Lacrimarum Valle

Jesse Tree Begins

2011-11-27T09:58:00.001Z

First Sunday of Advent

Today's Gospel (1st Sunday of Advent)

2011-11-27T09:15:00.000Z

Gospel According to St Luke: Jesus said:

25. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

26. Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

27. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

ST BEDE; The events which were to follow the fulfillment of the times of the Gentiles He explains in regular order, saying, There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars.

ST AMBROSE; All which signs are more clearly described in Matthew, Then shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven.

EUSEB. For at that time when the end of this perishing life shall be accomplished, and, as the Apostle says, The fashion of this world passes away, then shall succeed a new world in which instead of sensible light, Christ Himself shall shine as a sunbeam, and as the King of the new world, and so mighty and glorious will be His light, that the sun which now dazzles so brightly, and the moon and all the stars, shall be hidden by the coming of a far greater light.

ST CHRYS For as in this world the moon and the stars are soon dimmed by the rising of the sun, so at the glorious appearance of Christ shall the sun become dark, and the moon not shed her ray, and the stars shall fall from heaven, stripped of their former attire, that they may put on the robe of a better light.

EUSEB. What things shall befall the world after the darkening of the orbs of light, and whence shall arise the straitening of nations, He next explains as follows, And of the earth distress of nations, by reason of the confusion of the roaring of the sea. Wherein He seems to teach, that the beginning of the universal change will be owing to the failing of the watery substance. For this being first absorbed or congealed, so that no longer is heard the roaring of the sea, nor do the waves reach the shore because of the exceeding drought, the other parts of the world, ceasing to obtain the usual vapor which came forth from the watery matter, shall undergo a revolution. Accordingly since the appearance of Christ must put down the prodigies which resist God, namely, those of Antichrist, the beginnings of wrath shall take their rise from droughts, such as that neither storm nor roaring of the sea be any more heard.

And this event shall be succeeded by the distress of the men who survive; as it follows, Men's hearts being dried up for fear, and looking after those things which shall come upon the whole world. But the things that shall then come upon the world He proceeds to declare, adding, For the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

THEOPHYL. Or else, When the higher world shall be changed, then also the lower elements shall suffer loss; whence it follows, And on the earth distress of nations, &c. As if He said, the sea shall roar terribly, and its shores shall be shaken with the tempest, so that of the people and nations of the earth there shall be distress, that is, a universal misery, so that they shall pine away from fear and expectation of the evils which are coming upon the world.

ST AUG. But you will say, your punishment compels you to confess that the end is now approaching, seeing the fulfillment of that which was foretold. For it is certain there is no country, no place in our time, which is not affected or troubled. But if those evils which mankind now suffer are sure signs that our Lord is now about to come, what means that which the Apostle says, For when they shall say peace and safety. Let us see then if it be not perhaps better to understand the words of prophecy to be not so fulfilled, but rather that they will come to pass when the tribulation of the whole world shall be such that it shall belong to the Church, which shall be troubled by the whole world, not to those who shall trouble it. For they are those who shall say, Peace and safety. But now these evils which are counted the greatest and most immoderate, we see to be common to both the kingdoms of Christ and the Devil. For the good and the evil are alike afflicted with them, and among these great evils is the yet universal resort to licentious feasts. Is not this the being dried up from fear, or rather the being burnt up from lust?

But not only shall men be tossed about when the world shall be changed, but angels even shall stand amazed at the terrible revolutions of the universe. Hence it follows, And the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

ST GREG. For whom does He call the powers of heaven, but the angels, dominions, principalities, and powers? which at the coming of the strict Judge shall then appear visibly to our eyes, that they may strictly exact judgment of us, seeing that now our invisible Creator patiently bears with us.

EUSEB. When also the Son of God shall come in glory, and shall crush the proud empire of the son of sin, the angels of heaven attending Him, the doors of heaven which have been shut from the foundation of the world shall be opened, that the things that are on high may be witnessed.

ST CHRYS. Or the heavenly powers shall be shaken, although themselves know it not. For when they see the innumerable multitudes condemned, they shall not stand there without trembling.

ST BEDE; Thus it is said in Job, the pillars of heaven tremble and are afraid at his reproof. What then do the boards do, when the pillars tremble? what does the shrub of the desert suffer, when the cedar of Paradise is shaken?

EUSEB. Or the powers of heaven are those which preside over the sensible parts of the universe, which indeed shall then be shaken that they may attain to a better state. For they shall be discharged from the ministry with which they serve God toward the sensible bodies in their perishing condition.

ST AUG. But that the Lord may not seem to have foretold as extraordinary those things concerning His second coming, which were wont to happen to this world even before His first coming, and that we may not be laughed at by those who have read more and greater events than these in the history of nations, I think what has been said may be better understood to apply to the Church. For the Church is the sun, the moon, and the stars, to whom it was said, Fair as the moon, elect as the sun. And she will then not be seen for the unbounded rage of the persecutors.

ST AMBROSE; While many also fall away from religion, clear faith will be obscured by the cloud of unbelief, for to me that Sun of righteousness is either diminished or increased according to my faith; and as the moon in its monthly wanings, or when it is opposite the sun by the interposition of the earth, suffers eclipse, so also the holy Church when the sins of the flesh oppose the heavenly light, cannot borrow the brightness of divine light from Christ's rays. For in persecutions, the love of this world generally shuts out the light of the divine Sun; the stars also fall, that is, men who shine in glory fall when the bitterness of persecution waxes sharp and prevails. And this must be until the multitude of the Church be gathered in, for thus are the good tried and the weak made manifest.

ST AUG. But in the words, And upon the earth distress of nations, He would understand by nations, not those which shall be blessed in the seed of Abraham, but those which shall stand on the left hand.

ST AMBROSE; So severe then will be the manifold fires of our souls, that with consciences depraved through the multitude of crimes, by reason of our fear of the coming judgment, the dew of the sacred fountain will be dried upon us. But as the Lord's coming is looked for, in order that His presence may dwell in the whole circle of mankind or the world, which now dwells in each individual who has embraced Christ with his whole heart, so the powers of heaven shall at our Lord's coming obtain an increase of grace, and shall be moved by the fullness of the Divine nature more closely infusing itself. There are also heavenly powers which proclaim the glory of God, which shall be stirred by a fuller infusion of Christ, that they may see Christ.

ST AUG. Or the powers of heaven shall be stirred, because when the ungodly persecute, some of the most stout-hearted believers shall be troubled.

THEOPHYL. It follows, And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds. Both the believers and unbelievers shall see Him, for He Himself as well as His cross shall glisten brighter than the sun, and so shall be observed of all.

ST AUG. But the words, coming in the clouds, may be taken in two ways. Either coming in His Church as it were in a cloud, as He now ceases not to come. But then it shall be with great power and majesty, for far greater will His power and might appear to His saints, to whom He will give great virtue, that they may not be overcome in such a fearful persecution. Or in His body in which He sits at His Father's right hand He must rightly be supposed to come, and not only in His body, but also in a cloud, for He will come even as He went away, And a cloud received him out of their sight.

ST CHRYS. For God ever appears in a cloud, according to the Psalms, clouds and darkness are round about him. Therefore shall the Son of man come in the clouds as God, and the Lord, not secretly, but in glory worthy of God. Therefore He adds, with great power and majesty.

ST CYRIL; Great must be understood in like manner. For His first appearance He made in our weakness and lowliness, the second He shall celebrate in all His own power.

ST GREG. For in power and majesty will men see Him, whom in lowly stations they refused to hear, that so much the more acutely they may feel His power, as they are now the less willing to bow the necks of their hearts to His sufferings.

Catholic Schools

2011-11-25T21:16:00.001Z

I have been reading about how the Bishops Conference of England & Wales met this week about the standards of Catholic schools nationwide. It reads much like any committee who are in charge of an educational structure under the wider monitoring of a centralised secular state. It firstly praises itself, whilst acknowledging some schools are underperforming.

The Catholic Education Service of England & Wales are developing a strategy which states that a good Catholic school is united in both "ethos and standards" and that as well as "prayer life and liturgy" it it achieves academic success.

I ask, why must the two be divided? Granted, there is always going to be variety in academic achievements depending of the area of the school, and it's socio-economic make-up. But I think good academic standards can be achieved through, and not independent of, Catholic ethos.

Thinking for a moment about my secondary education (half in State Education and half in Independent Catholic) I come to the conclusion that success (and failure) are due to the degree of two important factors: the strength of the pupil's family and upbringing, as well as genetics; and the extent to which the pupil rebels or goes off the rails. By the latter I mean sex, drugs and rock & roll (succumbing to extreme secular influences). I strongly recommend traditional Catholic moral teaching to optimise these things (well, except genetics!)

It is when pupils are strongly taught and led by Catholic social values that they have the stability to work hard, achieve their potential, and produce a school with good academic results and a strong attractive ethos.

We therefore need stronger rational arguments presented to our young, on sexual morals and social ethics; by genuinely Catholic and upright teachers who inspire admiration and emulation.

These incidentally are also the principles of a thriving homeschooling family.

-- Post From My iPhone

The Holy Spirit

2011-11-08T16:15:00.001Z

Part of the essential message of the Gospel over existing Spiritual Methods, including the old Law of Judaism, was the promise of the Holy Spirit for the Church; it's leaders and laity alike.

When Jesus spoke of the necessity of Baptism, he promised that in addition to John's Baptism of desire, and the symbol of water cleansing the penitent, they would also be "Baptised by fire and the Holy Spirit". He also exhorted His Disciples to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit after His Ascension into Heaven, so that He, as God, would continue to be with them. It is this Trinitarian transformation of God's relationship with His people that salvation is possible: Having become incarnate and conquered Death, God is able to live in His Creation in a much more profound and atoning way. The last words Jesus gave His Disciples was to "Baptise all Nations in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit".

This shows Christians that the Holy Spirit is a powerful, purifying and Godly force which has the power to transform the believer. The idea of Sacraments is based on this: that a physical action like Baptising can be imbued with God to change the soul of the believer.

