DIOCESAN DIGEST

Mass of Ages quarterly round-up

Arundel and Brighton

Dr Emma-Louise Jay arundel@lms.org.uk

In Lewes we are fortunate to now not only have Dylan Ridgway as a devoted and elegant server but also Philip Hensley, baptised a few years ago at the York Oratory. Canon Jonathan Martin has indicated that in addition two more servers are completing training in preparation for an intended Missa Cantata on the feast of the Assumption. We have been blessed with the continuation of two Low Masses each week (Saturdays at 10am after Confessions and 12:30pm on Sundays), and on key feasts such as Corpus Christi at 6pm. I invite prayers for all our servers, please.

It is my understanding that Low Masses continue at Caterham (Wednesdays 10am), Molesey (Saturdays 10am) and that the faithful can also consult the Events section of the website of the Shrine for the most up to date information regarding any Sung Masses held on some Sundays at 3pm.

Birmingham & Black Country

Louis Maciel 0739 223 2225 birmingham@lms.org.uk birmingham-lms-rep.blogspot.co.uk

As usual, the post-Easter period at the Birmingham Oratory was tremendously busy, with High Masses celebrated for the Patronal Feast of St Philip Neri on the Spring Bank Holiday, followed by another High Mass for Ascension on Thursday later that week. Three weeks later, High Mass was offered on the traditional day of Thursday for Corpus Christi, followed by the Quarant’ore devotion the week after, starting with a High Mass of Exposition on Wednesday, a Missa Cantata on Thursday and ending with a High Mass for the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart on Friday. These Masses replaced the usual 5.45pm weekday Low Masses, and were in addition to the schedule of Saturday and Sunday Masses in the 1962 Missal as detailed in the Mass Listings.

High Mass was also offered on the fifth Friday of Easter at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Wolverhampton, with the usual Friday Mass moving to Saturday morning in the week of the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour.

Birmingham (Oxford)

Joseph Shaw oxford@lms.org.uk

Regular Masses continue over the autumn. Sung Masses on Sundays at Holy Rood (5pm) over the diocesan boundary in Portsmouth Diocese restart in September.

The major event of the year is the LMS Oxford Pilgrimage, which this year will be slightly earlier in Saturday, 11 October. High Mass in the Dominican Rite is at 11am in the Oxford Blackfriars, in St Giles, in central Oxford; we have a procession followed by Benediction in the afternoon.

Oxford Blackfriars will also host the Latin Mass Society’s Annual Requiem, which will be celebrated by a visiting bishop, on Saturday, 8 November.

If you are within reach of Oxford and would like regular updates, you can join the local email list by emailing me.

Birmingham (Worcestershire)

Alastair J Tocher

01684 893332 malvern@lms.org.uk extraordinarymalvern.uk

Facebook:  Extraordinary Malvern

Traditional Masses continue as usual across Worcestershire: Low Masses at Immaculate Conception & St Egwin, Evesham on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm and Sung Masses at St Ambrose, Kidderminster on first Sundays at 6pm. The July First Friday Mass at 7pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Redditch will be a Missa Cantata sung by Schola Gregoriana Malverniensis in place of the usual Low Mass. It is always best to check locally however for the latest information if planning to attend any of these Masses.

As I write, preparations are nearing completion for the Our Lady of Christendom UK (olchristendom.co.uk) one-day walking pilgrimage on Saturday 28 June, organised by a local gentleman, from Tewkesbury Abbey to the ruins of Evesham Abbey. I understand more than 100 pilgrims have registered and we wish them all a joyful and holy journey.

Please remember in your prayers our local priests – Fr Douglas Lamb, Fr Jason Mahoney, and Fr Christopher Draycott – who celebrate Traditional Latin Masses for us and who support us in many other ways; also, Dom Thomas Regan OSB, parish priest at St Wulstan’s, Little Malvern; and last but not least Archbishop Bernard Longley who has generously granted permission for all these Masses to continue.

Cardiff-Menevia (Ledbury)

Alastair J Tocher 01684 893332 malvern@lms.org.uk extraordinarymalvern.uk Facebook:  Extraordinary Malvern

Regular 11.30am Sunday Low Masses at Most Holy Trinity, Ledbury – the only weekly Sunday Traditional Masses in the three counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire – continue as normal. That said, please do contact us in advance to confirm local Mass times if you intend visiting the area, especially since arrangements might be subject to change over the next few months.

As always, please remember in your prayers our parish priest, Fr Adrain Wiltshire, who celebrated his 75th birthday in June. Please also remember the Most Rev Mark O’Toole, Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia, together with all those attending Most Holy Trinity, and not forgetting Dom Jonathan Rollinson OSB and Dom Joseph Parkinson OSB who, prior to Traditionis custodes, also celebrated public Latin Masses at Belmont Abbey near Hereford.

