Reports from around the country

DIOCESAN DIGEST

Mass of Ages quarterly round-up

Arundel & Brighton Huw Davies aandb@lms.org.uk 07954 253284

Members in the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton enter the new calendar year thankful that a healthy schedule of regular and festive Masses has so far weathered the challenges of government Covid restrictions and the implementation of Traditiones custodes.

November saw two Sung Masses at the Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation and St Francis at West Grinstead, on Remembrance Sunday and Advent Sunday, celebrated by Fr Jim Hurley and Fr Bruno Witchalls respectively. Despite the organ being out of action on both occasions, the choir provided musical accompaniment and there were welcome refreshments after Mass, courtesy of the Shrine administrators. The next Sung Masses here will be on the first Sunday of Lent, 6 March, and then Whit Sunday, 5 June. Please also mark in your diary the Bank Holiday Monday, 29 August, as the date for the annual Pilgrimage - more details will follow in the next edition of the magazine and on the Society’s social media.

At St Hugh of Lincoln in Knaphill the Dawn Mass on Christmas morning was celebrated in the Vetus Ordo, followed with joy later in the Octave by a Sung Nuptial Mass for the new Mr and Mrs Moran, who have been attending Masses in Knaphill since March of 2021. Beautiful music was provided by Cantus Magnus, and the parish and the couple are grateful for the serving assistance from St Bede’s in the Archdiocese of Southwark. There will be further occasional Sung Masses at Knaphill this year, starting on Candlemas. Meanwhile, the co-op of St Joseph for home-school families marked Advent with a service in church concluding with Benediction, and Epiphany with a Nativity play. We continue to pray for this wonderful initiative and its organisers.

Christmas Day Masses were also celebrated at St Pancras, Lewes and St Barnabas, East Molesey. Looking ahead to Easter and some of the great solemnities along the way, we look forward to more occasional Masses to commemorate these and thank our priests who fit them into their busy Mass schedules. As ever, please do keep an eye on the online listings or individual churches’ social media pages and websites for the latest information.

Birmingham & Black Country Louis Maciel 07392 232225 birmingham@lms.org.uk birmingham-lms-rep.blogspot.co.uk/

All Saints was marked with a Sung Mass at the Birmingham Oratory, a High Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Wolverhampton and a Low Mass at St Mary-on-the-Hill in Wednesbury. Several private Masses, a \low Mass and a Requiem Mass were celebrated at the Oratory for All Souls, as well as a Low Mass in Wednesbury.

During Advent, Rorate Masses were celebrated on Saturday mornings at the Oratory; a couple were also celebrated on weekday mornings in Wolverhampton.

I attended the 9pm Sung Mass on Christmas Eve at the Birmingham Oratory, one of a record five Masses to celebrate the birth of our Lord, including Midnight Mass and a 10.30am High Mass also at the Oratory, and Low Masses celebrated in Wolverhampton and Wednesbury. The usual 12 noon High Mass marked the Octave of Christmas at the Oratory.

The Immaculate Conception, Epiphany and Candlemas were all celebrated with High Masses at the Oratory and Low Masses in Wednesbury.

The first and third Friday Masses at Sacred Heart and All Souls in Acocks Green and St Dunstan’s in Kings Heath continue: in short, currently it is business as usual.

Birmingham (Oxford) Joseph Shaw oxford@lms.org.uk oxfordlmsrep.blogspot.com/

The usual Sunday and Holyday Masses continue in the Oratory, Holy Rood, and SS Gregory & Augustine's. I will let supporters know by email if other events are arranged: please ensure that you are on my local email list.

Birmingham (North Staffs) Alan Frost

During the latter weeks of 2021, after a cautious resumption, the fortnightly Saturday morning Low Masses are now reestablished at Our Lady’s, Swynnerton. Several regulars have recovered or are recovering from hospital treatment, though none Covid related. Fr Chavasse soldiers on through his own bouts of ill-health and celebrated a fine Mass for the Feast of the Epiphany adorned by a contribution from a ladies’ schola.

Fr Stefek’s Wednesday evening Masses at St Augustine’s, Stoke, are now sometimes sung, including a Missa Cantata on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with Fr Goodman of Wolverhampton guesting as cantor. The Feast of St Thomas of Canterbury was celebrated with a Low Mass.

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

Following a parish meeting at Most Holy Trinity, Ledbury in late September 2021 called by Archbishop Stack to address disquiet expressed by a small number of local parishioners, the local Traditional Latin Mass arrangements have been somewhat restricted: although weekly Sunday Masses may continue, they must now begin in the afternoon; and Archbishop Stack has expressly prohibited offering the Lord praise either in song or on the organ at those Masses, so that even Low Mass with Music is now precluded. Although attendance dropped a little owing to the less convenient Mass time, we nevertheless continue to see a small but steady stream of new faces in the congregation, some of whom have already begun to attend regularly.

