Friday, March 27, 2009

Where do the Lindisfarne Gospels belong?


The North East of England is an area with a clear identity. It was for this reason that a few years ago the government first tried to introduce a regional assembly here. It was voted down by the region. Maybe it was because we didn`t want yet another layer of bureaucracy. However one issue of local identity that is still making the news is the location of the Lindisfarne Gospels. Many in the region want them returned here as an item of local pride. This seventh century manuscript has in recent years been on display in the region. Pressure continues for it to have a permanent home here, most likely in Durham cathedral treasury. They were removed to London from Durham during the dissolution of the monasteries.

This week it was announced that the British Library would lend the book to the region for three months every seven years. They will next be here in 2010. The Newcastle Journal has been reporting on the story this week:

During Tuesday’s meeting between the Library and North East MPs, Durham City’s Roberta Blackman-Woods told Sir Colin Lucas, chairman of the British Library Board, that it made “much more sense” for the North East to have the Gospels and for them to loan them to London once every seven years.

Ms Blackman-Woods said Sir Colin “just smiled at this suggestion”.

She said: “The campaign has tremendous resonance in the North East because people really do think that these Gospels belong to the region.

“They were written here and they are related to the early development of Christianity here.

“People think deep down that there is something here linked to their heritage and we want them in the best place to reflect that. I’m not surprised by the support shown across the North East, because this is very deeply felt.”
I`m delighted that there is strong feeling in the North East about our Christian heritage: it`s not something I often notice!

The Journal is conducting a survey regarding regional opinion on the matter. I`m not sure what to think but on balance I believe it may be a good thing for the region to have them back, especially if it stirs up pride in our Christian heritage.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

LMS Training Conference for Priests at Ushaw: April 2009


I understand that preparations are going well for this conference in April. There are a few places still available for priests who would like to come. I also understand that the principal guest speaker on the evening of Wednesday 22nd April will be Lord Gill. I am told that:

Lord Gill has spoken previously at the AGM of the Latin Mass Society and served the wider traditional movement as a Councillor for the International Federation Una Voce. He is a Senator of the College of Justice in Scotland, since 1994; Lord Justice Clerk, since 2001; Chairman, Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. The Rt Hon Lord Gill is in much demand as a speaker and he said he is delighted to be able to support such a worthy event as this LMS training course for priests.

Holy Week

It is interesting to see how many celebrations of the Triduum there will be around the country this year according to the Extraordinary Form. I`m still not sure what I`m doing as yet and will try to find out in the next few days whether we are having Tenebrae and, maybe the Good Friday service, according to the EF. In the meantime this is an impressive list from around the country, sent out by the LMS.

Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter Masses 2009

London Masses

Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, WC2
Palm Sunday 5 April 6.00 pm Sung Mass & Blessing of Palms
Monday 6 April 6.30pm Sung Mass
Tuesday 7April 6.30pm Sung Mass
Wednesday 8 April 7.00pm Tenebrae
Sacred Triduum
Holy Thursday 9 April 6.30pm Sung Mass and Procession to the Altar of Repose
Good Friday 10 April 3.00pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday 11 April 7.00pm Vigil and High Mass

The Oratory, Brompton Rd, SW7
Palm Sunday 5 April 9.00am Low Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April 9.00am Low Mass

St James, Spanish Place, George St, W1
Palm Sunday 5 April 9.30am Low Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April 9.30am Low Mass

St Mary Magdalen, East Hill, Wandsworth SW18
Palm Sunday 5 April 11.00am Sung/Low Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April 11.00am Sung Mass

St Thomas Aquinas, Ham Common, Ham
Palm Sunday 5April 6.00pm Blessing of Palms and Sung Mass
Partial Sacred Triduum
Holy Thursday 9 April 6.00pm Sung Mass and Procession
Good Friday 10 April 5.00pm Good Friday Liturgy
Easter Sunday 12 April 6.00pm Low Mass