Cardiff-Menevia (Menevia) Tom and Elaine Sharpling 07702 230983 menevia@lms.org.uk

We continue to support Canon Jason Jones and Father Rod in their celebration of the Holy Mass in Sacred Heart, Swansea, and are pleased to see steady numbers in the congregation.

We were also delighted that we were able to have a Sung Mass on Easter Sunday and are grateful to Andrew Butcher who travelled from Newport in order to serve. A new schola has been formed and we are just taking our first steps of singing the Mass – so prayers please!

Our Facebook page has a growing number of followers, and if you would like to connect with us in this way then please contact: StabatMaterMenevia, or give us a call.

We are also grateful to those people who travel long distances to the Holy Mass – you can always be assured of a warm welcome and we are delighted to see new faces.

However, before travelling, check the Facebook page or get in touch so that we can let you know of any changes.

East Anglia (West)

Alisa and Gregor Dick 01954 780912 cambridge@lms.org.uk

Sunday Masses at Blackfriars continue as normal. We are grateful to the new servers who have volunteered recently, and are always glad to have more. New singers, too, would be most welcome. Dates for sung Masses during the summer had not been set at the time of going to press, but will be posted on the noticeboard in the cloister when they have been determined.

Hexham and Newcastle

John Fagan hexham@lms.org.uk

We continue to be blessed with provision of Old Rite liturgies across the diocese as per the published Mass Listings and the eagleeyed reader will note the addition of a Mass on the last Saturday of the month at St Teresas in Newcastle.

I can also report that at the parish of St Mary Immaculate, Whittingham, on Saturday 31 May– The feast of The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Fr David Philips celebrated a MissaCantata assisted by The Westland Singers directed by Paul Dewhurst. The musical elements of the Mass included the following: Kitson, Mass in D – Bevenot, Mass in A minor – Ave Maria, Cesar Franck – Jesu Rex Admirabilis, Palestrina. I understand that a very enjoyable day was had by all and was rounded off with a lovely social gathering and refreshments.

That particular Saturday turned out to be a busy day, with a public Rosary rally following the scheduled Low Mass at St Joseph’s Gateshead, celebrated by Canon Michael Brown. The procession then made its way across the Tyne Bridge to the City Centre with many traditional hymns being sung en route. The Rosary was then prayed (amidst the shoppers) in Grey Street, followed by refreshments at St Andrews Church, Worswick Street.

It was while we were at St Andrews that one of our companions took the opportunity of reminding us of the importance of leveraging social media, for the benefit of the Social Reign of Christ. We can do so by ‘liking’ and making positive comments/reviews online, when attending our beautiful Churches and liturgies. It seems we Catholics have been a little slow in this regard, and I can understand why, since I am far from savvy when it comes to such things. But as my friend Nick pointed out, it’s only by taking the time to do this, that these aspects of the Faith are promoted and shared with other users of social media who may well be searching.

What a wonderful start to the day those attending the early morning Traditional Mass at St Cuthberts in Durham were recently to witness. Prior to the Mass two young Catholics, Luke and Catherine, under the pastoral guidance of Fr Luke Wilkinson, made their pledge before Almighty God in the rite of Betrothal. It is indeed heartening to see, that this once common practice within the tradition of the Church, seems to be making a comeback. I’m sure that readers would wish to join me in offering these two young people our congratulations and prayers for many happy years together.

Thanks be to God for these and the many other reminders that the Faith is alive and indeed well in the Northeast. Tu Rex Gloriae Christe.

Lancaster

John Rogan lancaster@lms.org.uk

The slumber of summer is upon us! Mass at the University ceases until the new term starts (check the blog for dates nearer to) while Masses in Carlisle and Workington continue as advertised.

The Guild of St Stephen held its National Mass in our diocese this year and several servers of the Extraordinary Form were present or serving.

With the LMS AGM, the centenary of the Diocese and the discovery that the new Pope has, as a Superior General of the Augustinian Order, previously visited out Cathedral- a busy year in general!

The penultimate Mass in Lancaster was sung, and so required an extra pair of candles!

We unfortunately missed the deadline for the summer report but a highlight from the previous quarter was the visit to Preston of Mgr Gilles Wach, Prior General of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, over the weekend of 29-30 March. On the Saturday afternoon, Mgr Wach gave a talk to the lay branch of the Institute, the Society of the Sacred Heart. Following this he received seven postulants into the Society and presented them with the Cross of St Francis de Sales, one of the patrons of the Institute. An eighth cross was also blessed and given to Bob Latin, former Local Representative, who is still housebound after a stroke in 2023, and was unable to attend the service. The presentation was followed by Benediction. On the Sunday, Mgr Wach was the celebrant for Solemn High Mass.