Despite having no Masses to prepare for, the Schola continues to meet to maintain and enlarge its repertoire in anticipation of more favourable circumstances ahead. Deprived of the opportunity to worship the Lord in song at Mass, the Schola has instead begun singing Compline each week, whereby its singing continues to serve its proper purpose. Some singers also helped organise and sing for a parish Advent Carol Service which was well received by all present.

To the best of my knowledge the Masses in Kidderminster and Redditch continue as previously.

We remain grateful to all our faithful priests for their efforts in providing these Masses and for their pastoral support for all those who attend; also thanks to Archbishops Longley and Stack for their formal permissions enabling Masses to continue.

East Anglia (West) Alisa and Gregor Dick 01954 780912 cambridge@lms.org.uk

Sunday Masses at Blackfriars in Cambridge have now returned to the chapel from their temporary location in the cloister.

In previous editions of Mass of Ages we had issued appeals for new servers to replace students who had moved on from Cambridge, and we would like to thank those who have since volunteered. Further servers – and, for that matter, singers – are always welcome.

East Anglia (Walsingham) Tom FitzPatrick

For the past year we, in Walsingham, have been blessed with a regular Mass in the Traditional Rite on the second Saturday of each month. This is celebrated at 9am in the Chapel of Our Lady of Reconciliation at the National Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady. The Masses are usually celebrated by one of our Franciscans who work at the Shrine and we are very grateful to them for this and all else they do.

Happily, we have to use the larger chapel, rather than the Slipper Chapel itself, for these Masses as the numbers attending are too great to be accommodated in the Slipper Chapel and it is good to see families attending with their children. Masses said by visiting priests take place fairly frequently in the Slipper Chapel itself but, as a result, they tend to be organised at short notice and it is often not possible to publicise them widely in good time.

We await the appointment of a new Bishop of East Anglia to succeed Bishop Alan Hopes who tendered his resignation on reaching the age of seventy-five in 2019. Bishop Alan was very supportive of these regular Masses both in Walsingham and across the diocese and we continue to pray both for the appointment of a new Bishop and also for one who will be sympathetic to the Traditional Mass.

Hexham and Newcastle Keith McAllister 01325 308968 07966 235329 k_mcallister@ymail.com

Our last quarter of 2021 commenced with an historical reengagement at our redundant ex-seminary Ushaw College, with a High Mass, the first for many years. This was celebrated in the magnificent St Cuthbert’s chapel, which is almost of Cathedral scale, by Canon Michael Brown, with Fr David Phillips as Deacon and Andre Kormos, sub-deacon.

This was the 25th anniversary of the formation of the Rudgate Singers, who have brought so many talented, accomplished performances to Classical Catholic Tradition since their initiation.

On the Feast of St Anthony Mary Claret they delivered a full setting from Kyrie to Agnus Dei by Giovanni Pier Luigi de Palestrina plus Ave Verum Corpus by William Byrd, bringing a most uplifting choral in that sacred space.

On the Feast of SS Simon & Jude, 28 October, there was Low Mass at St Cuthbert’s Durham with a good attendance of about 40, mainly University students.

For All Souls Day we were pleased to have Masses at both Coxhoe and Thornley.

On Christmas day, Fr Paul Tully celebrated at Thornley and followed this with Low Mass for Epiphany. Fr Shaun Swales also brought an Epiphany Mass at Coxhoe, so altogether, a very good provision.

Masses at our new venue, Cheeseburn, are scheduled forward into spring.

High Mass at Ushaw College

Lancaster Bob & Jane Latin 01772 962387 lancaster@lms.org.uk latinmasslancaster.blogspot.com John Rogan 01524 858832 lancasterassistant@lms.org.uk

This year at Preston, on the first Saturday of Advent, we had the grace to reintroduce the beautiful devotion of the Rorate Caeli Mass. The vast choir of the church of Saint Walburge was

Rorate Caeli Mass, St Walburge's, Preston

illuminated with over 400 candles. An American member of the Institute of Christ the King explained this ancient tradition beautifully: "The Rorate Mass is lit only by candlelight. Because it is a votive Mass in Mary’s honour, white vestments are worn instead of Advent violet. In the dimly lit setting, priests and faithful prepare to honour the Light of the World, Who is soon to be born, and offer praise to God for the gift of Our Lady. As the Mass proceeds and sunrise approaches, the church becomes progressively brighter, illumined by the sun as our Faith is illumined by Christ. The readings and prayers of the Mass foretell the prophecy of the Virgin who would bear a Son called Emmanuel, and call on all to raise the gates of their hearts and their societies to let Christ the King enter; asking for the grace to receive eternal life by the merits of the Incarnation and saving Resurrection of Our Lord."

