A place of sanctity.

Jan here. Following the appeal from Philippa Langley of the LFR team I wrote to some of the people suggested & have so far received 2 replies, one from the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster & one from the office of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Boyle. I wrote in support of Philippa's wish to have the king's remains coffined in a place of sanctity rather than a laboratory. The Cardinal, bless him, says that Mass will be offered for the repose of the king's soul in Holy Cross Church on Monday 23rd March & this far outweighs anything else we could possibly do. Professor Boyle replies that the University takes my concerns very seriously, directs me to the Leicester Cathedral website kingrichardinleicester.com & encloses a sheet entitled Response to Questions which says it represents our reponse to all enquiries on the matter. Produced by the Leicester Cathedral Quarter Partnership Board, this response includes the following: The decision for the remains to stay on the UoL's premises is to ensure we accord with the responsibilities placed upon the University by the Ministry of Justice.The LFR team's assertion that the remains have been moved frequently around the country is disputed. The response states that the remains were taken initially from the University to Leicester Royal Infirmary for scans & x-rays, a distance of less than a mile. The only other remains removed were teeth & a femur, for DNA analysis, & the femur was heavily wrapped for protection. This removal was within the permissions granted by the MoJ licence. The remains have never been taken to Loughborough. [So why did the LFR team think they had been taken there?] Since the remains have been in the keeping of the UoL they have been laid out 4 times, once for initial recording & scientific examination, twice for filming & lastly for the press conference confirming their identity. [Why twice for filming? Could they not have been left still for both sessions?]When the remains are laid out for reburial undertakers will be present.Saint Martin's Cathedral is a place of sanctity, recognised by both Roman Catholic & Anglican authorities, & during the king's 3 days of repose the Cathedral will be in a state of constant prayer. I expect we will not gain any more ground over this issue. Forum members will have their own opinions about the answers I got.