In May we were delighted to welcome Bishop Paul Swarbrick to administer Confirmation to some 20 candidates from Preston, New Brighton and Birmingham. After the service Bishop Swarbrick spent a long time at the reception meeting candidates, their families and parishioners.

Also in May, on the Sunday following the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Mass was celebrated at the War Memorial altar and a new plaque inaugurated recording the members of the parish who had given their lives during World War II, to properly accompany those recorded for World War I; previously there had only been a photocopied sheet.

Providence decreed that the ICKSP pilgrimage should be in Rome at the time of the election of Pope Leo XIV so Canon Poucin and our Sisters were very privileged to be there.

This year we have been delighted to welcome the LMS to St Walburge's for its Annual General Meeting. Solemn High Mass was celebrated by Canon William Hudson, ICKSP, who was also commemorating the 25th anniversary of his priesthood that day. After lunch he gave an address to the members of the AGM, about his life as a priest and the history of the TLM in the UK. Canon Hudson had been a very active supporter in the years before Summorum Pontificum, travelling many miles from Brussels each weekend to celebrate Mass in many locations in the north west.

As this report is submitted, Ordinations week will be taking place at the Institute's Seminary in Gricigliano. Abbé Joseph McCowen will be ordained to the sacred priesthood, joining his brother Michael who was ordained two years ago, and Abbé James Baxter to the diaconate. Please also remember in your prayers the numerous seminarians receiving the minor orders or the subdiaconate. We ask God's blessing on them all.

Please note that during July and August there will be a reduced schedule of Masses at St Walburge's; in particular there will be no 6.30pm Sunday Mass. Please always check the website icksp.org. uk/preston/ before travelling.

Liverpool

Andrew Doyle

07805 069836 liverpool@lms.org.uk

Within the Archdiocese of Liverpool, celebrations of the Traditional Latin Mass are conspicuous by their absence. Such are the times!

We are, however, blessed to have the Traditional Latin Mass celebrated in three locations within or very close to the diocese:

St Mary’s Shrine, Warrington (FSSP) – LMS Rep Alan Frost

St Walburge’s Preston (ICKSP) – LMS Rep John Rogan

SS Peter & Paul & Philomena, aka “The Dome of Home”, New Brighton, Wirral (ICKSP) – LMS Rep Kevin Jones

In unity with all Catholics, please continue to pray for Pope Leo XIV and that he lifts the current restrictions on the Mass of Ages. VivaCristoRey!

Liverpool (Warrington)

Alan Frost warrington@lms.org.uk

A main feature occurred just before the deadline for this Report, the annual Procession of the Most Blessed Sacrament across Warrington town centre to the Church of St Alban where Benediction was celebrated. The day before saw the (weekly) Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction, 21 June; on this occasion for the Feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga, Patron of the Sons of the Redeemer community in the Orkneys.

The previous month witnessed the Deanery May Procession on 18 May, led by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, who has now retired and is replaced by Archbishop Sherrington. There was an additional Sung Mass on 29 May for the Feast of the Ascension. The Juventutem Group continue to meet, usually on the fourth Saturday of the month. On the fourth Friday of the month, Fr Homolya leads the 13-17 years Youth Group.

The annual Warrington Walking Day, a longstanding town tradition where parishioners walk alongside fellow Christians, with banners, took place on 27 June. St Mary’s is a FSSP Church and members of the Confraternity of St Peter were able to receive a Plenary Indulgence on the Feast of SS Peter & Paul on Sunday 29 June.

Middlesbrough

Paul Waddington middlesbrough@lms.org.uk

It has recently been announced that Fr William Massie will be leaving the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and St Peter Chanel in Hull and moving to the Church of St Aelred in York. Fr Massie has been offering Latin Masses in Hull on Thursday evenings for several years, and support for this Mass has gradually grown, including among Hull University students, for whom he is also the chaplain. We must be very grateful to Fr Massie for all the work that he has done to promote the Latin Mass in Hull. I know that Bishop Drainey is considering how Latin Masses can continue to be provided in Hull after Fr Massie leaves.

Elsewhere in the Diocese, Fr David Smith continues to offer Latin Masses in Yarm on Sundays, and there are daily Latin Masses at the York Oratory.

We were treated to two Corpus Christi processions through the streets of York, one on the actual Feast Day and the other on the External Solemnity. They marked the beginning and end of the Quarant’ore Devotions at the York Oratory.

Looking to the future, the customary pilgrimage in honour of St Margaret Clitherow will take place in York on Monday 25 August, which is a Bank Holiday. The citizens of York will be treated to another colourful procession through its streets.

Northampton (North – Northamptonshire)

Paul Beardsmore

01858 434037 northampton@lms.org.uk

There has been no public celebration of the traditional Mass in the county since Fr Gerard Byrne was moved from Corby to Bletchley two years ago. How splendid, then, to have a Pontifical celebration in the diocesan cathedral celebrated by Bishop Schneider on 11 June (Ember Wednesday).