A goodly number of people braved the cold and the early hour and the intention is to continue this beautiful tradition.

From 30 November to 7 December last year we had the Novena of the Immaculate Conception with a sermon in honour of Our Lady by a different guest preacher each day, with the Feast itself celebrated with Solemn Lauds, the Act of Consecration of the Institute to Our Lady, and Solemn High Mass.

The following day our Christmas Bazaar was well supported with another £1300 or so being added to the Restoration Fund. At last, the work on the roof has commenced and we pray that it will all go well. You can continue to support this vital work by going to https://saintwalburges.church/sponsor-a-slate/

All Christmas Masses were well supported, with many new faces being seen for the main Mass on Christmas Day. Socials after Sunday Masses are very friendly with an opportunity to chat with newcomers and make them welcome. Our Canons do a wonderful job in introducing people and ensuring no-one feels left out.

The St Walburge Guild meetings continue on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, after 10.30 am Mass. More new families are starting to come along and Canon Post's talks are well received. The older children meet with Canon Cristofoli for catechism and the little ones have activities with the Sisters Adorers.

In preparation for Lent there will be Forty Hours Devotion at St Walburge's. This commences after Vespers on Sunday, 27 February and is continual, through to the closing Mass at 5.00 pm on Tuesday, 1 March, and ending with a Eucharistic Procession and Solemn Benediction. Ash Wednesday Masses and Distribution of Ashes in Preston are at 8.30 am and 7.00 pm at St Walburge's, and 12 noon at English Martyrs. Every Friday during Lent there will be Stations of the Cross at 6.00 pm at St Walburge's with the opportunity for Confession. On Saturday, 5 March there will be a Lent Retreat Afternoon at English Martyrs commencing at 12 noon with Mass and ending at 4.00 pm. The Easter Mass schedule is in the Mass Listings.

During March we have Feasts for two of the patrons of the Institute, St Thomas Aquinas on 7 March and St Benedict on 21 March. On both days there will be High Mass at 6.00 pm at English Martyrs.

Finally, there will be the traditional Procession for the Feast of the English Martyrs on Saturday, 7 May. This will commence from St Walburge's at 12 noon and process to English Martyrs where there will be High Mass, veneration of the relics and a social.

The weekly Mass on Saturday morning at St Mary's, Hornby continues with a small congregation, on average seven faithful souls plus servers and priest; it would be good to see a few more. As always please check our website for changes and updates.

Lancaster (North) Nicholas Steven 07715 539395 warwickbridge@lms.org.uk

The Cumbrian Purgatorial Society* held its first Sung Requiem Mass at St Margaret Mary's on Saturday, 6 November. Fr Daniel Etienne officiated, most ably assisted by Abbé Pedro Duarte Carvalho, on loan from the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest. Our own Schola chanted the Propers and the Brampton Chamber Consort sang Victoria’s four-part Missa Pro Defunctis plus offertory and communion motets by Victoria and Byrd. All combined to chant the Dies Irae. After Mass, Canon Luiz Ruscillo gave us an inspiring talk about Purgatory. A tasty buffet lunch in St Margaret Mary’s Social Club followed and the day finished with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Our regular Saturday 10am Masses at St Margaret Mary, 75 Scalegate Road, Carlisle, continue to be well attended, with Canon Ruscillo and Fr Etienne taking it in turns to celebrate. Masses in Workington at 7pm on the second Friday of each month are also continuing, but please note that in April, due to Good Friday, this will be two weeks later on 29 April. A number of us travelled to Preston for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. We were especially grateful for the Mass of the Circumcision in Carlisle on Saturday, 1 January.

Besides chatting after Mass, we stay in touch with each other via a WhatsApp group, keeping each other informed about events, Mass readings and retreat opportunities, reminding ourselves about First Fridays and Saturdays, plenary indulgence opportunities, novenas, upcoming Ember Day’s etc, requesting prayers and petition signatures, offering lifts to TLMs, enriching saints days, encouraging each other with holy images, sacred music and inspiring homilies by current heroes of this post TC synodal era. We continue to pray for a Sunday TLM.

Please watch this space for future exciting developments and keep us in your prayers. *The Cumbrian Purgatorial Society is dedicated to Our Lady and the Martyrs of Cumbria. Souls of the faithful departed can be enrolled at www.prayforsouls.uk without charge, as can any living soul that might benefit from the future Masses and prayers of the Society. Active participation through prayer or donation are also welcome. Masses for the intentions of the Society are being offered monthly.

