Farewell

Maurice Quinn remembers three Latin Mass stalwarts

It is with a heavy heart that I have to report the death, aged 72, of a stalwart of the Old Rite, Mrs Frances Curtis, a former Latin Mass Society Representative. It was Frances we have to thank for obtaining from our previous bishop, Bishop Christopher Budd, the concession to have the usus antiquior celebrated monthly at Blessed Sacrament, Exeter that continues to this day.

Along with her husband Bernard, Frances opened up the church, looked after the Latin Missals, sorted the collection, and provided tea and cakes for the congregation after Holy Mass. Due to family considerations, Frances wanted a Novus Ordo Requiem which took place in the Church of St Boniface, Crediton, on Wednesday 19 June.

Frances Curtis: ‘opened up the church’

The Requiem was celebrated with great dignity and reverence by Fr Michael Wheaton, with the deacon, Rev Lester Yeo, reading the Gospel, giving the homily, and afterward conducting the interment at St Andrew’s cemetery in the village of Hittisleigh. Immediately after interment, those present sang the Salve Regina at the graveside in remembrance of Frances, who is survived by her husband Bernard, and their daughters Mary, Rachael, and Ruth. Please remember Frances and her family in your prayers.

Professor Stephen Bemrose

We were saddened also to learn of the death of Professor Stephen Bemrose, aged 68. He was a regular member of the choir at Blessed Sacrament in Exeter, and a true friend of the usus antiquior in the area. Stephen was an erudite and humorous man with a great love of medieval history. His Traditional Rite Requiem took place on Thursday, 23 May at Blessed Sacrament Church where he always attended the Old Rite.

We are grateful to the Oratorian Father and to the MC, both of whom, in an example of true Oratorian charity, travelled from Birmingham in order to officiate at Stephen’s Requiem; myself and Kevin Burgess joined them on the sanctuary as servers.

We also have to thank the choir members, Mary Coghill, Michael Crawford, Timothy TindalRobertson, and the two ladies from the Exeter Bach Society, with Tegwyn Harris providing the organ music and directing the choir. We also have to thank Canon Mark O’Keefe at Plymouth Cathedral – along with the sacristan - for the loan of a beautiful Black Pall for the occasion. Stephen is survived by his wife Gillian and son Timothy, so please offer prayers for the deceased and his family. Stephen Bemrose: ‘erudite and humorous’

Pat Pope

It was with sadness that we learned of the death of Pat Pope aged 88. She was a stalwart of the Traditional Old Rite Latin Mass at St Mary’s Church, Marnhull, Dorset, until old age and failing health prevented her from attending. Born on 28 June 1931, Pat initially trained as a Red Cross Auxiliary Nurse just after WWII, but moved on to become a legal secretary, a profession that she thoroughly enjoyed for many years.

Pat’s usus antiquior Requiem took place at St Mary’s on Monday, 13 May, in the presence of her brother John, other family members and friends. Fr Martin celebrated, with myself serving along with Dominic Prendergast, David Minto, and Peter Wardley as crucifer. In your charity, please remember Pat in your prayers and all surviving members of her family and friends.

Stephen Bemrose: ‘erudite and humorous’