The Bishop preached on the love and respect due to the Blessed Sacrament, and gave a blessing at the end of Mass with a relic of the True Cross.

There were many people involved in making this Mass happen; the sacred ministers, servers, choir and organist (Byrd 5 was the Mass setting), LMS office staff, cathedral staff and volunteer organisers.

I will not risk listing names for fear of leaving somebody out, but two I will mention. The first is Bishop Oakley, who kindly gave permission for this Mass at a difficult moment in the Church’s history. The second is Fr Byrne, who was a prime mover in the arrangements, and who, just two days later, had to undergo emergency eye surgery, from which, as I write this, he is still recovering. Please remember him in your prayers.

Northampton (South)

Barbara Kay 07399 078959 bedford@lms.org.uk

Our Gregorian Chaplaincy celebrated its 14th anniversary on 19 July and we give thanks to God for Bishop Peter Doyle who established it, Bishop David Oakley who continues to support it, to all the priests who have served us over the years and for the graces and blessings received by so many of the faithful.

Our Sunday and weekday Masses continue at the normal times and locations. Please see fssp.org.uk/bedford/ for details of all our news and forthcoming events. After the summer break, our Men’s Women’s and Young Adults groups will also resume; again, please see our website.

Since the last edition of Mass of Ages, we have had May processions, a visit to the Benedictine nuns at Colwich Abbey by a number of girls and their mothers, Corpus Christi processions and First Holy Communions of nine children at Bedford and Chesham, a Chaplaincy pilgrimage to Walsingham on 12 July and the annual Juventutem Weekend led by Fr Armand de Malleray FSSP at Ampleforth Abbey on 18 - 20 July.

It is also lovely to report that a large contingent of our families took part in the Chartres Pilgrimage over the Pentecost weekend. There were two further highlights in these past few months. The first was a visit by Bishop Athanasius Schneider to Northampton Cathedral on 11 June, where he celebrated a Pontifical High Mass. Fr Armand de Malleray acted as Assistant Priest, and several of our young men served on the altar. The second was the Bedford Apostolate’s first all-night period of Eucharistic Adoration on 2-3 July. This was in response to Parliament’s decision to proceed with the legalisation of abortion up to natural birth, and with assisted dying. Future events include a Family Day at Buckden Towers in the autumn, and the visit of Bishop David Oakley to celebrate Confirmations in the Traditional Rite on 4 October.

Nottingham

Jeremy Boot nottingham@lms.org.uk

07462 018386

No sooner had we celebrated sung Mass for the Election of a Pope at St Mary of the Annunciation, Loughborough on 7 May, than by the following Saturday at Mass at the Good Shepherd Nottingham, we were able to welcome the election of HH Leo XIV with ‘Full in the Panting Heart of Rome’ (deleted from the new books!) and the prayers for the new Pope in the Liber. Let us hope now for better times.

Masses at the Good Shepherd, Arnold, Nottingham (Sat before 2nd Sundays), Our Lady and St Patrick, Meadows (3rd Sundays), Nottingham and the Cathedral, Nottingham 3rd Wednesdays continue as scheduled. There will be the usual break in August for holidays and absences. Before that however, on Saturday 12 July (4.30pm) there will be a Haydn polyphonic Mass at the Good Shepherd, Nottingham which we eagerly anticipate.

At St Mary of the Annunciation, Loughborough, there are Low Masses each Wednesday at 6.30pm unless otherwise stated. We hope to have Sung Mass for the Transfiguration on 6 August.

Our sincere thanks to our priests, and to organists, singers and servers all of whom contribute their time so generously.

Nottingham South (Leicestershire and Rutland)

Paul Beardsmore 01858 434037 northampton@lms.org.uk

Sunday Masses continue at Blessed Sacrament, Leicester, and there were sung Masses for the feasts of the Ascension and Corpus Christi. The Saturday Mass is temporarily transferred to Blessed Sacrament from St Peter’s during building works. Grateful thanks are due to Canon Cahill for offering these Masses despite his busy schedule.

Canon Dye offers Mass on Friday evenings at Exton Hall in Rutland.

ForLoughboroughseereportfromJeremyBoot.

Plymouth (Dorset)

Maurice Quinn dorset@lms.org.uk

07555 536579

Dear friends, although there are still no regular celebrations of our beloved Traditional Latin Mass in Dorset (Plymouth), there is some very good news worth sharing regarding future events in this beautiful county.

Most of you are fully aware that the forthcoming Latin Mass Pilgrimage to Chideock in honour of the Chideock Martyrs will take place at 12noon on Saturday 20 September in the beautiful shrine church of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs & St Ignatius situated in North Road, Chideock (bring a packed lunch although tea/coffee/ soft drinks provided).