Requiem Mass at St Margaret Mary, Carlisle

Liverpool Neil Addison liverpool@lms.org.uk

Events have been relatively quiet in the Archdiocese in the last few months. Traditiones Custodes has not affected the FSSP at St Mary’s who are carrying on regardless. It is sad that other than St Mary’s no other Church in the Archdiocese was allowed to offer Masses in the Traditional Rite over Christmas but we remain grateful to Fr Simon Henry in Leyland and Fr Ian O’Shea in Wigan who continue to offer the Traditional Mass two days a week.

On 17 February the Newman Society have arranged a talk at St Helen’s Church in Crosby on the subject of Traditiones Custodes. It is perhaps unfortunate that the speaker who was selected is a Diocesan Priest who does not say the Traditional Mass and seems to have no contact with Traditionalists whatsoever but maybe I will be pleasantly surprised. I had offered to give the talk on the basis that I was the local LMS representative and being a Barrister I was used to public speaking but my offer was ‘politely’ declined. Nevertheless, I do intend to go to the talk and hopefully will be able to ask a few questions.

I have noticed that an increasing number of people are openly telling me they have attended the SSPX Church in Liverpool, which is based near the Anglican Cathedral. They are clearly feeling the SSPX out and seeing it as the route to go down if TC gets robustly enforced by the Archbishop. As a loyal LMS Rep I do not encourage this but I certainly understand where they are coming from.

Liverpool (Warrington) Alan Frost

The Shrine Rector, Fr de Malleray, has witnessed many conversions to the true Faith in his time as a priest. But recently he himself was the convert; not in religious matters but in becoming a British citizen. He became British, and thereby a new British priest at St Mary’s, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The Shrine also has a temporary new deacon, Gwilym Evans FSSP, from Wales.

Deacon Evans was ordained last May. He studied Arabic and Hebrew at Cambridge, during which time he converted from Anglicanism to the Catholic Faith. He then worked for five years in the classical music industry, before joining the FSSP seminary in Bavaria. There he conducted the seminary choir for a Christmas CD (Sancta Nox: Traditional Christmas Matins from Bavaria). He is a Companion of the Order of Malta and has been very active with them in helping the poor and the sick. He was assigned to St Mary’s on pastoral placement until Easter. The Shrine priests and congregation assure him of their prayers during this last stage of his sevenyear formation to the Sacred Priesthood.

The priests extend a ‘well done!’ to St Mary’s Home Education children’s group who sang carols at the local Old Folks’ Home; and from the Regina Caeli Academy who performed a moving Christmas play. The RC Academy happily completed their first term and resumed classes on 10 January. Earlier in November(13), Fr de Malleray, led a Juventutem day of recollection for fifty young men and women in London, and at the end of the month led a Vocation weekend for 14 young men in Warrington. Further to the recent guidelines from the Holy See, at St Mary’s Shrine the provision for sacraments and sacramentals in the traditional form remains unchanged. It was noted that the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter was granted by the Holy See the use of all the liturgical books in force in 1962. This essential feature of the charism of the FSSP is enshrined in their Constitutions, definitively approved by the Holy See. Attendance at St Mary’s Shrine is stable, with about 500 visits per week (half on Sundays and half on weekdays). In the past trimester, four baptisms took place of babies whose families have moved near St Mary’s recently; and several adults became Catholic. An Open Day for the Warrington Regina Caeli Academy will be announced shortly. A Shrine pilgrimage to York is planned for 5 February, with Mass at the Oratory.

Menevia Elaine Sharpling Meneviastabatmater.blogspot.com/

No changes in Menevia – and this is something for which we are very thankful!

Thanks to the ongoing determination and commitment of Canon Jason Jones, Father Paul Brophy and Father Liam Bradley, Masses have continued in Menevia over the past few weeks albeit with some challenges along the way.

Father Brophy has been unwell but thankfully is recovering and should return to his priestly ministry shortly.

Meanwhile the parish priest at Haverfordwest, has kindly allowed Father Liam to continue to offer the Holy Mass on the 4th Sunday of the month so we are continuing to support attendance there.

Tom has put into action his LMS server training and is regularly serving the Mass in Swansea and Haverfordwest – hopefully we can encourage others to get involved and Tom can take a turn at playing the organ and participating in a Sung Mass.

Just a reminder that Holy Mass at Sacred Heart, Morriston is typically Mass on the 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays.

At the moment, it is essential to book a place at Mass before travelling although we think that restrictions will be lifted soon.

We continue to post information on our blogspot so please check here for the latest information.