Rather than making a concerted effort in acquiring secret knowledge and experiencing transcendence (like in Gnosticism), or in following a ritually prescribed Law of physical purity (like in Judaism); the gifts of the Holy Spirit really are that: Gifts. Freely given.

This Gift was prophecised by Isaiah many centuries before Christ came into the world:

“There shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him: the Spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel, and of fortitude, the Spirit of knowledge, and of godliness. And He shall be filled with the Spirit of the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge according to the sight of the eyes, nor reprove according to the hearing of the ears. But He shall judge the poor with justice, and shall reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips He shall slay the wicked. And justice shall be the girdle of His loins: and faith the girdle of His reins.” (Isaiah 11:1-5)

Although this Prophecy is applied to Christ; we can assume from what He told us, as well as the teaching of St Paul, that this Gift applied to all believers through Baptism. A gift which will lead to the total fulfilment of the Law, and truly Holy Fruit overcoming all the evils of the world:

I say then, walk in the spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the spirit: and the spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary one to another: so that you do not the things that you would. But if you are led by the spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are fornication, uncleanness, immodesty, luxury, idolatry, witchcrafts, enmities, contentions, emulations, wraths, quarrels, dissensions, sects, envies, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like. Of the which I foretell you, as I have foretold to you, that they who do such things shall not obtain the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is, charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, longanimity, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, chastity. Against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's, have crucified their flesh, with the vices and concupiscences. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be made desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:16-26)

Let us pray on this Feast of the Four Holy Martyrs, that we may be granted the Gift of the Holy Spirit, acquired through our Baptism, and that this may be present and fruitful in the world.

-- Post From My iPhone

CMA UK Midlands/ Worcs 2011

2011-09-23T22:32:00.001+01:00

Catholic Medical Association Meeting Thurs 20 Oct ‘11

‘Induced Abortion: Its effect on Mental Health’

Speakers: Drs Pravin Thevasathan (CMA Worcs Branch Secretary, Cons Psychiatrist LD) & Greg Gardner (Birmingham GP and protestant ethicist for Midlands Ethics Group)

Chair: Dr Tony Cole
Venue: Newman House Catholic Chaplaincy, 29 Harrisons Rd, Edgbaston, Birmingham

19:30: Mass
20:10: Meeting Followed By Discussion & Light Buffet

To assist with catering, would those wishing to attend please notify (email) John Kelly (kellyj1931@googlemail.com) by 12 Oct.

There is no charge for Buffet

Some other points of view

2011-09-22T22:30:00.000+01:00

I just want to play devils advocate about a few things.

1. THE BIRMINGHAM THREE
It may be a great thing that Fr Ignatius Harrison is now Provost of the Birmingham Oratory. From what I've heard, London Oratory is a great place and he is a good Provost there already. There are still problems at Birmingham, even though (or perhaps due to) three priests being removed. It must be the case that no-one within the current community is fit to be Provost, and assuming Fr Ignatius will have the time to spend at Birmingham, he should be able to get some of the Priests in a better situation to be leaders (in a Philipine way of course). So I welcome the decision, especially since it has given Fr Richard Duffield a much needed break in what must have been a very stressful couple of years. I hope he gets the appropriate rest and recovers from whatever illness he is currently suffering from.

God works in mysterious ways, and even though it has been very sad for me that the three were removed (especially my mentor Fr Philip), I'm sure it is God's will and fitting unto his plan for everlasting salvation. They are all, in my estimation, very holy men who are handling the situation very well. Their actions now, in Grace, are certainly doing good for the Church (militant and suffering).

It is good, whatever anyone says, that Fr Paul Chavasse is back at the Birmingham Oratory, where he belongs. It is his home, as much as the other three, and whatever imprudence he is a accused of, I'm sure he has atoned for it enough, and doesn't deserve any such exclaustration.

Beyond what I have been able to say, I will just add this: only God can judge and vengeance is His.

2. THE HOMOSEXUAL BLOOD DEBATE
Fr Julian Green (previous chaplain at the University of Birmingham) once answered an accusation about Christianity being judgemental towards Gays and the healthplan ban against them by the National Blood Sevice. This was posed by the student newspaper who were exhorting students to boycott the Blood Banks appeals on campus. Fr Julian answered that Catholicism is against all discrimination against one's human dignity.

I put it out there to the Catholic community that it is, indeed, discrimination even after the change in the rules allowing for donation after 12 month anal abstinence: The blood donation service should have equal rules about heterosexuals who have casual and risky sex, who also carry a risk perhaps even as high if not higher according to some figures, and should also abstain from sex for a year.

3. PAPAL VISIT TO GERMANY
Why on earth is everyone worried that Papa Ratzinger is going to have a hard time? He's in his home crowd and remember the success of Bl JPII in Poland?

4. THE PROBLEM WITH CATHOLIC TRADITIONALISM
Being Traditionalist and attempting to cocoon oneself away from negative influences can approach narcissism and avoidance of evangelization.

I have to beware of this myself; only taking my family to Traditional Latin Masses, homeschooling, and trying to keep it Catholic straight down the line.

__________
Hope I don't offend anyone, like being devil's advocate and criticism; I don't necessarily mean everything I say; but it's good to get a bit of balance against strong feelings.

Return of Friday Meat Abstinence

2011-09-16T11:40:00.001+01:00

I am not eating meat today, by order of the Bishops Conference of England & Wales.

Today the Bishops are reviving this ancient custom and obligation of Abstince from Meat every Friday, in commemoration of 'Good Friday' the day Our Lord was crucified.

After 26 years of 'optional' acts of charity, this requirement is returned, to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of Pope Benedict's visit to the UK.

Abstinence, or 'self denial,' are little acts of penance and sacrifice which are to be offered up by us people in union with Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Partaking in this is, and always has been, an essential part of Christianity. Even in the times of ancient Israel, sacrifice, especially when done communally, was offered to appease God's wrath. In the New Testament it is more indicative of ultimate love & life giving sacrifice, in imitation of the God-man. The Bishops particularly feel, by witnessing this in common, it will help Christ shine through into our society.

In the Western Church, fasting, which is going without food for a similar reason as abstinence, was relaxed. The strict Lenten fasting seemed to change its significance during the rationing of food in the Wars of 20th Century Europe, and was therefore all but abolished by Rome.

A cursory glance at current practice in the Eastern Church, reveals that not eating meat is the very least we can do. During Lent they abstain from Meat, fish, alcohol and dairy products. Sometimes really zealous Christians will only eat nuts for example.

In the Western Church the requirement is only to fast on 2 days a year (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which commemorate either end of Jesus' 40 days in the desert).

The change today in UK Catholic Law just put into context the continued and prevailing English tradition of Fish & Chips on a Friday!

Published by Blogpress for my iPhone

Resignation

2011-07-27T10:18:00.000+01:00

It is with no little sorrow that I have to inform you, my readers, that I am taking a break from my charitable activities including the Latin Mass Society and the Guild of Catholic Doctors / Catholic Medical Association.

I will continue to be an active and paid up member of both organizations, and would be happy to continue posting any announcements here until a replacement can be found (please volunteer through the LMS Office for position of Birmingham City & Environs Representative.)

My decision to step down from these busy posts is entirely personal and work-related, and is in no way an indication that I have been 'spooked' in the Catholic world in a Mafiosi way. I say this because as we have learned the hard way through the Birmingham 3 fiasco, anything is possible! I am now looking forward to completing my MRCPsych exams and moving post in August, as well as spending some more time with my lovely family.

God bless you for reading and supporting me these last few years, and I hope you will remember me in your prayers at this difficult time in my life.

Dr Matthew Doyle

But what about 'salvation by faith- through grace not works'?

2011-07-25T19:24:00.001+01:00

Romans 3:31
Do we then, destroy the law through faith? God forbid! But we establish the law.

The classic Protestant question, not always phrased exactly like this, although someone said it to us, at high speed (which would have been funny, were it not for the seriousness with which she asked).
I've always found this a bit tricky. We know (or at least should) that we can't simply rely on ourselves to get to heaven; without Jesus redemptive act on the cross, even the nicest person you could meet, would not deserve to get to heaven. But on the other hand, we know that what we do is important. Throughout the whole bible there are many, many references to the importance of how we act. And these seem to suggest that what we do (our works) are a little more important than just as a mere 'thank you' gift to God.

This example came to me as a simple way to explain the faith and works question. It's not deep theology, but there often isn't time to go into this in a coffee break question- type situation.
There is a big party, ticket only. So no chance of entry without a ticket. You get given a ticket. You can still choose to go or not. The trouble is you have no outfit to wear, the person is so kind they then give you the money to buy some clothes. Now you are then free to spend the money on what you will. The most sensible thing to do would of course be to ask the person what they recommend you wear (eg of prayer). The person will be cross if you turn up in rags because you've wasted the money!
you see without Jesus act on the cross there us no chance to get to heaven (gotta have the ticket). And God is so gracious He doesn't just leave it there, He gives us many graces (money in the example) to become ready for heaven, it is up to us to act upon the grace we are given. So a 'Catholic work' is still all about Gods grace- never just our own merit. But God does expect us to act upon the grace given to us.

Titus 2:7
In all things shew thyself an example of good works, in doctrine, in integrity, in gravity,
James 2:20-24
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, offering up Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou that faith did cooperate with his works and by works faith was made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled, saying: Abraham believed God, and it was reputed to him to justice, and he was called the friend of God. Do you see that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only?

St Matthews Gospel
Matthew 22:2-14

The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king who made a marriage for his son. And he sent his servants to call them that were invited to the marriage: and they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying: Tell them that were invited, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my beeves and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come ye to the marriage. But they neglected and went their ways, one to his farm and another to his merchandise. And the rest laid hands on his servants and, having treated them contumeliously, put them to death. But when the king had heard of it, he was angry: and sending his armies, he destroyed those murderers and burnt their city. Then he saith to his servants: The marriage indeed is ready; but they that were invited were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways; and as many as you shall find, call to the marriage. And his servants going forth into the ways, gathered together all that they found, both bad and good: and the marriage was filled with guests. And the king went in to see the guests: and he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment. And he saith to him: Friend, how camest thou in hither not having on a wedding garment? But he was silent. Then the king said to the waiters: Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the exterior darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.