Chapel La Retraite School Atkins Rd Clapham, SW12
Palm Sunday 5 April 10.00am Blessing of Palms Procession and Mass
Sacred Triduum
Holy Thursday 9 April 6.00pm High Mass and Procession to Altar of Repose
Good Friday 10 April 3.00pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday 11 April 7.30pm Vigil and Sung Mass

St Bede’s Thornton Road Clapham Park London SW12
Easter Sunday 12 April 10.45am High Mass

Chapel of the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth 60 Grove End Rd St John’s Wood
Sacred Triduum
Holy Thursday 9 April 8.00pm Solemn Mass ‘in Cena Domini’
Good Friday 10 April 3.00pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday 11 April 10.00pm Vigil and Sung Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April 11.00am High Mass



Sacred Triduum Ceremonies in other Dioceses

Brentwood
Holy Thursday 9 April St Antony, St Antony’s Rd, Forest Gate, London E7 6.15pm Sung Mass & Procession
Good Friday 10 April St Antony, St Antony’s Rd, Forest Gate, London E7 12.30pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday 11 April St Nicholas, Gledding Rd, Manor Park, London E12
4.30pm Vigil & Sung Mass

Leeds
University Catholic Chaplaincy, Notre Dame Chapel, 5 St Mark’s Avenue, Leeds
Holy Thursday 9 April 7.30pm Procession & Sung Mass
Good Friday 10 April 3.00pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday 11 April 7.30pm Vigil & Sung Mass

Plymouth
Lanherne Convent St Mawgan Nr Newquay Cornwall
Holy Thursday 9 April 7.00pm Mass and Procession to Altar of Repose Adoration to 12 Midnight (Matins at 11.15pm)
Good Friday 10 April 3.00pm Good Friday Liturgy 7.00pm Stations of the Cross
Holy Saturday 11 April 8.30pm Easter Vigil and Sung Mass

Portsmouth
St William of York, Upper Redlands Rd, Reading
Holy Thursday 9 April 7.00 pm Mass & Adoration
Good Friday 10 April 1.30pm Stations of the Cross
3.00pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday 11 April 10.00pm Vigil & Mass

Shrewsbury
Sacred Heart Church, The Cross, Moreton, Wirral CH46 9QB
Holy Thursday 9 April 5.00pm Mass & Procession
Good Friday 10 April 5.00pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday 11 April 5.00pm Vigil & Mass

Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Masses in other Dioceses

Arundel & Brighton
Easter Sunday 12 April Our Lady of Consolation, Park Lane, West Grinstead
3.00pm Low Mass

Birmingham
Palm Sunday 5 April The Oratory, Woodstock Rd, Oxford 8.00 am Low Mass
The Oratory, Hagley Rd Birmingham 9.30am Low Mass
St Mary, Harvington, Kidderminster 3.00pm Low Mass
St Peter, Waterloo Rd, Cobridge, Stoke on Trent 3.00pm Low Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April The Oratory, Woodstock Rd, Oxford 8.00 am Low Mass
The Oratory, Hagley Rd Birmingham 9.30am Low Mass
St Dominic, Margaret St, Stone, Staffs 3.00pm Low Mass

Brentwood
Palm Sunday 5 April Our Lady of Lourdes & St Joseph, London Rd, Leigh on Sea 4.00pm Low Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April St Philip’s Priory, Chelmsford 8.00am Low Mass

Cardiff
Palm Sunday 5 April Poor Clare Convent, Much Birch, Hereford 6.00pm Low Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April Poor Clare Convent, Much Birch, Hereford 6.00pm Low
Mass

Clifton
Palm Sunday 5 April St Benedict, Stratton on the Fosse, Radstock 11.15am Low
Mass
Prinknash Abbey, Cranham, Gloucester 3.00pm Low Mass
St George, Boreham Rd, Warminster Wilts 6.00pm Low Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April St George, Boreham Rd, Warminster Wilts 6.00pm Low
Mass


East Anglia
Palm Sunday 5 April St Laurence, 91 Milton Rd, Cambridge 9.15am Low Mass
Our Lady & St Joseph’s Chapel, Lawshall, Bury St Edmunds
3.00pm Low Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April St Laurence, 91 Milton Rd, Cambridge 9.15am Low Mass