Northampton North (Northamptonshire) Paul Beardsmore 01858 434037 northampton@lms.org.uk

Fr Byrne had the sad duty of celebrating his mother's Requiem Mass in the Traditional Rite at St Brendan's Corby, on 23 November. Catherine Patricia Byrne, who had lived with Fr Gerard in her final years, died on 9 November, and is buried in Ireland. May she rest in peace.

Saturday, Sunday and first Friday Masses have continued at St Brendan's, with additional Masses from time to time on special feast days. Sung Masses were celebrated for the feasts of All Saints, Christmas and the Epiphany.

Northampton (South) Barbara Kay 01234 340759 mbky3@outlook.com

All has been well in the Northampton Diocese over the past few months, thanks to the support of Bishop David Oakley, and we are in good heart. Our All Saints Low Mass and trinated All Souls Masses duly took place on 1 and 2 November respectively, with good attendance at all of them. The highlight of the year was undoubtedly the High Mass of Reparation for Abortion at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Bedford on 13 November. This was the fourth year in a row that this event had been held. Unlike last year, we were allowed to have a congregation this time and attendance was around 50. Monsignor Gordon Read, National Chaplain to the LMS, was our celebrant and preacher, with Fr Michael Cullinan as Deacon and Fr Gabriel Diaz as Subdeacon. Polyphony was provided by Dominic Bevan and a group of professional singers. Oliver McCarthy acted as MC and Joseph Shaw, Nicholas Dyson, Steven Hector and Nathanael McCullough served. A special word of thanks goes to Steven, who had come to the Mass with his cassock and cotta “just in case” and we were very grateful to be able to call upon him.

At Bedford at Christmas, for the second year running, there was a Midnight Mass, this year sung for the first time. This was followed by a Low Mass on Christmas Day, with full houses for both. The Epiphany evening Mass was surprisingly busy for a damp, cold January night with many young families coming along.

We continue to have two hours of Confessions each Saturday afternoon, and 8.30 am and 12.30 pm Sunday Masses with a total of 150 – 200 people each week. We have several ladies who have recently had babies or who are expecting them in the next few months, thus ensuring there will be a regular stream of baptisms!

Our thanks as always go to our FSSP priests Frs Goddard and Phipps from Reading, and Frs De Malleray, Verrier and Stewart from Warrington, who serve the Bedford and Chesham Bois communities so generously and willingly.

As always, please see our Facebook page: www. facebook.com/bedfordlatinmass/ or the FSSP fssp.org.uk/ bedford/ for updates.

Nottingham Jeremy Boot 0115-8491556 07462-018386

At last we are making some headway and the Masses at Our Lady and St Patrick, in the Meadows, Nottingham should be resuming monthly on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 3pm (note new time) starting on 16 January. Masses continue on the Sat before the 2nd Sunday at Good Shepherd Thackeray’s Lane, Nottingham at 4.30pm and the weekly Derby Mass at St Joseph’s, Burton Rd, Derby at 8am. All are Sung Masses or Masses with music. The Cathedral Masses so far have not resumed.

At Our Lady of the Annunciation, 97 Ashby Rd, Loughborough, Mass is celebrated weekly (with the odd exception) at 6.30 each Wednesday (lLow Mass). We have been very pleased to sing on Our Lady’s Birthday, Requiem Mass in November for the Holy Souls, and again for a private intention in December, The Immaculate Conception, and for the Feast of St Thomas Becket on 29 December. There will be Mass for the Presentation on 2 February.

The Covid pandemic has taken its toll as it has for everyone else, but we are continuing as best we can. Our sincere thanks to our priests, and all who help, musicians and servers and in any way, to maintain these Masses. Thanks also to His Lordship for allowing Masses sympathetically in the wake of Traditionis Custodes.

St Thomas Becket Mass

Nottingham South (Leicestershire and Rutland) Paul Beardsmore 01858 434037 northampton@lms.org.uk

Canon Cahill continues to offer Mass on a regular basis in Leicester, on Saturdays at St Peter's and on Sundays at Blessed Sacrament.

The funeral Mass for Bernard Davidson, a Leicestershire member who died in November, was offered in the new rite at Whitwick, but there will be a Sung Requiem Mass for him on 25 January at Loughborough, through the kind agreement of Fr Gillham. For other events at Loughborough see the separate report from Jeremy Boot.

On the feast of St Thomas of Canterbury, Fr Crean OP offered a Sung Mass in the Dominican Rite at the church of St Mary, Husbands Bosworth. Thanks are due to Fr Pittam, of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, and the trustees of St Mary's, for permitting this Mass, which I believe to have been the first Sung Mass in the Traditional Rite celebrated in that church for a good many years.