-- Post From Wendy Doyle's iPod

West Heath Martyrs High Mass 2011

2011-07-09T17:25:00.003+01:00

Once again this year, for the third time, Fr George Grynowski invited the Latin Mass Society to his Parish of St John Fisher in West Heath, South Birmingham. The Feast of Ss John Fisher & Thomas More fell on a Saturday this year, which would have otherwise meant a larger turnout. However, today coincided with the Franciscans of the Immaculate second visit to the Birmingham Oratory for their Day with Mary (As well as enjoying a packed congregation, they also benefit from the FI specialty of Sung Mass in the Usus Antiquor).

The Neri Singers sang sang Missa O Quam Gloriosum by Victoria for the mass ordinary, Credo III De Angelis, Exultate Justi by Viadana at the offertory, O Quam Gloriosum by Victoria at communion, and settings of the Gradual and Alleluia to faux bourdons by Ignaz Mitterer. The Organist Mr Oliver Hayes, played the Hymn Rex Gloriose for the chorale prelude before the Introit, and the Bach Little Fugue in G Minor as the voluntary, as well as improvisations on the chant and the polyphony.

Fr George, the Parish Priest, was for the second time Celebrant; with Frs Christopher Miller & Jan Nowotnik as Deacon & Subdeacon respectively. All these three Priests reside in the South Birmingham Deanery, which is fortuitous for Fr George.

In total only about 40-50 people were in attendence, but we know we were also accompanied by the Choir of Heavenly Angels, almost tangible with Victoria's rendition of the Sanctus.

An incense filled Byzantine-style church was as ever grateful for such a beautiful expression of Latin Catholic Worship, beginning with the quiet prayers at the foot of the altar, Judica Me (Ps 42), so the silent and reverent flectamus genua of the Last Gospel according to St John (1:14)... It is a liturgy resplendent in its noble simplicity and reverent decorum. Thanks be to God!

For more Photos see my Flickr Set

The next Sung Mass will be for St Pius X to honour the Modern Feast Day of Pope St Gregory the Great on Saturday 3rd September 2011 at 11am in St Michael's West Bromwich, followed by sung Benediction and refreshments.

There will be NO 7 pm Mass next Friday 15th July 2011 at West Heath; A Low Mass will instead be offered at 6 pm next WEDNESDAY 13th July 2011.

Oratory & Maryvale join forces for Liturgical Music

2011-07-08T01:40:00.000+01:00

We've been interested in the Birmingham Oratory for some years, so it takes us great pleasure to announce the new Blessed John Henry Newman Institute for Liturgical Studies. Apparently it will get us all singing together, so I'm all for it!

Fr Guy Nicholls CO is director to the project. For more go to : http://www.oratorymusic.org.uk/

Latin Mass Society Calendar 2012

2011-07-07T12:41:00.000+01:00

Latin Mass Society of England & Wales

For the Promotion of the Traditional Latin Rite

Calendar 2012

Plans are well underway for the next LMS Calendar, showcasting some of the big events of 2010-11 as well as illustrating the good work the LMS is helping achieve. It is always a very popular product and sells out fast.

This year we are introducing a new A3 spiral bound format which will give more room for the excellent photos we are in the process of choosing from. If you have any photographs of Latin Masses that you've attended in England & Wales over the last 12 months, please email them to the LMS head office immediately for inclusion in the calendar.

Guild of St Clare Needle work in Birmingham!

2011-07-06T14:57:00.001+01:00

The Guild of St Clare was started by Lucy Shaw in Oxford last year. It now has branches in London and Birmingham, and my wife has run two sessions, one of which Lucy joined. They meet in local lady's houses.

The eventual aim is to help make and restore sacred vestments for use at the Traditional Latin Mass.

2nd Guild of St Claire meeting

2011-06-18T02:32:00.001+01:00

Next Thursday, there is the 2nd guild of st claire meeting. We will be meeting in a private home of one of our group in edgbaston

We will be starting at 7.30 with the rosary, then a intro by Lucy shaw, followed by the craft, which will be to begin our bunting! I have got hold of the tape to attach the bunting to but please try to bring- 1-2 meters if a fabric you like for your bunting, I will bring spare you can purchase off me if you don't get the chance to buy some. Sharp fabric scissors. A piece of cardboard for the triangle template.

Looking forward to seeing you all
Comment any questions
Wendy

Use the 2nd Confiteor!

2011-06-05T23:56:00.001+01:00

Dr The Hon Joseph Shaw draws our attention to a letter of instruction regarding the traditional Mass and whether to implement novelties, like girl altar servers (in this case) as well as communion in the hand etc.

But whatever its context, Ecclesia Dei (the Vatican branch) quotes the above section of their recent Instruction. If I'm reading it right, it says "...from 1962 onwards" which I interpret to include also the removal of the second Confiteor, as well as other things.

St Joseph's, Burslem

2011-06-05T21:23:00.000+01:00

The Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate took over this poor parish church a couple of years ago, and now offer a sung Latin Mass (EF) every Sunday at 6pm.

On the first Sunday of the month there is a family after preceding it at 2pm with lots of refreshments and activities for the whole family (today three age groups).

I would heartily recommend any Catholic Family to make the trip to Staffordshire once per month. This afternoon we had Adoration and Benediction with the Novena to the Holy Ghost for Pentecost.

V./ Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary,
R./ Bless up and keep us.

For Pentecost Sunday it will be a Solemn High Mass.

'In' vocations 2011

2011-06-04T19:31:00.001+01:00

St Mary's College, Oscott, North Birmingham
17-19 June 2011

I sent an email a while back, asking if they'd like my services to offer a Latin Mass. Unfortunately they probably didn't get it, because I didn't receive a reply. But it looks like a 'Yoof' gateway thing into the Catholic Faith and religious vocations. The type of clerics at these events are usually fairly sound. Our family have definitely benefited from our exposure to Youth 2000 type stuff. It will inevitably be this youth, 16-35, who will build up the Church along Traditional lines. Everyone's life is a journey.

Summer Fun

2011-05-21T01:28:00.001+01:00

I love this time of year! We have had luscious sunshine all spring, and although a bit cooler now I'm sure there's still summer to come!

Recent News: Friday the Thirteenth

2011-05-20T23:23:00.004+01:00

http://www.ifuv.org/

I haven't blogged in a while, whilst everyone else seemed to jam blogger on May 13th, and bring it down with attempts at discussing the new Vatican document Universae Ecclesiae! On the same day news from the Bishop' Conference of E&W announced we would be going back to meatless Fridays (whenever did that change? Does this mean I get extra points for fulfilling an obligation I've been doing for the past 22 years?)

http://www.catholic-ew.org.uk/

Well, regards the clarifying document on Summorum Pontificum, it has apparently "restored a Bishop's role in the oversight of the liturgy in the diocese" (according to Archbishop Vincent Nichols), and that pastorally the seminary program is too full to accommodate the Holy Father's wishes. However, the Latin Mass Society beg him to read it in the original and binding Latin language to catch the nuance that His Grace's seminarys should really pull their finger out and teach the rest of the Roman Mass to their clerics.

lms.org.uk

However, the Bishop is right in that there are lots of already ordained Priests willing to learn and say the Latin Mass, at least if the stigma and scorn are taken away from the process. But up till now the LMS has been funding Priest's Training on an organised scale, so perhaps it is time to start working more closely with the LMS rather than being suspicious and cynical about it.

Strangely, Cardinal Kurt Koch addressed the first major conference on Summorum Pontificum in Rome, presuming to declare that the Holy Father really wants to blend both Rites into One "Common" Roman Rite. I don't see how the Pope would follow such an incorrect interpretation of Tradition. Even Pope St Pius V in 1570 declared that the Tridentine Missal would not supercede any remaining Holy and Venerable Rites lasting for at least a couple of centuries.

It is easy to agree with the Cardinal very much on the fact that slow "growth and purification" are essential in the Rite, the Liturgy is definitely organic. That is, changing with the seasons of centuries to best edify the Christian Faithful. The Pope, in releasing the older (some would say frozen) Latin Missal in use until 1962-5, he is allowing Traditional Catholics to live and breathe this older and more rigorously traditional brand of Catholicism. Yes, this will mean the Older Rite develops; but the sensus fidelium attached to it will not allow flagrant abuses, such as communion in the hand and altar girls, both of which have been really pushed on these shores in recent years. It doesn't work.

28. Furthermore, by virtue of its character of special law, within its own area, the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum derogates from those provisions of law, connected with the sacred Rites, promulgated from 1962 onwards and incompatible with the rubrics of the liturgical books in effect in 1962. (Universae Ecclesiae)

lifeteen.com

The Novus Ordo, however (now an official term in the Church documents), lives and breathes within a generation of Catholics who have become strangely fixed in their contemporary era, and push for the same sort of old reforms which are becoming badly out of fashion in younger Catholics. Either the New Rite will feature more 'Yoof' and Rock style liturgy, or it will lean towards the Old Rite for an example of splendour and dignity. The latter wouldn't be a bad thing, but ultimately I can't see Traditionalists bending in a similar way; it goes against the whole point in being devoted to Catholic Tradition.

This isn't a swift and bloody battle between Liberals and Conservatives, or whatever; it is a gentle move in the Church for what is sober, prayerful worship of God. This sort of humble persuasion will be inspired by the Holy Spirit, if it is effective in bringing the modern Church into line with Christ's will. And that takes generations, not years.

In connection with this last point, something tells me the Holy Father is making a real stand-off. Recent reactions from the Bishops Conference of England & Wales make me think he really shook them into action along a certain direction. The aforementioned link to the meatless Friday document has something even more interesting embedded: It will take effect in thanksgiving for the Holy Father's visit, which featured an exhortation to take a more active role and witness in civic life. The conference is looking to consolidate Catholic Social Action under one umbrella. This could be an excellent thing, especially if it absorbs CaFOD and its errant ways (But somehow I doubt this). Also there is to be a restructuring of the actual Conference itself, led by secretary Fr Marcus Stock, who is urging the Bishops to look more closely at the Conference's "purposes and priorities" as defined in Vatican documents. This 3-5 year plan really does look like a deep change, and the kind that needs reviewing, as Summorum Pontificum has shown in a positive way. (as well as the effect of a similar period of exclaustration!)