Hallam
Easter Sunday 12 April St Theresa of the Child Jesus, Prince of Wales Rd, Sheffield
12.30pm Low Mass


Hexham & Newcastle
Palm Sunday 5 April St Mary, Barnard Castle, County Durham 9.00 am Low Mass
Sacred Heart & English Martyrs Thornley, Co. Durham 9.30am
Low Mass
St Dominic’s Priory, New Bridge St, Newcastle 11.30 am Sung
Mass
St Joseph, High West St, Gateshead 12.00 hrs Low/Sung Mass
SS Peter & Paul, Long Benton, Newcastle 6.00pm Sung Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April St Mary, Barnard Castle, County Durham 9.00 am Low
Mass
St Joseph, High West St, Gateshead 9.00am Sung Mass
Sacred Heart & English Martyrs Thornley, Co. Durham
9.30am Low Mass
St Dominic’s Priory, New Bridge St, Newcastle 11.30 am Sung
Mass

Lancaster
Palm Sunday 5 April Our Lady Star of the Sea St Annes on the Sea 3.00pm Low
Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April St Peter’s Cathedral Balmoral Rd Lancaster 12.15pm Sung
Mass

Leeds
Palm Sunday 5 April The Sacred Heart Broughton Hall Skipton 11.30am Sung Mass
Holy Spirit, Bath Rd Heckmondwike 11.30am Low Mass
St Joseph’s, Pontefract Road, Castleford 3.00pm Low/Sung
Easter Sunday 12 April St Peter’s, Leeds Rd, Bradford 3.00pm Sung Mass
St Joseph’s, Pontefract Road, Castleford 3.00pm Low /Sung Mass

Liverpool
Palm Sunday 5 April St Mary Magdalen, Leyland rd, Penwortham 9.00am Low
Mass
St Anthony, Scotland Rd, Liverpool 3.00 pm Low/Sung Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April St Mary Magdalen, Leyland rd, Penwortham 9.00am Low
Mass
St Anthony, Scotland Rd, Liverpool 3.00 pm Low/Sung Mass

Menevia
Palm Sunday 5 April The Holy Name, Vergam Terrace Fishguard 4.00pm Low Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April Our Lady of the Taper, Cardigan 3.30pm Low Mass


Middlesborough
Palm Sunday 5 April St Alphonsus, 5 Westbourne Grove, North Ormesby 6.00pm
Low Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April St Alphonsus, 5 Westbourne Grove, North Ormesby 6.00pm
Low Mass

Northampton
Palm Sunday 5 April Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Amersham Rd, Chesham Bois,
Bucks 10.30 am Low Mass
Sacred Heart, Pope Close, Flitwick, Beds 5.00pm Low Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Amersham Rd, Chesham
Bois Bucks 10.30 am Low Mass
Sacred Heart, Pope Close, Flitwick, Beds 5.00pm Low Mass

Nottingham
Palm Sunday 5 April Our Lady of Victories & St Alphonsus, Bitteswell Rd,
Lutterworth, Leics 3.00pm Low Mass
Holy Souls, Frodingham Rd, Scunthorpe 3.00 pm Low Mass
Corpus Christi, Southchurch Drive Clifton, Nottingham 3.00pm
Low Mass
Holy Cross Priory 45 Wellington St Leicester 4.00pm
Low Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April Our Lady of Victories & St Alphonsus, Bitteswell Rd,
Lutterworth, Leics 3.00pm Low Mass
Holy Souls, Frodingham Rd, Scunthorpe 3.00 pm Low Mass
Corpus Christi, Southchurch Drive Clifton, Nottingham
3.00pm Low Mass
Holy Cross Priory 45 Wellington St Leicester 4.00pm
Low Mass

Plymouth
Palm Sunday 5 April Lanherne Convent St Mawgan Nr Newquay Cornwall
10.00am Sung Mass
Plymouth Cathedral Wyndham St West Plymouth TR8 4ER
3.00pm Sung Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April Lanherne Convent St Mawgan Nr Newquay Cornwall
10.00am Sung Mass

