Episode 2
A look behind the scenes of the thousand-year-old abbey. The choir prepares for a historic Papal Mass in Rome and building work on a new cafe unveils some archaeological surprises.
The unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at one of Britain's most iconic landmarks follows the choir of Westminster Abbey as they prepare for a historic visit to Rome to sing with the Sistine Chapel Choir in the Papal Mass in St Peter's Basilica. For the Abbey Choir and the Sistine Chapel Choir, rehearsing and performing together is a significant moment in the history of both the Catholic Church and the Church of England.
The choir received this invitation from Pope Benedict XVI after his historic visit to the abbey in 2010. The Dean of Westminster reflects movingly on his hopes towards reconciliation between the two churches.
On a more intimate note, minor canon the Rev Dr James Hawkey and his fiancee Carol Ripley tie the knot. This is the first wedding to take place at the high altar of the abbey since the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The Venerable Dr Jane Hedges, one of the first women to be ordained and the first female canon appointed at Westminster Abbey, explains the central role of tourism. Finally, continuing the abbey's Benedictine tradition of hospitality, building for a new cafe is underway and in the process unveils a few archaeological surprises.
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Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Executive Producer | Leonie Jameson |
| Director | Flavia Rittner |
Broadcasts
Fri 14 Dec 2012 21:00- Sat 15 Dec 2012 22:00麻豆社 Two Scotland
- Mon 17 Dec 2012 23:20麻豆社 Two except Scotland
- Mon 17 Dec 2012 23:50麻豆社 Two Scotland
- Christmas Eve 2013 09:15
Sun 27 Dec 2015 20:00- Mon 28 Dec 2015 02:50
- Tue 31 Jan 2017 14:25麻豆社 Two except Wales
- Tue 31 Jan 2017 15:10麻豆社 Two Wales
- Wed 3 Jan 2018 11:00