In summary I think there a wonderful opportunities for the Church in this country at the moment. These recent developments (or rather regressions!) into the Catholic identity and way of life, are very much interconnected in the mind of the Holy Father. I will certainly be praying for everyone to respond to the Pope's call to holiness last September, as well as seeing its significance in my own life.

Birmingham St Clare

2011-05-06T19:40:00.001+01:00

Guild of St Claire- Birmingham group
Proposals:
. First meeting will be on Thursday 9 June 2011, 7.30pm in Edgbaston. Mrs Lucy Shaw (founder of the Guild of St Claire) will attend to introduce us to the purpose of the guild- and organise membership (£2.50 annually)
. The meetings will be every other week, on a Thursday.
. We will alternate the venue between two of our founding members.
. The meetings will begin with prayer (rosary), the activity will run 7.45-9. Followed by refreshments. The house we are at will provide drinks, with myself (or another) bringing cakes/biscuits.

We will all bring different skills and interests; the idea is that we learn together, help each other out and enjoy our time together. For each craft a 'lead' will be assigned who can bring the necessary materials (I suggest we divide this cost between us each week) or advise everyone what they need to bring.
I hope to have 'guest experts' for some of the crafts.
Here is my proposal of crafts we can cover. And a suggestion (hope this is ok!) of who might take the lead.

Some may take 1 week others, several sessions:
. Decorative sewing kit holders.- J Gosling
. Quilt cushion covers- K Miller
. Simple mantillas- W Doyle
. 'Name sake' bunting- W Doyle
. Basic knitting-E Leahy
. Mass bags for children- W Doyle
. Introduction to vestment repair- K Miller, and J Tunnicliffe (TBC)
. Lavender pillows- W Doyle
. Children's clothing, such as a girls dress- J Gosling.
. Bags- W Doyle
. Jewellery making- guest TBC (M Doyle with Rosaries?)

Possible future plans....
.Banner making
.Baptismal gowns
.Making liturgical items

All other suggestions very welcome!

Lucy plans for the Oxford, London and Birmingham groups to do a day course in London together. I also hope we can do some courses- for example, at Winterbourne gardens (Uni of Birmingham botanical gardens) they do lots of craft courses, such as crochet and rag-rugging.

Below is a link to Lucys' St Claire blog
Here

Please email wendhouse at gmail.com if you are interested in coming and joining in!

LMS Oxford Greyfriars-Littlemore Bl JH Newman Pilgrimage

2011-05-06T11:30:00.000+01:00

Saturday May 7th 2011

For the first time the Latin Mass Society of England & Wales are having a Pilgrimage to Littlemore with the Traditional Mass, in honour of Bl John Henry Newman.

It starts with Mass of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at Greyfriars at 2.30pm, sung with polyphony provided by the Schola Abelis, and celebrated by Fr Anthony Conlon.

Read more on my LMS Blog

Congratulations

2011-04-29T08:29:00.000+01:00

...to the Royal couple HRH Prince William Windsor, and Kate Middleton: Duke & Duchess of Cambridge.

And here's hoping that the Lady will be dressed as stunning and chaste as her late mother-in-Law!

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The "Liturgical Creed"

2011-04-25T18:15:00.001+01:00

I believe that the Traditional Rites of East and West contain within themselves so many elements of Apostolic origin that it is impossible to separate these from the elements added by post-Apostolic ecclesiastical tradition.

I believe no man here on earth (Pastor Aeternus, IV, 6) can rightfully determine the complete abrogation, full substitution, or substantial derogation of any received Traditional Rite, of East and West, which contains inextricable Apostolic elements.

I believe Ecclesiastical History continuously proves that the rights of the liturgical rites "established by long and immemorial prescription" have always been respected by the Holy Roman Church, even in ages of great liturgical crises and heresies (Quo Primum; Quod a Nobis).

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Famous FSSP on NLM!

2011-04-25T16:39:00.001+01:00

check it out over at New Liturgical Movement, who deigned to check out my Blog and publish one of my photos and linked to me, in accordance with my Creative Commons License. So why not pop over there and boost their stats!

It was fabulous Good Friday Liturgy. Some of us in the congregation were very old-fashioned in our postures with pre-'55 rubrics!

God bless the FSSP in their Reading Apostolate. But what a shame we can't have something like that in Birmingham for the Triduum.

1950 St Michael Miracle

2011-04-25T00:03:00.001+01:00

True story of a Soldier and the Intervention of St. Michael

What follows is a letter written by a young Marine to his mother while he was hospitalized after being wounded on a Korean battlefield in 1950. It came into the hands of a Navy Chaplain who read the letter before 5,000 Marines at a San Diego Naval Base in 1951.

The Navy Chaplain had talked to the young man, to his mother, and to the Sergeant in charge of the patrol. This Navy Chaplain, Father Walter Muldy, assured anyone who asked, that this was a true story. This letter was read once a year in the 1960's over a mid-western radio station at Christmas time. We present the letter and let it stand on its own merits.

-

Dear Mom,

I wouldn't dare write this letter to anyone but you because no one else would believe it. Maybe even you will find it hard, but I have to tell somebody.

First off, I am in a hospital. Now don't worry, you hear me, don't worry. I was wounded but I'm okay. The doctor says that I will be up and around in a month. But that is not what I want to tell you.

Remember when I joined the Marines last year; remember when I left, how you told me to say a prayer to St. Michael every day. You really didn't have to tell me that. Ever since I can remember you always told me to pray to St. Michael the Archangel. You even named me after him. Well I have always prayed to St. Michael. When I got to Korea, I prayed even harder. Remember the prayer that you taught me? "Michael, Michael of the morning, fresh corps of Heaven adorning…" You know the rest of it. Well, I said it every day, sometimes when I was marching or sometimes resting, but always before I went to sleep. I even got some of the other fellas to say it.

Well, one day I was with an advance detail way up over the front lines. We were scouting for the commies. I was plodding along in the bitter cold; my breath was like cigar smoke. I thought I knew every guy in the patrol, when along side of me comes another Marine I never met before. He was bigger than any other Marine I'd ever seen. He must have been over 6 feet 4 inches and built in proportion. It gave me a feeling of security to have such a body near me.

Anyway, there we were trudging along. The rest of the patrol spread out. Just to start a conversation I said, "Cold ain't it." And then I laughed. Here I was with a good chance of getting killed any minute and I am talking about the weather!

My companion seemed to understand. I heard him laugh softly.

I looked at him, "I've never seen you before. I thought I knew every man in the outfit."

"I just joined at the last minute," he replied, "the name is Michael."

"Is that so," I said surprised, "that's my name too."

"I know," he said, and then went on saying the prayer, "Michael, Michael of the morning..."

I was too amazed to say anything for a minute. How did he know my name, and a prayer that you had taught me? Then I smiled to myself, every guy in the outfit knew about me. Hadn't I taught the prayer to anybody who would listen? Why now and then, they even referred to me as St. Michael.

Neither of us spoke for a time, and then he broke the silence.

"We're going to have some trouble up ahead." He must have been in fine physical shape for he was breathing so lightly I couldn't see his breath. Mine poured out in great clouds. There was no smile on his face now. Trouble ahead, I thought to myself; well with the commies all around us, that's no great revelation.

Snow began to fall in thick great globs. In a brief moment the whole countryside was blotted out, and I was marching in a white fog of wet sticky particles. My companion disappeared.

"Michael!" I shouted in sudden alarm. I felt his hand on my arm, his voice was rich and strong, "This will stop shortly."

His prophecy proved to be correct. In a few minutes the snow stopped as abruptly as it had begun. The sun was a hard shining disc. I looked back for the rest of the patrol. There was no one in sight. We lost them in the heavy fall of snow. I looked ahead as we came over a little rise. Mom, my heart stopped. There were seven of them, seven commies in their padded pants and jackets and their funny hats. Only there wasn’t anything funny about them now. Seven rifles were aimed at us.

"Down Michael!" I screamed, and hit the frozen earth. I heard those rifles fire almost as one. I heard the bullets. There was Michael still standing.

Mom, those guys couldn't have missed, not at that range. I expected to see him literally blown to bits, but there he stood, making no effort to fire himself. He was paralyzed with fear. It happens sometimes, Mom, even to the bravest. He was like a bird fascinated by a snake. At least that's what I thought then. I jumped up to pull him down and that was when I got mine. I felt a sudden flame in my chest. I often wondered what it felt like to be hit. Now I know.

I remember feeling strong arms about me, arms that laid me ever so gently on a pillow of snow. I opened my eyes, for one last look. I thought I was dying. Maybe I was even dead. I remember thinking, “Well, this is not so bad.”

Maybe I was looking into the sun. Maybe I was in shock, but it seemed I saw Michael standing erect again, only this time his face was shining with a terrible splendor.

As I say, maybe it was the sun in my eyes, but he seemed to change as I watched him. He grew bigger, his arms stretched out wide, maybe it was the snow falling again but there was a brightness around him like the wings of an angel. In his hand was a sword. A sword that flashed with a million lights.

Well, that's the last thing I remember until the rest of the fellas came up and found me; I don't know how much time had passed. Now and then I had but a moment's rest from the pain and fever. I remember telling them of the enemy just ahead.

"Where's Michael?" I asked. I saw them look at one another. "Where's who?" asked one.

"Michael, that big Marine I was walking with just before the snow squall hit us."

"Kid," said the sergeant, "you weren't walking with anyone. I had my eyes on you the whole time. You were getting too far out. I was just going to call you in, when you disappeared in the snow."

He looked at me, curiously. "How did you do it, kid?"

"How did I do what?" I asked half angry, despite my wound. "This Marine named Michael and I were just..." "Son," said the sergeant kindly, "I picked this outfit myself and there just ain't another Michael in it. You are the only Mike in it."