Portsmouth
St William of York, Upper Redlands Rd, Reading
Palm Sunday 5 April 11.00am Procession & Mass
St Peter, Jewry St, Winchester
Easter Sunday 12 April 12.15pm Sung Mass

Salford
Palm Sunday 5 April The Holy Name, Oxford Rd, Manchester 4.00 pm Low Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April The Holy Name, Oxford Rd, Manchester 4.00 pm Low Mass

Shrewsbury
Palm Sunday 5 April St Plegmund, Tattenhall Rd, Tattenhall 6.00pm Low Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April St Vincent, Bentinck Rd, Altrincham 3.00pm Low Mass
Our Lady & St John, Telegraph Rd, Heswall 6.00pm Sung Mass

Southwark Kent
Palm Sunday 5 April St Francis, Week St, Maidstone 12.30pm Low Mass
Easter Sunday 12 April St Simon, Brookfield Rd, Ashford South 12.00hrs Low Mass

Westminster Herts
Palm Sunday 5 April Holy Trinity, London rd, Baldock 3.00pm Sung Mass

For details of all other Masses over the Easter period contact the LMS office

The Sacred Triduum in London and other Dioceses Easter 2009

London

Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, WC2
Sacred Triduum
Holy Thursday 9 April 6.30pm Sung Mass and Procession to the Altar of Repose
Good Friday 10 April 3.00pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday 11 April 7.00pm Vigil and High Mass

Chapel, La Retraite School, Atkins Rd, Clapham, SW12
Sacred Triduum
Holy Thursday 9 April 6.00pm High Mass and Procession to Altar of Repose
Good Friday 10 April 3.00pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday 11 April 7.30pm Vigil and Sung Mass

Chapel of the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth 60 Grove End Rd St John’s Wood NW8
Sacred Triduum
Holy Thursday 9 April 8.00pm Solemn Mass ‘in Cena Domini’
Good Friday 10 April 3.00pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday 11 April 10.00pm Vigil and Sung Mass

Easter Sunday 12 April 11.00am Solemn High Mass

Sacred Triduum Ceremonies in other Dioceses

Brentwood
Holy Thursday 9 April St Antony, St Antony’s Rd, Forest Gate, London E7 6.15pm Sung Mass & Procession
Good Friday 10 April St Antony, St Antony’s Rd, Forest Gate, London E7 12.30pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday 11 April St Nicholas, Gledding Rd, Manor Park, London E12
4.30pm Vigil & Sung Mass

Leeds
University Catholic Chaplaincy, Notre Dame Chapel, 5 St Mark’s Avenue, Leeds
Holy Thursday 9 April 7.30pm Procession & Sung Mass
Good Friday 10 April 3.00pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday 11 April 7.30pm Vigil & Sung Mass

Plymouth
Lanherne Convent, Lanherne, St Mawgan, Nr Newquay, Cornwall
Holy Thursday 9 April 7.00pm Mass and Procession to Altar of Repose Adoration to 12 Midnight (Matins at 11.15pm)
Good Friday 10 April 3.00pm Good Friday Liturgy 7.00pm Stations of the Cross
Holy Saturday 11 April 8.30pm Easter Vigil and Sung Mass



Portsmouth
St William of York, Upper Redlands Rd, Reading
Holy Thursday 9 April 7.00 pm Mass & Adoration
Good Friday 10 April 1.30pm Stations of the Cross
3.00pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday 11 April 10.00pm Vigil & Mass

Shrewsbury
Sacred Heart Church, The Cross, Moreton, Wirral CH46 9QB
Holy Thursday 9 April 5.00pm Mass & Procession
Good Friday 10 April 5.00pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday 11 April 5.00pmVigil & Mass



Partial Triduum
St Thomas Aquinas, Ham Common, Ham TW10
Sacred Triduum
Holy Thursday 9 April 6.00pm Sung Mass and Procession
Good Friday 10 April 5.00pm Good Friday Liturgy

Easter Sunday 12 April 6.00pm Low Mass

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Times article on Westminster succession

Ruth Gledhill gives a useful summary today of the latest on the Westminster (or is that Canterbury?) succession race with a new candidate entering the field: Archbishop Paul Gallagher, nuncio in Guatemala! Even Paddy Power seems to have given up on all this.