Plymouth (Cornwall) Stefano Mazzeo cornwall@lms.org.uk

Christmas at Lanherne Convent was splendid and the Sisters, Canon and seminarian beautifully decorated the little church with candles and festive decorations, the way only Catholics can. We had wonderful Masses all through Christmas, with a High Mass on Christmas morning. Our Traditional community continues to grow and thrive. We now have an excellent little choir who are going from strength to strength and beauty with each Mass.

The latest episode of Christendom Rising will hopefully be live on my YouTube channel by the time this edition of the Mass of Ages hits the stands. We have interviews with Bishop Mark O'Toole of Plymouth, Canon Montjean, and Fr Thomas Crean, to name but a few, plus lots of info on Catholic Tradition in the West Country and further afield.

Many thanks to the actors, crew, co-producer and cinematographer (many of whom are Traditional Catholics) and to everyone who turned up as extras on Dartmoor for our Message of Lourdes filming for EWTN. It was very cold and blustery and although we lost one day to the weather we did get some great work done. Without giving too much away in this film, we show St Bernadette receiving her first Holy Communion at a Traditional Latin Mass.

St Bernadette receiving her First Holy Communion

Plymouth (Dorset) Maurice Quinn 07555 536570 devon@lms.org.uk

Although the biggest event for us in Dorset was last October’s very successful Latin Mass pilgrimage to Chideock in honour of the Chideock Martyrs (see Mass of Ages Winter Issue 2021) in the presence of Bishop Mark O’Toole, we must not forget the sterling work carried out by Mgr Francis Jamieson at Our Lady of Lourdes & St Cecilia, Blandford Forum. Once every month Mgr Francis has offered a 12 noon Low Mass for us, followed by a free social lunch at which I try to attend. These Masses are beefed up by a regular Saturday morning 9.30am Mass that is especially suitable for those who wish to carry out the 1st Saturday devotions requested by Our Lady of Fatima. I am pleased to report that Mgr Francis has now agreed to a Latin Mass schedule for this coming quarter, so it would be a joy to meet more new people at Mass and at the social lunch afterwards.

Getting back to last year’s successful Chideock pilgrimage (see photograph), I have been contacted by many asking about organizing another one for this year. I can confirm that we are in the process of organizing the next Chideock pilgrimage for the coming September, and when the date has been finalised I will ensure that this information is widely known. Please refer to the Mass Listings for more information, and please contact me if you have any concerns.

Plymouth (Devon) Maurice Quinn 07555 536579 devon@lms.org.uk

I am happy to report that the now permanent presence of the ICKSP at the Shrine Church of Holy Angels in Torquay has achieved a long-awaited stabilizing effect on the Devon Latin Mass scene. With regular daily Mass, Vespers, Adoration and Benediction being the new norm, a real ‘community’ has formed at the shrine, with families coming together after Sunday Mass for refreshments and to socialize. A young serving team is now a permanent feature of Sunday Mass, with people coming forward to offer their services to clean the church, wash altar cloths and liturgical items, to sort tea and coffee after Mass, and to sing in the choir. The Shrine is looking for more choir members and an organist, so if anyone can help with this or in any other way it would be much appreciated.

Another initiative that breaks new ground locally is a catechetical programme delivered by Canon Tanner after Sunday Mass in alternate weeks for children and for adults. This initiative recognizes that along with other permanent Latin Mass venues throughout the country, the congregation at Holy Angels is largely young, single men and women, along with married couples having large and growing families of happy children. Opportunities for Confession abound, both before and after Sunday Mass, and during daily Adoration.

Over the Christmas period we were pleased to have Sung Masses on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day, and also at St Edward the Confessor in Plymouth, thanks to assistance given by Fr Miller (RN Chaplain) and Fr Martin Budge, both of whom also celebrated Mass at Holy Angels when Canon Tanner was away. It was also a joy to welcome the diocesan seminarian, transitional Deacon, Rev. Andrew Marlborough, who sat in choir at Holy Angels on the Feast of the Epiphany and preached the homily. Please keep Rev. Andrew in your prayers at this time as we look forward to his forthcoming ordination to the sacred priesthood this coming Summer.

All this good news is somewhat dampened by the continuing situation at St Cyprian’s Chapel, Ugbrooke House, and at Blessed Sacrament, Exeter. Unfortunately, the prevailing Covid situation prevents us from re-starting our monthly programme of Masses at both venues although, obviously, this is subject to change.

Portsmouth Peter Cullinane pmcullinane@hotmail.com

I am pleased to say that the congregation at Holy Family Southampton has increased from about 50 to almost 70 on certain Sundays and it is hoped to celebrate a High Mass at some time this year. Thank you, Fr Theobald!

The attendance at St Joseph’s Copnor, in the care of the Marian Franciscans, also continues to increase and coffee after Mass on Sundays provides an informal meeting point for the growing number of young Polish families who attend.