He paused for a minute. "Just how did you do it, kid? We heard shots, yet there hasn't been a shot fired from your rifle, and there isn't a bit of lead in them seven bodies over the hill there."

I didn't say anything; what could I say? I could only look open-mouthed with amazement.

It was then, the sergeant spoke again. "Kid," he said gently, "every one of those seven commies was killed by a sword stroke."

That is all I can tell you, Mom. As I say, it may have been the sun in my eyes, it may have been the cold or the pain, but that is what happened.

Love, Michael

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle;
be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray:
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.

................................................................

Sancte Michael Archangele,
defende nos in proelio;
contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium.
Imperet illi Deus, supplices deprecamur:
tuque, Princeps militiae Caelestis, satanam aliosque spiritus malignos,qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo,divina virtute in infernum detrude. Amen

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T20:09:00.001+01:00

Good Friday

2011-04-22T23:32:00.002+01:00

My photos of todays Solemn High Liturgy at Reading by the FSSP

Maundy Thursday

2011-04-21T21:59:00.000+01:00

I have been on leave, and maundate, have been serving my little ones in their playing court football, climbing trees in Saltwell Nature Reserve, and getting generally dirty!

Spy Wednesday we had a Latin Low Mass with the long readings from Isaiah and St Luke's Passion. I think I'm glad it was not sung, especially with the kids, who will be going to a couple of High Liturgies this Triduum these next 2 days.

We are also watching the Passion of the Christ which is our annual custom, with the kids firmly in bed!

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A very medical Palm Sunday

2011-04-17T14:02:00.001+01:00

Forget the 'Passion Sunday' you may hear (that was last week) today is Palm Sunday. A restrained and yet intensified aspect of Lent and Passiontide: the point of entry into Holy Week and the culmination of our Lord's Passion. For that reason in the traditional liturgy the procession would have been clothed Violet, with the Cross veiled, and Ministers wearing folded chasubles. No Red Vestments for the Mass: The violet colour of Lent and our Lord's royalty was retained. Although modern liturgy gave way to a forward-facing table to distribute palms (a Bugnini innovation which led to the 'table-altar); the traditional form involved a miniature 'mass' with blessing having its own collect and preface, and distribution of blessed palms (corresponding to the consecration of the species at Mass with communion).

Peter Jennings © 2008
The congregation would then join a procession to a stational church, all holding blessed palms signifying the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem.

Glória, laus et honor tibi sit, Rex Christe, Redémptor: Cui pueríle decus prompsit Hosánna pium.
R. Glória, laus et honor tibi sit, Rex Christe, Redémptor: Cui pueríle decus prompsit Hosánna pium.

This quickly turns into sorrow, as arrival in the second church gives way to the Red Vestments and Mass proper, whose chant includes Psalm 21. Then the solemn singing of St Matthew's Passion during the Gospel, sung by coped clerics. This has been set to music by many famous composers.

But today I am sitting in the Doctors mess at a local psychiatric hospital, responding to bleeps and starting some revision for this summer's exam. It is through my own loss of the Mass on this day, as I work the 12-hour shift, that I most sharply experience Lent. My work, a burden at weekends, can be offered up as I watch the Holy Sacrifice on my iPod!

Please remember to make your UK response to the

RCPsych's draft consultation to the DoH's investigation into the effects of Induced abortion on mental health.

Studies vary in their conclusions, and with regards validity; but some find Abortions are harmful, in it's resultant mental health. But other studies find that women have just as many psychological problems following birth of an unwanted pregnancy.

But NONE of them would have the legal effect of justifying the Abortion legislation; 97% cases being performed on the grounds of avoiding mental and physical health problems which continuing to birth would cause. The only kind of evidence the DoH should be satisfied with, is a demonstrable better mental and physical health in the abortion group. This draft publication and literature review clearly do not show this.

Therefore the very basis of the clause in the law should be closely examined and hopefully removed, which would eliminate 'abortion on demand' and at least result in the consent counseling including that any women susceptible to mental health problems are at increased risk of developing 'post-Abortion syndrome'.

This, paradoxically, (perhaps poetic irony) nullifies the rationale of 97% of the use of the 1967 Act.

Not that I'll be going, but...

2011-04-15T20:21:00.001+01:00

Picture: from recent Pontifical EF Mass in Amsterdam. Not going is also avoiding occasions of sin, but this photo is a truly beautiful example of the fullest expression of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Faith is Christ Jesus truly present in the Mass!

Also being advertised by Joe Shaw:

The Association Youth and Tradition

And the Sodality Priestly Friends of Summorum Pontificum

Rome, 13-15 May 2011

Present

The Third Conference on the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum of

the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI

“Hope for the entire Church”

Back from Retreat!

2011-04-11T22:00:00.000+01:00

Another wonderful St Catherine's Trust Family Retreat! This time at the earlier liturgical point of the commencement of Passiontide (previously it has often been during Eastertide).

Despite the sombre tone to the liturgy, which culminated in the statues, crucifixes and images being veiled on Sunday; we were basked in glorious sunshine for the whole duration. This was particularly splendid for the Marian Procession on Saturday afternoon around the grounds of the school, which the children had made beautiful little banners for. Despite the retreat taking place during Lent this year, the children were not deprived of their Easter egg hunt!

It has always been an important weekend for us to unwind and address our spiritual concerns, pulling our lives firmly into focus. The abundance of small children there help with this; injecting real joy and laughter into our time there. It is quite easy to stand back and realise one is looking at the future of the Catholic Church in these Isles. Deo Gratias!

More of my Images: Flickr

St Catherine's Trust
LMS Chairman's Blog

My LMS Blog

2011-04-04T21:40:00.001+01:00

If you're interested in upcoming Latin Masses in Birmingham, the don't forget to check my LMS Blog

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Fr Leo Chamberlain criticises the LMS and Joe Shaw

2011-04-03T12:56:00.001+01:00

The Latin Mass Society got too much "party spirit"? Criticism of the Novus Ordo "will not do"? I'd say both these characteristics make the LMS as strong as it is today. Otherwise all the volunteer workers, including me, simply wouldn't bother!

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Coughton Court

2011-04-02T23:33:00.001+01:00

Although my battery ran out, I was able to get some nice photos of this magnificent Catholic Recusent home, which is still the property of the Throckmorton family, but open to the National Trust visitors.The house is built around a sixteenth century gate tower, with handsome tudor timberwork surrounding it. Visitors are able to follow the history of the Throckmorton family, seeing two priest hides and being able to scale the tower and look out over spectacular Warwickshire countryside. We also enjoyed the intricate gardens which have been arranged by the daughter of Mrs McLaren-Throckmorton, the present owner of the estate.

During the seventeenth century when Catholicism was illegal in this country, the house was ransacked and searched several times, but they were not able to discover the Mass Cabinet; a late 17th Century Anglo-Dutch veneered cabinet which opens to reveal an altar recess which hides away a tabernacle and alcoves for liturgical vessels.

We will undoubtedly return to this focus of Catholic devotion, and learn more about our faith through this historical testament to the ingenuity and determination of its local population. Since the Catholic emancipation a church has been built for Catholic Worship, now separate from its neighbouring 'Anglican' parish church. Up until the recent departure of Fr Paul Chavasse, Latin Mass was said regularly here, and I hope and pray it will soon return, and that the Throckmortons can once again be a locus of traditional Latin worship in this part of the country.

LMS Chairman on Direction in the Society

2011-03-24T20:37:00.001Z

"When I became Chairman there was a lot of talk about the 'direction' the LMS was going in. The talk was a little baffling because no one seemed to know what this direction was, despite having very strong views about it being a good or a bad thing. I've come to realise that this seeming paradox was quite natural: because people didn't know what was going on, they began to think something sinister was being cooked up behind closed doors. It's been a while since I've heard that kind of talk now: if you want to know what direction the LMS is going in, have a look at the website and you'll see all our initiatives and activities. Not only are we actually doing things, but they are all in the open; there's no need for cloak-and-dagger stuff after Summorum Pontificum. God bless the Pope!"
Dr Joseph Shaw: 24/03/11

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St Marie's, Rugby

2011-03-21T22:35:00.000Z

A few weeks ago, on the same weekend as a High EF Nuptual in Oxford, Miss C Bister, LMS Member and Oratory Parishioner; married in her Groom's home town of Rugby. The Church is AWN Pugin (1846-7) and represents a time of reduced productivity, before his death in 1852. The sanctuary, the Hibbert Chantry, had Rood Screen (removed 1962) and stalls to seat twenty. His son EW Pugin continued (1863-4) the work to include a larger nave with the older becoming the Lady Chapel.

The impressive tower and spire (1871-2) was by the younger Pugin's pupil RL Boulton who later became a Rosminian. The Church has always been run by the Institute of Charity, and is to this day. The past Parish Priest, Rev Fr Philip Sainter, was a good friend to me as school chaplain in the 90s, and married us in 2003.

The magnificent high altar is by Donnelly, a Coventry artist, and carved by Boulton. As well as with many other Pugin churches, apse wall paintings are by Hardman & Co, another West Midlands company.

The Mass was Low and the celebrant was Rev Fr Anton Guziel CongOrat. Newly installed parish priest of the Birmingham Oratory. He is very helpful for me, being Oratory link to the Birmingham LMS. He is even giving us a spiritual conference on the Seven Dolours of the Blessed Virgin in our recently organized coach trip to the York Minster national LMS Pilgrimage. I think I'm right in saying there will be three priests coming on our coach.

The Nuptial Mass is special in the extra blessings for the bride and groom, who kneel close to the altar throughout. Organ music accompanied the service at various points.

Ad Multos Annos!

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Sidcup Healthcare Conference

2011-03-19T22:44:00.001Z

Our Lady of the Rosary is hosting a spiritual and learning conference built upon faith and clinical excellence for healthcare workers, arranged by the Catholic Medical Association (Kent Branch.)

The Conference will take place on Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 March 2011. for medical professions, this will gain 6 hours of CPD: Certificates of attendance will be available.