Friday, March 20, 2009

The secret Archbishop of Canterbury

At the end of today`s Mass for the consecration of our new bishop, Cardinal Cormac Murphy O`Connor got up to say a few words in the course of which he said: " When I became archbishop of Canterbury..." Is this a new twist to the never ending tale of Westminster?
We had a beautiful day for the whole event. However I`m scouring the internet to find an image of bishop Cunningham as from my place in the cathedral I couldn`t see him nor the altar or anything apart from the backs of a few eminent churchmen. It was also difficult to make out individual speakers. It was good to sing the Veni Creator and Te Deum in the original. The ordinary was to a setting by Joncas.
Here`s a bit of video from yesterday courtesy of the Newcastle Journal. Fr Peter Stott, the diocesan chancellor, gets a major role.

Ecclesia Dei Commission goes into action

I spotted this story from Clerical Whispers on the Catholic Church Conservation blog. It seems some dioceses are still having trouble understanding Summorum Pontificum and rather hoping it might all just go away.
The Ecclesia Dei Commission has responded to requests from the faithful in Killala diocese for provision of a Mass in the Extraordinary Form. The Council of Priests voted against provision being made and the bishop accepted this advice. Anumber of priests and faithful were unhappy about this decision. I wonder why those priests who were unhappy did not just start saying the Mass anyway as the decision to do so is in their hands since Summorum Pontificum. The story continues:

The 'Ecclesia Dei' Commission, headed by Cardinal Darío Castrillón Hoyos, then wrote to Bishop Fleming insisting that the restriction was forbidden under Church law since Pope Benedict had made universal provision for the availability of the Mass in the extraordinary form.

In its letter, the Commission insisted that neither Bishop Fleming, nor the Council of Priests, had the right to place a restriction on a right approved by the Pope.

Bishop Fleming has now designated the Church of the Assumption, Ardagh, Crossmolina, Co Mayo as the centre for the traditional Mass in the Killala diocese and the celebrant will be Fr John Loftus, a priest of the diocese.
So things do get done and the Ecclesia Dei Commission can make a difference. Hurrah!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

New Bishop Tomorrow

Well tomorrow`s the big day as Canon Cunningham is consecrated as the 13th bishop of Hexham and Newcastle. Here`s an interview he did this week with the Newcastle Journal.



I`m sure he`ll be in the prayers of many. There`s also an interview with the bishop-elect by one of the episcopal vicars on the diocesan website. The transcript can be read here.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Brinkburn 2009


I have recently had confirmation that Mass can take place at Brinkburn, Northumberland, on Saturday September 5th at 12 noon. This will be the 14th year we have gone there. One difficulty I had this year is that the North East Catholic History Society, whose chairman I became recently, always have an outing in September. This year to make life easier they have decided to come to Brinkburn that day. I hope that we will have a Solemn High Mass.


In another development, last year at Brinkburn the heritage consultant expressed interest in Gregorian chant and told some of the choir he would like to encourage the singing of chant at the priory. So a group has formed under the name of the Schola Borealis. Here are the details I have received:


You may be particularly interested in the two workshops for Gregorian Chant under the title Schola Borealis. It is further described by the organisers ~ A day of Benedictine chant. Come along and bask in the tranquillity of this ancient music. All are welcome, whether experienced or complete beginners.


There are two dates, the 2nd May and the 25th & 26th of July. The second date culminates with a sung Mass at noon on the Sunday and is again further described: A weekend workshop in Gregorian Chant celebrating the feast of St James the Greater, Apostle and Patron Saint of pilgrims, and culminating with Sung Mass on Sunday at noon.

