Peterborough Cathedral is one of England’s finest Catholic edifices and well worth visiting, though the city of Peterborough itself has been ruined by the ravages of modernity. It is, however, all too easy to visit this magnificent cathedral without noticing its priceless gem. Indeed it is all too easy to walk right over this jewel of Catholic faith without paying it a second glance. I am referring to the tomb of Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII and mother of Mary Tudor. I have long considered this holy Catholic queen to be a saint and have always treated her tomb as the cathedral’s holiest shrine. Whenever I find myself travelling through Peterborough I try to find the time to tarry long enough to make the short walk from the ralway station. Having sought Queen Catherine’s intercession, praying in silence at her tomb, I continue my journey spiritually the richer.
Considering Catherine’s undoubted sanctity and the suffering inflicted upon her by her tyrannous husband, I am heartened to discover that there is a cause for her canonization. Those seeking further details should follow the links below:
I’ve never encountered any kind of movement that I could “get behind”. This may be it. Thanks for the website. I’ve thought a lot about her, especially about Henry’s seduction of her after his brother’s death, all a part of his own selfish ambition. She’s a VERY neglected historical figure and a tragic one. And I’m pleased that a fellow Georgian has initiated this process.