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The Plight of English Catholicism

2011-03-19T18:24:00.000Z

I thought of writing a long elaborate post about all the stuff that has been happening in the Catholic Church, from December 2009 till September 2010 and beyond... I actually think of it everytime I go to my local church and see the empty confessionals.

But instead I will "hold my tongue", as Archbishop Vincent Nicholls so eloquently urges those who dissent from his ideal of modern Catholicism. But instead I will post a couple of pictures, completely unrelated.

St Joseph, Ora Pro Nobis

SPUC John Smeaton

2011-03-02T21:12:00.000Z

On Monday night we hit the motorway (freeway) and arrived in a little church hall/church in Tamworth where we never normally would have frequented. Hosted by 'Vic' ( the Vicar):

The meeting: organized by SPUC locally and presented by Mr Doyle (no relation);

National Director Mr J Smeaton (His blog here) explained pro-life issues and the fight against abortion over the last few decades, always flatteringly over-optimistic about the audience's youth! But most worrying, John says, the worst anti-life project of recent months and years: the aggressively secularist teaching of sex to innocent school children, and the obligation not to inform the guardians when serious issues (eg pregnancy) arise.

It was a successful evening with over forty people in attendance from Tamworth and further afield. The talk was faith inspired but not religiously loaded, acknowledging our common belief in the sanctity of human life. It did not stray far into the Catholic teaching against contraception, but always asserted the life of the embryo and it's personhood and dignity from the moment of conception.

Of interest was seeing the beautiful little models which were sent to members of parliament before an important vote. These models were 1:1 scale medical replicas of a 20-week baby in utero, complete with half a uterus. It looked beautiful to us, but was at the time described horrifically by politicians, even accusing SPUC of cruelty against a lady recently having miscarried, who was upset at the contents of her package.

I think that is the point: rather than ignoring this female emotion; to acknowledge the grief at losing a tiny baby. This must be the same grief that a woman feels post abortion, but who have to suppress it because they knew it was their choice.

John compared this revelry from MPs as similar (certainly almost identical in verbiage) to mid 19th century British reaction to sketches of young children manually working in the pits. How is this not worse?!

There is new impetus in Tamworth encouraged by a youthful vision in the Smeaton Family: "Abortion will fall; be repealed." Like the slave-trade, it will be seen as a black day in history.

Guild of Ss Cosmas & Damian

2011-02-23T02:25:00.000Z

The Catholic Medical Association has a new Midlands site, which I am running as Secretary. Have a visit!

Blog: http://cma-midlands.blogspot.com/

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_168517593196645&ap=1

The Pug Head Tilt

2011-02-22T21:46:00.001Z

Mother Teresa on Condoms

2011-02-22T14:59:00.003Z

In a reply by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, to questions about Sex, she defers to the writing of a knowledge Jesuit:

"By the very nature of contraception, at least one of the spouses must manipulate self to destroy the power to conceive. This self-manipulation necessarily turns attention to self (i.e. is narcissistic), whereas, to be an expression of love, the marital act should turn attention to the spouse. To posit any act which, in its very nature, turns attention to self, falsifies the marital act and is, therefore, an abuse of a gift of God, which can never be morally justified...

"...never distinguish moral evil from physical evil. The use of a condom for whatever reason is a moral evil, i.e., the violation of the Sixth Commandment, whereas, death as such, even from AIDS, is a physical evil. The Catholic will accept the Church’s official teaching that, knowingly and willingly, to violate any of the Ten Commandments always involves personal sin. Basing herself on the true sense of the infinite evil of sin inasmuch as it is an offense against the Infinite God, and also basing herself on the witnessing of the martyrs, the Church teaches that no good end can ever morally justify the violation of any of the Ten Commandments."

The letter is then signed by Fr Lawrence Abello, S.J.
Below this is added in handwriting: I will pray for you God bless you M Teresa MC

H/T Clare McCulloch
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St Peter's Chair at Rome

2011-02-22T12:11:00.002Z

[Or Antioch]

Pre-Mass Preparation

2011-02-19T23:45:00.000Z

Babies watch the horses in Harvington

Birmingham in 3D on Google Earth

2011-02-16T12:26:00.000Z

View Larger Map
Here is the Birmingham Oratory! I guess you may need the correct plug-in to see this, so I've done a freeze frame!

What a Difference a Year Makes!

2011-02-13T12:49:00.000Z

We were reliably reminded by Louis' godmother at Mass this morning, that a year ago today, Fr Philip Cleevely baptised our second child, Louis Peter Conan Doyle.

It also brings to mind Madeleine's Baptism about four years ago, and this wonderful photo of Wendy receiving communion at the Mass beforehand:

Its amazing how things change. Here is Louis and Maddy now, on their first and fourth birthdays. They are such a blessing to us, and teach us endless life lessons.

May God continue to bless us all and resign our will to humbleness and submission.

Funeral

2011-02-11T15:19:00.000Z

Graeme le Monier, one time representative of the LMS in Birmingham and continuous supporter of the Traditional Liturgy, died last week.

His funeral will be Wednesday 16th February at 11.30am and may be a Missa Cantata. The coffin will be received into Birmingham Oratory the night before. Let's pray for him.

Requiescat in Pace

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'Job Changes'

2011-02-06T11:42:00.000Z

http://www.birmingham-oratory.org.

CHANGES AT THE ORATORY
Job Changes at Home
February is often a time for job changes in the Oratory and there will be one or two changes this year. These will come into effect straight away.
Fr Anton will replace Fr. Guy as Parish Priest. Fr. Guy has been Parish Priest for the last ten years and done a tremendous job. He now has a new task, to set up a school of liturgical music at the Oratory. We hope to be able to do this in conjunction with Maryvale. Care for the music and worship of the Church is a strong element of the Oratory’s mission and an area in which Fr. Guy has a particular expertise. Fr. Guy will also be spending some time researching a book as a part of this project. We hope this book can be turned into a doctorate.
Although Fr. Anton is relatively new to the Oratory he has considerable expertise as a Parish Priest and Hospital Chaplain in the diocese. He will bring many great pastoral gifts to his new role.
Fr. Paul will resume his work on the Cause of Blessed John Henry as the Vice-Postulator but Fr. Richard remains the Actor (promoter) of the Cause since that job goes with being the Provost.
Fr. Philip Cleevely.
Fr. Philip has been resident at the Toronto Oratory since last September, teaching philosophy and spirituality to the students in the seminary run by that community. He has found this work very satisfying. Full use has been made of his intellectual gifts in the tasks assigned to him. He has in consequence asked for a definitive transfer from the Birmingham Oratory to the Toronto Oratory. The Fathers in Canada, recognising the contribution he can make to their community’s life and work, have agreed to his request.
We would like to thank Fr. Philip for his contribution to the life of the Birmingham house over the last twenty years. We would also like to thank the Fathers of the Toronto Oratory, their Provost Fr. Jonathan Robinson, and Fr. Martin Hilbert and Fr. Daniel Utrecht who were such a support to us in the preparations for the Papal Visit. Our two houses retain close fraternal bonds and we look forward to continued close collaboration in the future.

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Birmingham Latin Mass Pilgrimage

2011-01-28T19:34:00.001Z

NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE IN HONOUR OF

ST. MARGARET CLITHEROW (Patroness of the LMS)

SATURDAY 26TH. MARCH

MISSA CANTATA YORK MINSTER 1.30P.M.

TO BE FOLLOWED BY PROCESSION AND BENEDICTION AT 4.00P.M.

This is a rare opportunity; a Catholic Latin Mass from the High Altar of York Minster, an ancient Church dating from the 13th Century, and showing signs of Christian Worship on the site from even earlier. I am arranging a contingent from our region, which will include arrival for about 11am, allowing time before the Mass to have lunch and a look around the city. Following Mass I am also arranging a guided tour around the Minster. The day will end after a Procession to the Bar Convent for Benediction and veneration of St Margaret Clitherow's relics.

I am arranging a coach which will depart from our region in three locations:

St John Fisher, West Heath
Birmingham Oratory
St Michael's West Bromwich.

Cost will be £15 per seat (usually twice this price)

I will be offering child discounts for families of three children and over. Infants on laps (0-2) will be free.

I will publish further details as I finalise them. In the meantime, get in touch to reserve a seat! Email matthewdoyle -at- hotmail.co.uk. There is a lot of interest so be quick!

Poster for advertising

New Catholic Ordinariate

2011-01-15T23:27:00.000Z

Catholic Shrine of
Our Lady of Walsingham

Today marks a historic moment in the English Church. I have known for about six years of the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Walsingham; a pre-reformation medieval devotion which has been revived in the last century by both Catholics (left) and Anglicans. After a visit there as newly-weds, it had far reaching effects in our lives. Indeed, it led to my (then-Anglican) wife's conversion to Catholicism, and my own decision to believe in a personal God once again, and to practice the Faith of my childhood. It so happened that the weekend we decided to visit my cousin/aunt, was the same weekend Dr Rowan Williams was leading a Marian pilgrimage there!

So it is with great joy I learned today that the new Ordinariate for disaffected Anglicans has been named after Our Lady of Walsingham. This is a subject I have prayed for many times before. As an extra firm link to our Anglo-Catholic history, it has also been placed under the Patronage of the recently proclaimed Blessed John Henry Newman, which makes it look even more like his intercession has spearheaded this initiative. It came directly from the Pope, in answer to a plea from prominent Anglicans who couldn't see a way to continue in communion with Canterbury in good conscience.

Today's Ordinations (Offertory)

Today, en route to an LMS meeting, I absolutely had to pop in to Westminster Cathedral to see the historic event whereby three ex-Anglican-bishops were ordained to the Catholic Priesthood. They 'defected' from the Anglican church late last year, converting on January 1st this year, and have been fast-tracked to the Priesthood so that they can help establish the new Ordinariate, which promises "will enable members ... to preserve within the Catholic Church those elements of Anglican ecclesial prayer, liturgy and pastoral practice (patrimony) that are concordant with Catholic teaching and which have nurtured and nourished their Christian faith and life." It certainly reflects how my wife found the journey to Catholicism; being drawn into a fullness of Faith rather than being repulsed by Anglican traditions.