Details of the other events can be seen here.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Vatican announces Year for Priests

Today the Vatican Information Service has announced that the Holy Father has declared a Year for Priests from June 19th-June 19th 2010 to mark the 150th anniversary of the death of St John Vianney, the 'Cure of Ars'. The statement says:

Benedict XVI stressed the need to "have care for the formation of candidates to the priesthood", a formation that must maintain "communion with unbroken ecclesial Tradition, without pausing or being tempted by discontinuity. In this context, it is important to encourage priests, especially the young generations, to a correct reading of the texts of Vatican Council II, interpreted in the light of all the Church's doctrinal inheritance".

Priests must be "present, identifiable and recognisable - for their judgement of faith, personal virtues and attire - in the fields of culture and of charity which have always been at the heart of the Church's mission".

"The centrality of Christ leads to a correct valuation of priestly ministry, without which there would be no Eucharist, no mission, not even the Church. It is necessary then, to ensure that 'new structures' or pastoral organisations are not planned for a time in which it will be possible to 'do without' ordained ministry, on the basis of an erroneous interpretation of the promotion of the laity, because this would lay the foundations for a further dilution in priestly ministry, and any supposed 'solutions' would, in fact, dramatically coincide with the real causes of the problems currently affecting the ministry".

It is somewhat demoralising, as a priest, to be told that we should be promoting structures which mean the Church can more or less run without us, so this last paragraph is very welcome. The first paragraph is pretty good too.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

`Can we go to the Masses at Ushaw during the training conference?`

This is a question I am asked quite a lot whenever the conference is mentioned. The answer is yes. I am grateful to Jane Teresa for drawing attention to this information which I hadn`t noticed.


LATIN MASS SOCIETY TRAINING CONFERENCE FOR
PRIESTS WISHING TO LEARN THE EXTRAORDINARY
FORM OF THE ROMAN RITE
(TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS)
at USHAW COLLEGE, DURHAM
Monday 20 April to Thursday 23 April

The following services will take place in St Cuthbert’s Chapel at Ushaw College and
will be open to the public:

Mon 20 April
11.00am Solemn Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Cum Jubilo)

5.30pm Vespers of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Tues 21 April

8.00am Lauds

11.15am Missa Cantata for the Feast of St Anselm (Lux et Origio)

5.30pm Rosary & Benediction

9.30pm Compline

Wed 22 April
8.00am Lauds

11.15am Missa Cantata for the Feast of SS Soter & Caius (Cunctipotens
Genitor Deus)

5.30 pm First Vespers for the Feast of St George & Benediction (Solemn Form)

Thurs 23 April

8.00am Lauds

11.00am Solemn Mass for the Feast of St George (Polyphonic, Byrd)

Members of the public are asked to be in their places 5 minutes before the starting times.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos and Ushaw

Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos, the head of the Vatican commission Ecclesia Dei, has written in a letter to Leo Darroch, the head of Una Voce International, saying how pleased he is about the forthcoming Latin Mass Society training conference for priests at Ushaw. The full text can be read here. He writes:
I am particularly pleased to know that the course planned for the month of April will be held at Ushaw College, a distinguished seminary which has served the dioceses of Northern England for over 200 years.
My hope is that the course at Ushaw College will be a further step in the implementation of the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum and thus will manifest our Holy Father`s conviction that "the two forms of the usage of the Roman Rite can be mutually enriching"
Having spent five years at Ushaw I get a shiver down my spine to read these words and think that Ushaw College will be the site for this initiative. There are still a few places available.

Fr Briggs in town (or toon)



Fr Briggs of Chislehurst, Kent, came to visit this week. For those who may not remember, from the references on the Hermeneutic of Continuity where he has a cameo role, Fr Briggs is a devoted fan of the Blessed Pius IX. While playing around with YouTube we found this musical tribute to Pio Nono. Not only this but a whole cantata with music by Rossini in honour of this extraordinary Pope. Can we look forward to a cantata by James MacMillan in honour of Benedict XVI?

Here`s an extract from the Rossini cantata coupled with a homage.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Another LMS press release

I mentioned this news about The Universe a while back. Here is the press release.

13 March 2009

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE LATIN MASS SOCIETY

For Immediate Release


British Catholic Newspaper – The Universe – Introduces Special Weekly Page for Extraordinary Form (Traditional Latin Rite) News

After prompting from the Latin Mass Society of England and Wales, The Universe has introduced a weekly page of news and listings for the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (Traditional Latin Rite). The page will commence in the issue of Sunday 15 March.

