Archbishop Piero Marini, Master of Papal Ceremonies from 1987 to 2007, will visit London later this week during which his book on liturgical renewal, A Challenging Reform, will be launched.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, who will be Archbishop Marini’s host, said: “It is my pleasure to welcome Archbishop Marini to London.  He is such a familiar figure throughout the Church.  He was at the side of Pope John Paul II at the great moments of his Pontificate, during his historic pastoral visits and especially during the Jubilee Year 2000.  He was gracious and attentive as he guided the 2005 Conclave and it was no surprise that Pope Benedict XVI asked him to remain as Master of Ceremonies for the first two years of his Pontificate.  Archbishop Marini now has the important responsibility of preparing for and guiding the celebrations of Eucharistic Congresses and so continuing his service of the source and the summit of the life of the Church.”

Archbishop Marini, speaking from Rome, said, “I am very much looking forward to visiting Westminster and to meet with friends and colleagues.  I have known Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor for many years and also Bishop Arthur Roche, whose work with ICEL I have been following with admiration and interest.”