I quote above a press release from the Bishops Conference of England & Wales (BCEW) which also mentions "The Ordinariate will not be a Ritual Church; that is, the Ordinariate will not be principally defined by the liturgical rites it uses." Of course this is a special interest of mine, since I am devoted to the traditional Latin Liturgy of the Church. It seems like they'll be able to use the 'Anglican Use' established in America, but also that "the Ordinariate will always be able to use the Roman Rite" which means, yes, the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite will be accessible and hopefully offered for the good of traditionalists in the Catholic pond.

Better still, they will not be subject to the same sort of adverse pressures that Roman Catholic Clergy are, since the Ordinariate is a personal body of the Holy See and not answerable to the BCEW, but rather to a Governing Body (where at least half the membership will be comprised of new 'Anglo-Catholic' Priests). However, the press release does mention that £250,000 has been invested from the BCEW, and that the new Ordinary of the Ordinariate (mouthful? Basically means the office and power to govern, like a Bishop in his diocese) will be an ex-officio member of the BCEW, and expected to "take a full part in its discussions and decisions" and will "implement the resolutions taken by the Conference within the life of the Ordinariate". Sounds like the BCEW are being control freaks to me!

Rev Fr Keith Newton is the 'Ordinary' despite never being able to be a full Catholic Bishop (while his spouse is living): He was a married Anglican-bishop and received into the Church with his family this month and ordained today (Anglican orders are 'null and void' according to Pope Leo XIII's Papal Bull Apostolicae Curae in 1896). By Tradition, although it is known for Priests to be married, it is unheard of to have married Bishops. Today Fr Newton announced "I hope the Ordinariate will be a gift to the Catholic Church and that I, together with those priests and people who join the Ordinariate, will be of service to the whole Church." I hope this statement bears fruit, and that rather than marginalised or ghettoised, these new Catholics will teach us more about our own Faith than has been passed down to my generation.

Epiphany House Blessing

2011-01-14T19:37:00.000Z

During what was once the octave of Epiphany, we took advantage of a passing Priest and had our first traditional Epiphany House Blessing. I thought I'd make the text available below.
Epiphany Blessing

Happy Christmas!

2011-01-05T00:00:00.002Z

Wishing you a blessed Christmas

2010-12-25T17:03:00.001Z

Today is unique in the Catholic Calendar, in that wherever you are, people's thoughts are on celebration. I suspect it is much the same everywhere in Europe, America etc. Indeed wherever Christianity has ingrained its identity on the culture and national identity. Whereas many Christians may despair on this day, that it has become secularised, materialistic and lost it's true meaning, I am seeing it differently.

I rejoice that people want to be with their families, perhaps avoid work, buy gifts for each other and display a general sense of good will. After all, everyone knows the origin of Christmas, which makes it all the more special that our country still observes it. It is but a small leap of Faith to put the 'Mass' back into 'Christmas'.

Today in Britain we are covered in snow. A rarity, to be sure. It's amazing the way it causes such disruption for us. But it doesn't come as loud or sudden or powerfully destructive; it falls gently, settled gradually and leaves such a beautiful sight that it almost comes as a surprise when it feels so icy cold! In that sense it stands as a memorable metaphor for the Word of God: speaking softly, falling where it will and settling amongst us in varying degrees despite the contradictory way it is born in a cold stable in seeming vulnerability and poverty.

I'm sorry not to have written more on my Blog recently. It is enough to say that today is a very happy time and all feels well.

Let us pray:
Grant, we beseech You, almighty God, that this new light of Your Incarnate Word which shines upon our minds by faith, may be reflected in our deeds.
Through Christ our Lord
Amen.

St Thomas

2010-12-21T10:16:00.001Z

Tuesday, Dec 21, 2010
St. Thomas, Apostle:
So often we doubt, though Our Lord gives us so many graces. St Thomas- pray for us, that we may always say with true devotion "My Lord and my God!"

Gospel: John 20:19-29
20:19 Now when it was late that same day, the first of the week, and the doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered together, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them: Peace be to you.
20:19 Cum ergo sero esset die illo, una sabbatorum, et fores essent clausæ, ubi erant discipuli congregati propter metum Judæorum: venit Jesus, et stetit in medio, et dixit eis: Pax vobis.
20:20 And when he had said this, he shewed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord.
20:20 Et cum hoc dixisset, ostendit eis manus et latus. Gavisi sunt ergo discipuli, viso Domino.
20:21 He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you.
20:21 Dixit ergo eis iterum: Pax vobis. Sicut misit me Pater, et ego mitto vos.
20:22 When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost.
20:22 Hæc cum dixisset, insufflavit, et dixit eis: Accipite Spiritum Sanctum:
20:23 Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.
20:23 quorum remiseritis peccata, remittuntur eis: et quorum retinueritis, retenta sunt.
20:24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
20:24 Thomas autem unus ex duodecim, qui dicitur Didymus, non erat cum eis quando venit Jesus.
20:25 The other disciples therefore said to him: We have seen the Lord. But he said to them: Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.
20:25 Dixerunt ergo ei alii discipuli: Vidimus Dominum. Ille autem dixit eis: Nisi videro in manibus ejus fixuram clavorum, et mittam digitum meum in locum clavorum, et mittam manum meam in latus ejus, non credam.
20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said: Peace be to you.
20:26 Et post dies octo, iterum erant discipuli ejus intus, et Thomas cum eis. Venit Jesus januis clausis, et stetit in medio, et dixit: Pax vobis.
20:27 Then he saith to Thomas: Put in thy finger hither, and see my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and put it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing.
20:27 Deinde dicit Thomæ: Infer digitum tuum huc, et vide manus meas, et affer manum tuam, et mitte in latus meum: et noli esse incredulus, sed fidelis.
20:28 Thomas answered, and said to him: My Lord, and my God.
20:28 Respondit Thomas, et dixit ei: Dominus meus et Deus meus.
20:29 Jesus saith to him: Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed.
20:29 Dixit ei Jesus: Quia vidisti me, Thoma, credidisti: beati qui non viderunt, et crediderunt.

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On Condoms...

2010-11-26T20:15:00.001Z

[T]he conjugal act is destined primarily by nature for the begetting of children, those who in exercising it deliberately frustrate its natural power and purpose - sin against nature and commit a deed which is shameful and intrinsically vicious.
.....
Since, therefore, openly departing from the uninterrupted Christian tradition some recently have judged it possible solemnly to declare another doctrine regarding this question, the Catholic Church, to whom God has entrusted the defense of the integrity and purity of morals, standing erect in the midst of the moral ruin which surrounds her, in order that she may preserve the chastity of the nuptial union from being defiled by this foul stain, raises her voice in token of her divine ambassadorship and through Our mouth proclaims anew: any use whatsoever of matrimony exercised in such a way that the act is deliberately frustrated in its natural power to generate life is an offense against the law of God and of nature, and those who indulge in such are branded with the guilt of a grave sin.
.....
No difficulty can arise that justifies the putting aside of the law of God which forbids all acts intrinsically evil. There is no possible circumstance in which husband and wife cannot, strengthened by the grace of God, fulfill faithfully their duties and preserve in wedlock their chastity unspotted. This truth of Christian Faith is expressed by the teaching of the Council of Trent. "Let no one be so rash as to assert that which the Fathers of the Council have placed under anathema, namely, that there are precepts of God impossible for the just to observe. God does not ask the impossible, but by His commands, instructs you to do what you are able, to pray for what you are not able that He may help you."

Encyclical Casti Connubii (on Christian Marriage) Pope Pius XI, 1930. Paragraphs 54, 56, 61

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Birmingham Oratory Prayer Chain

2010-11-17T23:44:00.003Z

Please say the following prayer daily for the intentions of:

- The health and welfare of the community of the Birmingham Oratory of St Philip Neri
- The continuity of the tradition established by Blessed John Henry Newman
- The safe return of the three Birmingham Oratorians in absentia

PRAYER TO ST PHILIP NERI

Look down from heaven, Holy Father, from the loftiness of that mountain to the lowliness of this valley; from that harbour of quietness and tranquillity, to this calamatious sea.

And now that the darkness of this world hinders no more those benignant eyes of thine from looking clearly into all things, look down and visit, O most diligent keeper, that vineyard which thy right hand planted with so much labour, anxiety, and peril.

To thee, then, we fly; from thee we seek for aid; to thee we give our whole selves unreservedly; thee we adopt for our patron and defender.

Undertake the cause of our salvation, protect thy clients; to thee we appeal as our leader, rule thine army fighting against the assaults of the devil; to thee, kindest of rulers, we give up the rudder of our lives, steer this little ship of thine, and, placed as thou art on high keep us off all the rocks of evil desires, and with thee for our pilot and our guide we may safely come to the port of eternal bliss. Amen.

Newman on the Mass

2010-11-15T17:05:00.001Z

Many people look at the Latin Mass and think it absolutely pointless and unintelligible. A common criticism of the Mass pre-Vatican II was that it was rushed and garbled. I must say that because the Latin Mass is only said nowadays by Priests who love and cherish it, there is undoubtedly greater care taken in observing the Rite. Perhaps previous abuses were part of the problem resulting in wholesale reform?

However, Blessed John Henry Newman provides his own enthusiastic analysis of this criticism in his work of fiction Loss and Gain. When asked by his sceptical Protestant friend, in a final attempt at dismissing Romanism, how he could justify the garbled Mass, when it was said in a manner which ignored the presence or even understanding of the congregation, the zealous Catholic answers:

"...it will be faith which will enable you to bear the ways and usages of Catholics, which else might perhaps startle you. Else, the habits of years, the associations in your mind of a certain outward behaviour with real inward acts of devotion, might embarrass you, when you had to conform yourself to other habits, and to create for yourself other associations...