The Universe will also publish the full weekly calendar for the Extraordinary Form. This will be provided each week by Gordon Dimon, the LMS’s Senior MC, who also compiles the LMS’s annual Ordo which is used by priests worldwide.

John Medlin, LMS General Manager, said: “The Universe is obviously moving to catch up with The Catholic Herald which already has wide coverage of Traditional Rite affairs and even the ultra-liberal Tablet which publishes a weekly link to the Traditional calendar on the LMS’s website” (www.latin-mass-society.org).

He went on: “The Universe has dragged its feet for years in relation to the Extraordinary Form so this is good news. I will be asking all the LMS’s Representatives across England and Wales to send stories and pictures to The Universe.

“I think The Universe had found that its core ‘justice and peace’ market was ageing and collapsing and is urgently seeking to connect with younger generations who are developing a great interest in the Traditional Rite. The LMS will do all it can to help!”

Of the weekly Catholic papers in England and Wales, only The Catholic Times is now holding out against the Traditional trend, but apparently changes will soon be underway there as well.

. . . . ENDS . . . .

For further information, please contact John Medlin, General Manager, or James Murphy, LMS Office Manager, on (T) 020 7404 7284;
(F) 020 7831 5585; (E mail) thelatinmasssociety@snmail.co.uk

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

LMS Press release

The Latin Mass Society confirms the resignations of the Society’s Chairman, Treasurer, and Chaplain

Mr Julian Chadwick resigned as Chairman of the LMS on Monday 9 March. The Chairman’s resignation follows that of the Society’s Chaplain, Fr Antony Conlon, on 3 March, and the Society’s Treasurer, Mr John Eidinow, has subsequently also tendered his resignation.

The Committee of the Latin Mass Society passed a motion of no confidence in the Chairman on 7 March. Recent events had undermined the Committee’s belief in the Chairman’s managerial competence and discretion. It was felt that decisive action had to be taken to restore the confidence of those who work with the Latin Mass Society and those who contribute to its internal discussions.

The former Chairman and Treasurer, or their associates, have seen fit to publish parts of their resignation letters to at least one internet blog. This is unfortunately symptomatic of a recent pattern of behaviour that had come to cause grave concern to the Committee. In any Society there are bound to be differing views represented on its governing body, but it is for that body to resolve those differences in confidence and not the general public by internet debate.

The accusations made by Mr Chadwick and Mr Eidinow in their letters are either false or misleading. A lengthy discussion of the points raised in their letters is inappropriate, but the following must be emphasised:

The Committee has not sacked anybody.
The Committee recently passed a unanimous resolution confirming its obedience to the Holy See.
The Committee is completely committed to Summorum Pontificum.
Allegations of anti-clericalism are ludicrous.
The Society’s financial affairs are in good order, and are fully audited.

These and other recent attempts to damage the Society’s reputation are distressing, and distract from the excellent work that the Society has done, and will continue to do, to promote the usus antiquior.
. . . . ENDS . . . .
For further information, please contact John Medlin, General Manager, or James Murphy, LMS Office Manager, on (T) 020 7404 7284; (F) 020 7831 5585;

Washing machine or the pill?

The Vatican newspaper, L`Osservatore Romano, carried a piece for International Women`s Day which claimed that the washing machine has done more to liberate women than the pill. An interesting point? I was at a conversation a few days ago where a number of women were recalling how for their mothers wash day did take all day, so it may be true. Here`s the story on Independent Catholic News.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

First Holy Communion help?



Today I had a meeting with our First Holy Communion catechists. One of the things that came up was the issue of certificates. I had wanted to get away from the certificates that I found when I got here which have a picture of a loaf of bread and glass of wine. So I bought certificates from the CTS which show The Last Supper (see the illustration). I thought they were nice. However they were not popular at all. There were complaints that the paschal lamb looked more like a rat and that St Peter looks angry and although Judas is meant to look unpleasant they didn`t like this either. So I got out my First Holy Communion certificate from 1966 by Laverty and Sons of Leeds and that was very popular. It shows Jesus standing with a chalice and about to administer the Host to a group of five children. Behind them is a cherry tree in full blossom. I was surprised that this was popular and said I`d try to find something similar. However searching on the web has produced no results. I even tried the SSPX Angelus Press but couldn`t see anything.