What is new, however, is that for the first time we will have a professional choir, and the Relic of the True Cross traversing the nation courtesy of the Latin Mass Society in this Holy Year will be at Chideock, so do take note of the date for your diaries!

From Chideock the Relic of the True Cross will begin traversing the diocese at Lanherne Convent in Cornwall for veneration the following day, and then to Sacred Heart Church, South Street, Exeter for Saturday and Sunday 27/28, then on to Plymouth Cathedral (Jubilee church) for Saturday morning 4 October. From the cathedral it will be venerated at St. Boniface, Crediton (Jubilee church) the following day 5 October, and finishing up on Sunday 12th once again in Dorset, but this time at Holy Trinity (Jubilee church) just a stone’s throw from the spot where the Dorset Martyrs (inclusive of the Chideock men) were executed. All weekends have been allocated for the Relic of the True Cross, but there are weekdays free for interested parishes – just contact me and I will try to arrange something.

Plymouth (Cornwall)

Stefano Mazzeo cornwall@lms.org.uk

As I write this report, summer is in full swing, however many people like to visit Cornwall in the autumn as well, and be assured there’s always a warm welcome for visitors to Lanherne Convent chapel. Masses are at 8pm seven days a week with another Sunday Mass at 11pm and also an extra Mass at 6:15 on Thursdays. We are hoping that there will be another pilgrimage to St Michaels Mount on the 29th September, please contact Canon Smith on 07366 321039 email lanherne@icksp.org.uk or Canon Tanner can.tanner@icrsp. org to find out more about the pilgrimage.

The Sisters of Lanherne are grateful to the Providence of God who supplies their needs through the generous support of the faithful. Remember to support if you are able our young and growing convent of sisters.

Portsmouth

Carol Turner portsmouth@lms.org.uk 023 8027 3585

After having some formation/lecture time at the Dundee friary, we welcome back Fr Serafino Lanzetta to St Joseph’s Portsmouth. Masses at St Joseph’s, Copnor, Portsmouth continue with Low Masses at the usual time of 7am, Monday to Saturday and a Sung Mass at 11.15am on Sunday. Confessions are always available either before or after Mass.

We have had an abundance of beautiful feast days these past few weeks. There was an additional Mass held on Ascension Thursday, 29 May, at 5.15pm followed by a social and talk in the hall afterwards and a very blessed Pentecost was held by all on Sunday, 8 June.

A Sung Mass was offered for the feast Corpus Christi on Thursday 19 June at 6.30pm with a Corpus Christi Procession after the Sung Mass on the following Sunday down to the park at Baffins led by Fr Lanzetta. Children sprinkled rose petals and many beautiful hymns were sung by all.

For the first-class feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on 27 June, a Sung Mass was held at St Joseph’s Church at 6.30pm.

There will be a Gregorian Chant course held at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth in the Autumn, completing in the summer of 2026. Please get in touch with me for details if you are interested in attending.

First Friday devotions continue at St Joseph's Church, Copnor with Mass at 6.30pm followed by the Men’s Group (which includes Rosary, Benediction followed by a shared meal in the hall). New members will be given a very warm welcome!

On the first Saturday, we commence proceedings at 9am with Rosary, followed by Sung Mass at 9.30am, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Meditation. We resume to the hall for some refreshments and the friars usually finish the day with a Marian talk.

An 8am Low Mass is offered at St Agatha’s Church, Portsmouth each Sunday. (The last Sunday of the month is a Sung Mass.)

Holy Family Church, Redbridge, Southampton continues to have a Sung Mass each Sunday at 9am. A Low Mass is offered at 7.30pm on Thursday evening (Sung if it’s a Holy Day or feast day). Fr Benjamin Theobald also held a short Corpus Christi procession around the grounds of the Church on Thursday 19th June. The annual Corpus Christi procession followed the 10.30am Sunday Mass and outdoor Benediction. Confessions are usually available before both Masses. Rosary, Vespers and Benediction are held on Sunday at 4pm.

A Sung Mass at St Thomas More, Bournemouth is offered every Sunday at 12.30pm.

Salford

Alison F. Kudlowski salford@lms.org.uk

It was with much gratitude and joy that we received the Holy Relic of the True Cross in three churches across Greater Manchester to mark the Jubilee year of Pilgrimage.

In St Mary’s, Heaton Norris, Stockport, pilgrims were invited on 3 June for veneration and personal prayer in the day long exposition before this most Holy Relic upon which were offered spiritual graces and a personal link to the central Mystery of our Faith.

The following day the Holy Relic arrived at St Margaret’s, New Moston where pilgrims encountered a tangible connection to Our Lord’s Redemptive sacrifice, through silent prayer and adoration. Exposition took place from 8-9am, followed by a Votive Mass, veneration and blessing.

