Catholic Vespers to be celebrated in Henry VIII's own chapel after 450 years

Celebration will focus on Catholic and Anglican relations and music.

Catholic vespers will be celebrated once again in the chapel of King Henry VIII, for the first time in 450 years. On February 9, the Catholic Cardinal Vincent Nichols will celebrate Vespers in King Henry VIII's chapel at Hampton Court Palace.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - In news that would make King Henry VIII a bit cross, Cardinal Vincent Nichols will celebrate Catholic Vespers on February 9 in his chapel. This will be the first Catholic celebration in that chapel in 450 years, since King Henry VIII split England away from the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Nichols will be joined by Anglican Bishop of London.

The Vespers will be celebrated as part of an interdenominational gathering at the chapel between Catholic and Anglican clergy. There will be a discussion of the strengthening relationship between the Anglican faith and the Catholic Church.

Musicians from both churches will mark the historical occasion by performing. Music played an important role in the English Reformation and the Catholic Counter-reformation. The tradition of English church music was largely fostered at Hampton Court Palace as the kings of England endeavored to strengthen the influence of the English church over their subjects.

Religion in England has a tumultuous past, especially following the reign of King Henry VIII.

Henry originally split England from the Church and established himself as the head of the Church of England, so he could sanction his divorce from Catherine of Aragon while maintaining legitimacy with the people. He later used his influence to sanction his subsequent marriages and divorces.

During the reign of Elizabeth I, the puritan movement developed and became a major force. Catholicism was functionally outlawed, but did not disappear. The seventeenth century was a particularly dangerous time for Catholics in England.

More recently, the Catholic and Anglican churches have warmed to each other as both sides recognize the commonalities between the two faiths.