The mission of the Friars and the ethos of the parish were well described on pages 26-27 of the last issue of this magazine and I should particularly like to endorse the writer’s mention that numerous young altar servers are being gently trained by the younger Friars.

I have been impressed by the way boys of visiting families have been integrated so well. The girls, all under 10, not only sing in the female section of the choir but enable their mothers to do so as well by looking after the younger children.

The charity to support the Friars in their mission has just passed its first year and it is hoped that we will be able to publish an update on their activities in both Copnor and Gosport in the not-too-distant future.In the meantime the website is: www.themarianfranciscans.org

Donations are welcome as both houses are bursting with young aspirants from all over the world and a further property is required to be rented.

Portsmouth (Reading and Portsmouth north) Adrian Dulston 01491 682909 berks@lms.org.uk

Once again a busy Christmas period for the FSSP priests supplying not only Reading but farther afield. Apart from the usual highlights of Midnight Mass there was in the Advent period a candlelit Mass of Our Lady timed for the morning light to grow during the liturgy. To me this symbolised the light of the FSSP apostolate.

The St John Fisher Parish is now a hive of activity: St Bruno Men's Group, with prayers, confessions, talk and Mass; Rosary witness outside BPAS every First Saturday; the St Margaret Clitherow Ladies Group with Mass, 'convivial' breakfast, and talk; altar servers practice; and First Friday Mass and devotions.

There is a vibrancy and growth in this Latin Mass centre which spreads it's light over Reading and beyond.

Thank God for these generous priests.

Portsmouth (Isle of Wight) Peter Clarke 01983 566740 or 07790 892592

Weekly E.F. Masses continue on the Isle of Wight, as they have done now for almost 35 years. These are usually offered at St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Cowes. Built on 1797, it is one of the oldest purpose built Catholic churches in England. We were delighted to have Mass on the Feast of the Epiphany. In his sermon at the Mass, Fr Jonathan reminded the faithful of the Epiphany Season, which lasts until Candlemas:- “Let us remember that there are three Epiphany Mysteries, - the Magi following the star to Christ (today’s feast), the Baptism of Our Lord, and the marriage at Cana, with the water changed into wine being Christ’s first miracle in which He manifests His glory”.

Salford Alison F. Kudlowski salford@lms.org.uk

The Extraordinary Form, Low Mass, continues to be celebrated at St Chad’s, Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester on Sundays at 4.45pm. Please check the website of the Manchester Oratorian Community, www.manchesteroratory.org, for updates on news.

At the time of writing, the Bishop has also permitted the celebration of the Extraordinary Form of the Low Mass at St Mary’s in Heaton Norris, Stockport, most Fridays at 6pm. Please be advised to contact Fr Marlor before making travel arrangements. Refer to Mass Listings for details.

Shrewsbury (Wirral) Neil Addison liverpool@lms.org.uk

At the Dome we were fortunate enough to receive the full set of services in the Traditional Rite over Christmas and we continue with daily services and devotions. We are getting used to our new look church and look forward to receiving our new chandeliers which will complete our restoration.

Before Christmas we had a parish meal in a local hotel with many attending and also guests, one of whom was Fr Paul an (ex-Anglican) priest of the Russian Orthodox Church. He administers a small, but vibrant, Orthodox Church in the Wirral. We had quite an ‘interesting’ conversation about the Orthodox view of Traditiones Custodes. It is noticeable that the only serious split that has ever occurred in Orthodoxy was in the 17th Century, when an over-enthusiastic Russian Patriarch tried to make changes in how prayers and liturgy were traditionally offered. The ‘Old Believers’ still exist as an important subgroup of Russian Orthodox and their continued existence shows the dangers of trying to ban traditional forms of devotion and worship.

On 13 March, Bishop Mark will be coming to the Dome to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is something we are all looking forward to; we have always been fortunate in the support we have received from Bishop Mark and he has our loyal support in return. We hope to have a number of Confirmations, and we continue to attract new young families with vibrant, lively children who never fail to bring a smile.

On 24 March, it will be 10 years since the Dome Church re-opened as the first full-time Church for the Traditional Rite since Vatican II. I remember attending that first service simply out of curiosity and 10 years later I cannot imagine life without my weekly Latin Mass.

We welcomed a new Priest, Canon Weaver, who is from the USA. He has quickly established himself with us and we hope he will enjoy his time with us. Certainly we wait with interest to see what he has planned for 4 July!

Southwark (St Mary’s Chislehurst) Christopher Richardson chislehurst@lms.org.uk

Our Sunday morning Missa Cantata and two weekday Low Masses continue. The Sunday Mass is always well attended. We are particularly blessed by the number of young families in the congregation. Recently a Solemn Mass was celebrated to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ordination of Fr Lynch, our parish priest, with a very enjoyable reception afterwards. The Christmas and Epiphany services were also well attended.