At the Manchester Oratory, St Chad’s, for two days from 5-6 June, pilgrims were invited to contemplate Christ’s Sacrifice, venerate the True Cross, and receive His mercy during Solemn Exposition. This would culminate in a Procession of the Holy Relic at Mass on Friday 6 June.

We give sincere thanks and gratitude to our priests, deacons, and servers for their efforts in providing the means to encounter in quiet prayer and veneration this most Sacred Relic of our redemption.

Please join me in giving heartfelt thanks and prayers for the tireless efforts and dedication of the Oratorian Community who provide the 1962 Rite (Low Mass) at St Chads, Cheetham on Sundays at 4.45pm.

In addition, I would like to thank those who regularly travel some distance to attend the 1962 Rite.

To those who are new to St Chads a warm welcome awaits.

Please check the website at manchesteroratory.org for regular updates or pick up a newsletter on entrance to the church.

Shrewsbury (Wirral)

Kevin Jones wirral@lms.org.uk

A shift in deadlines has led to a quicker turnaround since my last report. In this short span, the Roman Church has declared HabemusPapam. Firstly, may the soul of Pope Francis, along with the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. As Pope Leo XIV begins to steer the Barque of Saint Peter, we must pray that he is strengthened in his role as Christ’s Vicar on earth. May his papacy bear fruit in fostering a more affable approach toward Church unity, particularly in embracing the traditional liturgy.

The Holy Triduum was a deeply moving and spiritually enriching experience, uniting the faithful, made up of regulars and visitors to Wirral, in solemn reflection and joyous celebration of the liturgy prior to the reforms of 1955.

Beginning with Maundy Thursday, the Mass commemorated Christ’s institution of the Eucharist, with reverent transfer of the Blessed Sacrament from the main Altar to the Altar of repose with watching until midnight.

Good Friday brought a profound sense of sorrow to the Dome of Home as the faithful listened carefully to the solemn chant of the Passion and Crucifixion preceded by the Stations of the Cross.

The Easter Vigil, the pinnacle of the Triduum, illuminated the darkness with the Paschal fire, as the faithful rejoiced in the triumph of Christ’s Resurrection which is so clearly transmitted in the component parts of the traditional liturgy. This sacred journey through the Triduum is always very special and this year the clergy, choir, servers and all others who made this happen were exemplary once again.

The rhythm of the liturgical year carries us forward and sustains us, the sacred mysteries remain ever-present, unchanged by time and the beauty of the Mass of Ages is that it transcends the fleeting nature of time, grounding us in and toward the eternal.

Southwark (St Bede’s, Clapham Park)

Thomas Windsor claphampark@lms.org.uk

Our main news this quarter is that we have a new Parish Priest starting in September. So, we look forward to welcoming back Fr Pawel Sobol was a curate here from 2015-2017.

This quarter started with Holy Week and was very busy for our choir and servers, and I would like to thank Fr Southwell for celebrating the liturgies. On Palm Sunday during the distribution of palms the choir sang the beautiful Pueri Hebraeorum setting by Palestrina alternating with the setting by Victoria, the Passion setting by Victoria and Communion: Pater, si non potest by Isaac. We sang Tenebrae on Wednesday and Friday evening. On Maundy Thursday we had our usual feast of polyphony including the Introit Nos autem by Isaac, Gradual Christus factus est by Anerio, Offertory Dextera Domini by Palestrina and the Three-part Mass and AveVerum, by Byrd.

On Good Friday we had the Passion setting by Victoria, a polyphonic Crux fidelis, alternated with chant and O caput cruentatum, Hassler / Bach. For the Easter Vigil we had a church filled with families for our longest Liturgy of the year, Sicut Cervus / Sitivit anima mea by Palestrina, Missa Isle Confessor Palestrina, O Salutaris Hostia, Pierre de la Rue, finishing with the magnificent Reginacoeli by Witt.

On Easter Sunday our choir came back to sing Missa O Quam GloriosumVictoria, and the OfillietFilliaewith Polyphonic chorus and the Regina coeli by João Baptista Lehman. This was then followed by a Sung Mass on Easter Monday. Low Sunday was one of our special Sundays, so the choir sang the Missa super Dixit Maria, by Hans Leo Hassler.

For the 3rd Sunday after Easter, we had one of our Polyphonic Proper days, with the Introit Jubilate Deoand Communion Modicumas well as the Cumessetdesponsata by Heinrich Isaac.

On 24 May we had a 50th Wedding anniversary, the choir sang the complete set of the Byrd Propers, Introit: Salve sancta parens, Alleluia: Ave Maria – Virga Jesse floruit, Offertory: Beata es, Virgo Maria, & Communion: Beata viscera. They also sang the Missa super Dixit Maria, by Hans Leo Hassler, and Ave Maria, by Robert Parsons.

