A private requiem mass for Ann Widdecombe was held at Buckfast Abbey, lasting approximately 90 minutes, with police officers and sniffer dogs present in the abbey grounds ahead of the service.
Private requiem mass held for Ann Widdecombe at Buckfast Abbey
A private requiem mass for Ann Widdecombe was held at Buckfast Abbey, lasting approximately 90 minutes, with police officers and sniffer dogs present in the abbey grounds ahead of the service.
The Rt Rev David Charlesworth, Abbot of Buckfast, delivered a homily at the service in which he referred to 'shock, clamour and sometimes unwarranted comment surrounding her death' and described the abbey as a place Widdecombe had called her 'safe haven'.
A statement from the Abbey Church described Widdecombe as 'a woman of profound faith' whose faith 'found expression in the public forum of politics'. It also said she was 'unafraid to express her unwavering convictions, formed through her Roman Catholic faith', and characterised her as having 'a sharp intellect' and being 'a dedicated public servant'.
The abbey statement added that Widdecombe would be 'missed and fondly remembered' and that 'many in our worshipping community knew her as a kind and warm character'.
The order of service included tributes from the Rev Roger Widdecombe, described as Widdecombe's nephew, and Sir Christian Sweeting, described as a close friend.
A public memorial for Widdecombe is due to take place later this year.
- The source does not detail the content of tributes given by the Rev Roger Widdecombe or Sir Christian Sweeting.
- The source does not specify the date or venue of the planned public memorial.
- The source does not provide detail on the circumstances of Widdecombe's death or the nature of the 'unwarranted comment' referenced by the Abbot.
- The source text supplied appears truncated; some material may be missing.