by Maggie Burgess
The Society of Saint Augustine of Canterbury –AGM
The AGM of the Society of Saint Augustine of Canterbury took place recently in the Throne Room of Archbishop’s House, Westminster.
The Society was founded 120 years ago to support the maintenance of the fabric of Archbishop’s House, which was built not just as the base for the Archbishop’s pastoral work in the Archdiocese, but, importantly, and that is why it was financed by public subscription, as a national focal point where international and national ceremonies, receptions and meetings could take place in appropriately formal surroundings and where visiting dignitaries (which have included Pope St John Paul II) could stay. The Society’s constitution also allows it to provide for the Archbishop some modest support towards the expenses of his public role.
Archbishop Richard with members of the Society at the AGM
The speeches and talks at the formal meeting, led by the Chair, were thoroughly informative and most interesting. Quite a number of members of the Society who hail from Arundel and Brighton attended the meeting and the Mass in the Cathedral beforehand. It was, as always, a very companiable gathering and the Archbishop, for whom this was a first meeting with the Society, clearly enjoyed the opportunity to circulate among the members and guests and to chat with them all.
New members are always very welcome; by joining, they will be helping the Society to fulfil the serious need for its indispensable work- please contact the Membership Secretary, Claudia Jasper: claudiajasper@icloud.com if you would like to be part of this. For further information please see our website: https://staugustineofcanterbury.org.uk/
Pictured above are Archbishop Richard with Vincent Keaveny (Chair) and Maggie Burgess (a member of Council) at the AGM