Sung Masses followed for the External Solemnity of St Bede, St Augustine, and the Ascension. I must thank Fr Southwell who kindly celebrated the full Vigil of Pentecost with us. This was followed by Pentecost Sunday with the choir singing the Byrd Three-part Mass.

This Quarter ends with Corpus Christi, and a special farewell for Canon Marcus Holden. This included Rosary and Benediction,

Sung Mass for the external solemnity and our Corpus Christi procession. Among the music sung was the Tantum Ergo by Widor, Ave Verum by Elgar and the O sacrum convivium by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi.

We are currently looking for new members to join our choir and members to join our chapter of the Guild of St Clare, who have plenty of work to do.

Our catechetical programmes continue on Friday nights, beginning with Low Mass at 6.45pm; we also have First Holy Communion and Confirmation classes for children and a programme for adults. Please check our website / newsletter stbedesclaphampark.org.uk for all our Mass times, catechetical programmes, talks and activities.

Southwark (Thanet)

Dr Chris Serpell thanet@lms.org.uk

We were very honoured to receive Bishop Schneider on the Friday after Pentecost for a Pontifical High Mass as part of the LMS's 60th anniversary celebrations. He has a wonderful gift of communicating both the importance of the liturgy and the tender love of Christ for each and every person.

The church was packed both with regulars and with those who had travelled from as far as Scotland to be there. The community pulled together wonderfully to make it a success, with serving, singing, and liturgical fabrics all being contributed by locals.

In the past few months, we celebrated Easter of course, and were glad to be able to support all the major liturgies with chant, and also contribute to the solemnity of the visit of the Ordinariate Bishop David Waller, another event which brought together diverse groups in the parish.

Southwark (Wandsworth)

Julia Ashenden wandsworth@lms.org.uk

These last few months at the Oratory of St Mary Magdalen have been full of good things, not least many Processions which will be mentioned in the following report.

On Palm Sunday we had a beautiful sung Mass with the Procession of Palms out into the surrounding streets. On Maundy Thursday, the beginning of the Triduum, we had a late evening Sung Mass - Missa in Cena Domini - with watching at the Altar of Repose until midnight. Good Friday and Holy Saturday were kept as one would expect, with the Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion and then on Saturday evening the Easter Vigil and the First Mass of Easter. On Easter Sunday, a joyful Mass was sung by David Guest’s Choir and was composed by Guest, with motets by Mascagni, Elgar and Handel.

After Easter and the sudden death of Pope Francis, a sung Requiem for the repose of his soul was arranged in early May.

At the end of May, to celebrate Ascension Day, we had an evening Mass at 7pm. For Whit Sunday, David Guest’s choir sang Mozart’s Missa Brevis in F with motets by Elgar and Aichinger.

On the following Saturday, 14 June, Canon Edwards, together with three parishioners had organised a Sacred Heart Procession to take to the streets of Wandsworth! The Church has twice requested that the Council fly the Sacred Heart flag in June which, unsurprisingly, has been refused. However, they did give permission for a Procession to the Town Hall.

This was very successful with about 60-70 of us, led by Canon Edwards with two strong men carrying a large banner to the Sacred Heart.

Mass was said beforehand and the Procession lasted about 60 minutes with Hymns and a stop outside the Town Hall for prayers: the Epistle from the Mass of the Sacred Heart, the consecration of the Borough and of those present to the Sacred Heart and to round it off, a beautiful prayer to the Sacred Heart composed by Blessed Pope Pius IX.

Canon Edwards hopes to continue this event every year.

The final Procession of this quarter took place on the Feast of Corpus Christi. After a beautiful polyphonic Mass, sung by the Southwell Consort under the direction of Dominic Bevan, the Blessed Sacrament was carried out into the streets surrounding the Church followed by the Choir and the congregation.

Apart from all of the above, the regular Sunday, Tuesday and Friday (evening) Masses continue - together with the 10am Mass and Devotions on First Saturdays. On the second Friday evening of the month, Juventutem London hold their Mass, Confessions and Meeting, led by Father de Malleray.

We are hugely grateful for the devotion and energy of Canon Martin Edwards who is the cornerstone of all this.

Westminster (Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane)

info@lms.org.uk

A Sung Requiem Mass with Absolutions was held for Pope Francis on the day of his death; and Sung Masses were then offered Pro Eligendo Pontifice and upon the election of Pope Leo XIV, rounded off by a Te Deum. Sung Mass continues each Monday at 6.30 pm with a full church. Music is provided alternately by the Southwell Consort and the Houghton Schola. Special mention should be made of Dominic Bevan, who has done wonderous things for the music at these Masses, which often now feature notable guest conductors. There is currently a special programme of music marking Palestrina’s 500th anniversary. Upcoming music can be seen at southwellconsort.org.uk. The series of special Masses for cultural groups continues on 8 September, the Nativity of Our Lady, with a Mass for the Chinese community. The Masses at Maiden Lane are devotedly celebrated by the Rector, Fr Alan Robinson, and Fr John Scott of Westminster Cathedral. Fr Scott is experiencing poor health, so please keep him in your prayers.

