (1874–1946)

The Sacrist says

Let us pray.

All kneel or remain seated for the Intercessions

The Intercessions end with the Grace

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.

All stand to sing the Hymn

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
   All who dwell in dark and sin
   my hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
   Who will bear my light to them?
   Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
   I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
   I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people's pain.
   I have wept for love of them.
   They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone;
give them hearts for love alone.
   I will speak my word to them.
   Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
   I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
   I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
   I will set a feast for them.
   My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide,
till their hearts be satisfied.
   I will give my life to them.
   Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
   I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
   I will hold your people in my heart.

Words: Daniel Schutte (b 1947) after Isaiah 6
Tune: Here I am, Lord 470 CP, Daniel Schutte

Father Michael Jarmulowicz, Chaplain to the Lord Mayor of Westminster, gives the Sermon

All stand to sing the Hymn

Love Divine, all loves excelling,
   joy of heaven, to earth come down,
fix in us thy humble dwelling,
   all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesu, thou art all compassion,
   pure unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation,
   enter every trembling heart.

Come, almighty to deliver,
   let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return, and never,
   never more thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
   serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray, and praise thee, without ceasing,
   glory in thy perfect love.

Finish then thy new creation,
   pure and spotless let us be;
let us see thy great salvation,
   perfectly restored in thee,
changed from glory into glory
   till in heaven we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
   lost in wonder, love, and praise!

Words: Charles Wesley (1707–88)
Tune: Blaenwern 408i NEH, William Rowlands (1860–1937)

All remain standing. The Dean pronounces the Blessing

Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast that which is good; render to no-one evil for evil; strengthen the faint-hearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honour all people; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

All sing the National Anthem

God save our gracious King,
long live our noble King,
   God save The King.
Send him victorious,
happy and glorious,
long to reign over us:
   God save The King.

All remain standing as the processions move through Quire and the Nave to the west end of the church

Music after the service

March 'Pomp and Circumstance' no 5, Edward Elgar, arranged by Iain Farrington (b 1977)

The Procession of The Lord Mayor and Councillors moves to College Garden, with invited guests following, led by Peter Candy, Piper with the London Scottish Pipes and Drums

The bells of the Abbey church are rung

Members of the congregation are requested to remain in their places until directed to move by the Honorary Stewards

The Lord Mayor's Charities

Carers Network

Carers Network was established in 1991 to support unpaid carers. We support people caring for partners, family members, friends and neighbours aged over eighteen with disabilities and long-term conditions or experiencing frailty due to old age. We provide one-to-one assessments, an information and advice service, support groups and drop-in sessions. In addition, we have a programme of events, activities and training. Carers Network's services are available free of charge to unpaid carers living in the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Each year, Carers Network helps over 6600 local carers gain access to the support they deserve.

The Passage

The Passage's vision is of a society where street homelessness no longer exists, and everyone has a place to call home. Founded in 1980 by Cardinal Basil Hume and The Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, The Passage is based in the heart of Westminster, providing practical support and a wide range of services to help transform the lives of people who are, or are at risk of, street homelessness. We are guided by our Vincentian values and offer our clients resources and solutions to prevent or end their homelessness for good, including routes to employment, benefits, and stable accommodation. We run a modern Resource Centre in Victoria, four accommodation projects, outreach and health services, homelessness prevention schemes and a pioneering modern slavery referral programme.