Southwark (Kent) Marygold Turner 01580 291372

Not much has changed in this neck of the woods – we continue Holy Mass every Sunday and Holydays of Obligation at 12 noon at St Andrew’s, Tenterden. Thanks to the generosity of Dr Andrew Czaykowski, we are able to invite Ben Bevan and his Victoria Consort to give us Sung Masses twice in the month. Please check the dates as they vary due to Ben’s commitments.

We were very happy to welcome Fr Richard Whinder here for the feast of the Immaculate Conception. A very old friend, who was D.G. in good health. We had Masses over Christmas and on the feast of the Epiphany.

Fr Behruz has done a great deal to beautify St Andrew’s and there is a new statue of Our Lady. He has also been very fortunate in one of the long-standing parishioners, Katarina Beresford, who is a very expert seamstress, has made wonderful altar clothes and other items. These replace my efforts of 20 years ago with far more professional and beautiful things. Guy, her husband, served here for many years, so it is a joy to welcome them back after their years in St Simon Stock in Ashford, and the pandemic.

We had the new Synod meetings, which were ordered by the hierarchy: I make no comment!

Fr Gabriel Diaz, the tenant in my cottage, is our main celebrant, and is the rock on which we depend!

Southwark (Wandsworth) Julia Ashenden

The Masses continue at The Oratory of St Mary Magdalen as advertised, with a faithful congregation, while also attracting newcomers.

The sung Midnight Christmas Mass (La Messe de Minuit by Charpentier) was beautiful and with hardly a spare seat. This was sung by David Guest’s professional choir, who sing once a month for us, as well as on special Feast Days.

On the Feast of Epiphany there was a Missa Cantata in the evening. This was preceded by the blessing of the Holy Water and of the chalk, with which to write a blessing for the coming year on our house doors. Many parishioners were invited to collect both Holy Water and chalk. There was an enthusiastic take-up.

Among the many families who attend St Mary Magdalen there is an ever growing cohort of young altar servers (although there has never been a shortage) who are keen and impressively good at it.

The Juventutem meeting and Mass once a month with Fr de Malleray FSSP is another popular addition and well attended, as too is the recently established 10.30am Sung Mass on First Saturdays.

Canon Edwards works tirelessly for his parishioners and we are all hugely blessed.

Westminster Spanish Place Roger Wemyss Brooks wemyssbrooks@gmail.com

Despite some continuing restrictions, things are largely returning to normal. Nevertheless prayers need to be maintained for the health of our community whose members are affected by the pandemic to a greater or lesser extent.

In the autumn we had two servers' training days at Spanish Place. These were well attended. It is heart-warming to see a number of young men learning to assist priests carefully and devoutly. I believe further training sessions are planned this year.

The busy season of Christmas and New Year has been successfully blessed with all the usual Masses, particularly the High Mass on 1 January; this was ably conducted once more by Jonathan Hague as MC. Our Celebrant, Fr Mark Elliott Smith, preached on Hope, appropriately in this difficult time for traditional Catholics. He was well supported by Fr Gabriel Diaz Patri as Deacon and Fr David Evans as Subdeacon. Beautiful settings of the Mass and Motets were rendered by the Spanish Place musicians.

With regret, I am standing down as Rep for St James's. It has been my privilege to serve the Holy Mass in this church built so beautifully for this purpose. Anyone interested in filling this role may, in the first instance, speak to me. I shall continue to support Fr Cullinan, and other priests supplying for him, as assistant Old Rite sacristan.

May St James the Great, Patron of pilgrims, continue to support us all with his prayers.

Westminster (Willesden) Anna Grayson-Morley willesden@lms.org.uk 07710 472295

I am happy to report the diocesan provision for the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass continues at the Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden every Sunday at 5.30 pm and all Holy Days as listed in this publication.

We have a new assistant priest, Father Jonathon Stogdon who replaces Father Andrew Chamiec who has left the parish for a period of sabbatical.

It is with regret and sadness that I must leave my role as LMS representative for Our Lady of Willesden due to time pressure from other responsibilities. I love the Latin Mass and believe strongly in its liturgy and efficacy and will continue to support it in any way I am able. I will continue to file reports and answer questions until a replacement has been found. If you wish to know anything about the post and what it involves, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Wrexham Kevin Jones wrexham@lms.org.uk lmswrexham.weebly.com

The situation in Wrexham remains as it did in my last report. No Masses have or are likely to resume. My letter to the Bishop remains unanswered and information continues to support the notion that we may have seen the last Traditional Mass for some time in North Wales.