Westminster (Willesden)

Mauricio Rodriguez willesden@lms.org.uk

As we pass into the second half of the year, I’m very pleased to report that our regular Sunday Masses continue uninterrupted. For those interested in attending Masses on Holy Days or specific Feast Days, I encourage you to contact me directly to confirm if these Masses will take place.

We were once again blessed with a beautiful and successful May Procession in honour of Our Lady, thanks be to Our Lord and His Blessed Mother. This year, we had the joy of welcoming Abbot Hugh Allan, O. Praem., a dear friend of the Shrine, as our preacher. For the Feast of Our Lord’s Ascension, we were delighted to welcome pilgrims to the Shrine, where a Sung Mass was celebrated to honour Our Blessed Lord. My heartfelt thanks to all who made this possible. Please God, we hope to offer more Sung Masses in the future.

Looking ahead, we are pleased to share that the wonderful Southwell Consort will be returning to sing for us later this year. Notably, they will be joining us for a Sung Mass in November for the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Gregorian Chant Network

Alastair J Tocher 01684 893332 chant@lms.org.uk gregorianchantnetwork.blogspot.com

The Gregorian Chant Network seeks both to support the development of existing Scholas and to encourage the founding of new scholas, whether to sing Mass or the Divine Office.

I am pleased to report that this quarter, in response to a request from Bournemouth Schola, we have been able to engage an experienced chant tutor to lead quarterly chant workshops for that schola, the cost being defrayed by the LMS. We look forward in due course to reporting how that initiative progresses.

The Young Adults Group (YAG) at St James's, Spanish Place, London has recently formed a young adults’ choir under the direction of a skilled Gregorian singer, and a few talented members have already joined. The group is now looking to expand the choir with additional singers who share their commitment to sacred music and who would be interested in rehearsing and singing with them regularly. If you might be interested in joining St James's YAG choir in their efforts to enrich the liturgy, or if you simply have any questions, please contact Maryam Hoarau at stjamesyamw1@ gmail.com.

Singing of Vespers continues to be a topic of interest. The established Vespers group in Bradford-on-Avon, near Bath continues to meet to sing Vespers at 5 pm on Sundays. Further details may be obtained from Christina Barry (01225 863441).

If you know of any other schola or parish which might benefit from expert chant tuition or other support, whether regular or occasional, please get in touch.

As noted elsewhere in MassofAges, we are organising a series of chant training events, some in association with the Schola Gregoriana of Cambridge.

25 October in Reading (St William of York), with Iain Simcock.

27 September, St Dominic’s, Haverstock Hill (the Rosary Shrine), with Dominic Bevan and the Southwell Consort.

20 December, Our Lady of the Assumption, Warwick Street, London.

Monthly Chant Days in St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth, from October 2025 to May 2026.

More details and booking forms can be found on the LMS website and the website of the Gregorian Chant Network: https:// gregorianchantnetwork.blogspot.com/

Society of St Tarcisius

Joseph Shaw, National Co-ordinator tarcisius.org

We had three server training days in the earlier part of the year, and will have another two in the autumn: on Saturday, 20 September, in St Dominic’s, Haverstock Hill (the Rosary Shrine), and on Saturday, 22 November in St Mary Moorfields, in the City of London.

Participants should book to attend these events, through the LMS website: see the events page or the website of the Society of St Tarcisius.

Events outside London are organised locally: if you would like to organise an event with enrolments into the Society of St Tarcisius I can send you the medals and other materials.

Another exciting development is the creation of a new image of St Tarcisius for us by the Catholic artist Gwyneth ThompsonBriggs: this is discussed elsewhere in this edition of MassofAges.

Guild of St Clare

Lucy Shaw, Mistress of the Guild

There are now Chapters of the Guild in different parts of London, two in Oxford (one for students), in Withermarsh Green, one that meets in both Preston and York, and in Ramsgate, and also a chapter in Belfast. At the time of writing a Chapter is about to be launched in Leicester. For more details on any of these see the Guild website. All accept volunteers of any and all levels of experience and expertise.

The Guild also meets alongside the events of the Society of St Tarcisius in London to mend vestments, so in St Dominic’s Haverstock Hill on 20th September and in St Mary Moorfields on 22nd November. No need to book: just turn up.

Our November Sewing Retreat (7-9 November) is already fully booked, but there will be another in the spring. Please also look out for our annual training day with the Royal School of Needlework. For more details, please see the Guild website or the LMS events page.