If anyone has any idea where to find any tasteful First Holy Communion certificates would you please let me know?

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Wilfrid: Our Forgotten Saint?

Today at the North East Catholic History Society we had a talk by Richard Lomas, a retired lecturer from the history department at Durham University, on the life of St Wilfrid. I was particularly interested to hear this as St Wilfrid has become a bit of an interest of mine since being parish priest of St Wilfrid`s Gateshead for ten years. One thing I had forgotten, but remember thinking about when I was in Gateshead, was that 2009 marks the 1300th anniversary of the saint`s death. The anniversary falls on April 24th to be exact.
Often in diocesan events when our local saints are mentioned it is always the holy trio of Aidan, Cuthbert and Bede. Wilfrid has fallen out of favour. (I asked bishop Dunn why this was once and he told me it was because Wilfrid was `too Roman`. I presume he was joking.) However even given his current status I thought there might have been some recognition of the 1300th anniversary of this important figure in the life of the Church in the North East.
As Richard Lomas explained in his talk today, I expect part of the reason Wilfrid is politely put aside is that aspects of his life are less than edifying in that he spent a lot of time going to Rome to ensure that he remained the only bishop in Northumbria against attempts to create other sees. A lot of it was about him standing on his dignity, defending his own rights and travelling around with a huge retinue including his own private army. While this certainly isn`t how a saint is expected to behave, it was due to Wilfrid`s drive and love of things Roman that the Synod of Whitby decided that the Church in Northumbria would follow Roman rather than the out-of-kilter Celtic ways. He also converted the kingdom of the South Saxons during one exile (and taught them how to fish!).
I suppose Wilfrid may not be to everyone`s taste but I don`t think he should be forgotten. Has anyone heard of anything going on for his 1300th anniversary?

Sursum Corda!

I was delighted to see that the new edition of our cathedral magazine, Sursum Corda, published the photo of the EF Mass that was celebrated there last year and gave a good write-up for it too. It wasn`t even relegated to the very back pages as happened in the Northern Cross.

Monday, March 02, 2009

Lent in St Mary`s, Forest Hall and SS Peter and Paul`s Longbenton

This week the parishes` Lenten activities start. Tomorrow there is an extra EF Mass at 7.30am which wll continue on all the Tuesdays of Lent. On Tuesday nights of Lent at SS Peter and Paul`s, Fr Milburn is giving a series of illustrated talks on the coming of Christianity to England with specific reference to the North East. Tomorrow night`s talk is at 7pm and is entitled `Augustine arrives`. Fr Milburn taught history for many years at Ushaw and is now 82. He will be well worth hearing. On Wednesday of Lent Mass at St Mary`s is at 12 noon and is folowed by a lenten soup lunch with soup made by parishioners and the parish priest. Proceeds go to help Aid to the Church in Need. On Thursday nights at 7.30pm at SS Peter and Paul`s, the group which looks at the Sunday Mass readings continues. Stations of the Cross take place at St Mary`s on a Sunday afternoon at 4 with Benediction and on Friday nights after the 7pm Mass at SS Peter and Paul`s.

In Holy Week we are hoping to have Tenebrae again.

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Clergy Talk

Today I hosted lunch for a small group of priests from the diocese of diverse backgrounds. During the conversation the topic arose of our new bishop. "What could he really do to make a difference?" I was asked. I said that an invitation to the Fraternity of St Peter or the Institute of Christ the King to take over a parish wouldn`t go amiss. And while we`re at it why not the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate or the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (maybe they could run the `youth village`)? A Benedictine foundation from Le Barroux or Fontgamboult would be a great idea. Also a Natural Family Planning instructor in every parish might help things too. My earlier thoughts can be found here.