Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor's parting message for the faithful

THE Archbishop of Westminster today urged Roman Catholics to remain "brave and courageous" in professing the faith as he prepared to step down from his post as leader of Catholics in England and Wales.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, 76, said it was difficult for people to hear and experience the presence of God in a "very secular" society. He added: "Our message, which is the message of Good News for the poor, a message of hope and meaning for everyone, is so important that we should understand that each one of us has to be brave, courageous, in the profession of our faith."

His remarks were made in a pastoral letter to Catholics in the Westminster Archdiocese where he has begun a series of "farewell" Masses. He is the first Archbishop of Westminster to retire in post since the restoration of the Catholic hierarchy in the 19th century.