"to me nothing is so consoling, so piercing, so thrilling, so overcoming, as the Mass, said as it is among us. I could attend Masses for ever, and not be tired. It is not a mere form of words,—it is a great action, the greatest action that can be on earth. It is, not the invocation merely, but, if I dare use the word, the evocation of the Eternal. He becomes present on the altar in flesh and blood, before whom angels bow and devils tremble. This is that awful event which is the scope, and is the interpretation, of every part of the solemnity. Words are necessary, but as means, not as ends; they are not mere addresses to the throne of grace, they are instruments of what is far higher, of consecration, of sacrifice. They hurry on as if impatient to fulfil their mission. Quickly they go, the whole is quick; for they are all parts of one integral action. Quickly they go; for they are awful words of sacrifice, they are a work too great to delay upon; as when it was said in the beginning, 'What thou doest, do quickly.' Quickly they pass; for the Lord Jesus goes with them, as He passed along the lake in the days of His flesh, quickly calling first one and then another. Quickly they pass; because as the lightning which shineth from one part of the heaven unto the other, so is the coming of the Son of Man. Quickly they pass; for they are as the words of Moses, when the Lord came down in the cloud, calling on the Name of the Lord as He passed by, 'The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.' And as Moses on the mountain, so we too 'make haste and bow our heads to the earth, and adore.' So we, all around, each in his place, look out for the great Advent, 'waiting for the moving of the water.' Each in his place, with his own heart, with his own wants, with his own thoughts, with his own intention, with his own prayers, separate but concordant, watching what is going on, watching its progress, uniting in its consummation;—not painfully and hopelessly following a hard form of prayer from beginning to end, but, like a concert of musical instruments, each different, but concurring in a sweet harmony, we take our part with God's priest, supporting him, yet guided by him. There are little children there, and old men, and simple labourers, and students in seminaries, priests preparing for Mass, priests making their thanksgiving; there are innocent maidens, and there are penitent sinners; but out of these many minds rises one eucharistic hymn, and the great Action is the measure and the scope of it... And you ask me whether this is not a formal, unreasonable service—it is wonderful! Quite wonderful. When will these dear, good people be enlightened? O Sapientia, fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia, O Adonai, O Clavis David et Exspectatio gentium, veni ad salvandum nos, Domine Deus noster."

New LMS website

2010-11-07T21:16:00.000Z

The Latin Mass Society Head Office have overhauled their website which can be found at the memorable address of www.lms.org.uk. It features an improved interactive map of all the Latin Masses in the country, so that wherever you may be you can see at a glance where the nearest one is. As well as all the usual features and resources, there is lots to explore, with updated photo galleries linked into the new Flickr environment.

There are exciting new links to umbrella organisations; the Gregorian Chant Network and the Society of St Tarcisius, which is a new Sodality of Altar Servers trained exclusively in the Extraordinary Form.

Melanie Martin Photography

2010-11-02T21:18:00.000Z

Click on the title above to go to a fabulous photographer's web-page. If you are considering some photos for anything special, forget the studio and go to Mel! You will not regret it!

All saints

2010-11-01T06:58:00.001Z

ALL SAINTS- white, first class feast

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. And opening his mouth, he taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. Blesses are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you.
Todays Gospel and image from my 'invaluable' 1962 missal, full of so much of the 'treasures and richness' of The Church.

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A Gardeners Lament

2010-10-24T21:28:00.001+01:00

Absolute kudos to Pat Bilton for this little poem published in the latest issue of The Pug Dog Club Bulletin (Autumn 2010). To illustrate our solidarity, I have illustrated it with some photos of our own! Enjoy:

I used to have a lovely lawn with stripes from end to end,

when people called, I really could, on compliments depend.

But that was several years before, I'm afraid to say, my lawn's no more.

'But why?' you ask, 'What did occur?' two stubborn balls of puggy fur.

They saw that lawn, without ado, and claimed it as a puggy loo!

So, my aspirations fade, I've had to let them pass

and face the fact, my once lush lawn is now just puggy grass!!

- Pat Bilton

Back to Reality

2010-10-19T11:19:00.000+01:00

The Doyle family is finally reunited. Louis has been discharged from hospital, continuing to make a steady recovery. I cannot explain what a spiritual journey this has been for us. The words which echo in my mind are that Suffering is Not Useless; and St Francis' prayer: "O Divine Master, Grant that I may seek not so much to be consoled; as to console".

Thank you everyone for all your prayers, that this Vale of Tears has been transformed onto Tears of Joy!

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Louis' stay in Hospital

2010-10-18T18:11:00.000+01:00

It is quite a shock to have a little child of mine in hospital. It doesn't make it any easier being a Doctor and being able to understand things. The striking thing is how much suffering it causes for us parents; being in an unusual place, out of one's comfort zone. The sense of being out of control is overwhelming. Mummy hasn't been off the ward in 36 hours, and must be feeling cabin fever! All of this to accentuate our worry and pain.

Yet amongst all this, the little child still has a striking grin, an unbridled honesty. Consolable in his delicate state, and not seeking sympathy or false pampering. He strives for independence and expects the same things he always has.

It's a complete microcosm. We're all thrown together amidst our own unspoken sufferings, yet united in this journey through our common human condition. This is the price of Love.

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Louis is Poorly

2010-10-17T19:18:00.001+01:00

My son Louis, now nearly 9 months old, is in hospital due to a nasty infection, commonly called croup, which has given him laboured breathing.

Last night was pretty awful, requiring oral steroid and nebulised Adrenaline... but he's perked up a lot today remaining under close observations.

I'm about to go home to look after his big sister (3) for the night. The children's ward is nice with a bed in his room for Mum to stay in. He's always been a very robust baby, and so such a strong reaction has really surprised us. Even with breathing being visibly such hard work for him, he remains remarkably upbeat!

Your prayers are invaluable and we are very grateful for them, especially as we were unable to go to Mass today. Tonight, Day 3, is notoriously the peak of the illness so we hope things won't deteriorate too much tonight, when the croup inevitably worsens.

On an even more personal note, yesterday was the 13th anniversary of the death of my elder brother Damian, who was only 21. This made the whole experience all the more poignant, enough to really test one's resignation to the Lord's will. St Margaret Mary Aloque, ora pro nobis. Sacred Heart of Jesus, miserere nobis!

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Solemn High Requiem

2010-10-13T14:36:00.001+01:00

Friday 5th November 2010 at 7pm
St John Fisher Church, 1 Cofton Road, West Heath

Parish Priest Fr George Grynowski will this year offer our Anniversary Requiem Mass for deceased Parishioners and LMS Members. If you would like a loved one's name to be included in the Absolutions at the Catafalque, please leave as a comment.

Last year our first High Requiem was offered at West Bromwich, and for this occasion ensemble 1685 sung a stunning renaissance setting by Jean Richafort, which was a UK first. This year they have kindly offered to return for a repeat performance, which will raise our hearts and minds to God once again.

Jean Richafort (1480-1547)
This polyphonic setting of the Ordinary of the Requiem Mass was composed in honour of the composer's teacher, Josquin Desprez, following Josquin's death in 1521. Richafort held several posts in the Low Countries but also appears to have been attached to the French Court. The Requiem uses fragments of the older composer's work hidden in the rich texture of 6-part writing.

Please support this wonderful opportunity. Full Mass books will be provided and Frs Jan Nowotnik and Christopher Miller from neighbouring parishes will also assist as Deacon and Subdeacon.

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Time- remember...

2010-10-07T22:49:00.000+01:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
All things have their season, and in their times all things pass under heaven.

A time to be born and a time to die.

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.

A time to kill, and a time to heal.

A time to destroy, and a time to build.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh.

A time to mourn, and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather.

A time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.

A time to get, and a time to lose.

A time to keep, and a time to cast away.

A time to rend, and a time to sew.

A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.

A time of love, and a time of hatred.

A time of war, and a time of peace.

What hath man more of his labour? I have seen the trouble, which God hath given the sons of men to be exercised in it. He hath made all things good in their time, and hath delivered the world to their consideration, so that man cannot find out the work which God hath made from the beginning to the end.
And I have known that there was no better thing than to rejoice, and to do well in this life. For every man that eateth and drinketh, and seeth good of his labour, this is the gift of God.

I have learned that all the works which God hath made, continue for ever: we cannot add any thing, nor take away from those things which God hath made that he may be feared. That which hath been made, the same continueth: the things that shall be, have already been: and God restoreth that which is past.

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Great Doctor....

2010-09-30T10:37:00.001+01:00

St. Jerome, Confessor and Doctor of the Church
Gospel: Matthew 5:13-19
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men. You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled. He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

St. Jerome Painting by Eric Armusik

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Powerful Saint: Ora pro nobis

2010-09-29T20:39:00.000+01:00

The Dedication of St. Michael the Archangel (Michaelmas Day)
Gospel: Matthew 18:1-10
At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who thinkest thou is the greater in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them, And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven. And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me. But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh. And if thy hand, or thy foot scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee to go into life maimed or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee having one eye to enter into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

-- Posted From Wend's iPod Touch WiFi (4.5Mb/s)
Virgin Media Broadband

Welcome Holy Father!

2010-09-17T22:27:00.002+01:00

The excitement about the Holy Father being in the United Kingdom is immense! Our family have been watching it on our home projector and following every movement and word of Pope Benedict XVI on his historic visit to our country. The last time a Pope came to this country was in 1982, when I was still a baby in South Africa, and Wendy was a baby only Louis' age with her big sister being shown the event by her mother on the television. This visit is of national importance, and not just for Catholics but for everyone.

Wendy Receiving
Confirmation

The top photo is from the Holy Father's first day as Pope, having been elected in 2005. I remember this time so vividly because we were closely following this on the television too. During that time, of the death of Pope John Paul II and his successor's election, it was only a week after Wendy had been received into the Catholic Faith from Anglicanism. A year later, in Easter 2006, Wendy's mother followed suit. It was therefore most interesting to have us all together this evening, watching the Holy Father meet Dr Rowan Williams, and take part in joint Evening Prayer at Westminster Abbey and pray before the tomb of St Edward the Confessor, the great King of England. The Holy Father chose to reinterate the fact that he is the successor of St Peter, and charged with the task keeping Christendom unified. I see this unity as flowing from full Catholic Doctrine and Apostolic Tradition. Unfortunately, having chosen to reject the authority of the Pope, the Church of England has progressively fallen deeper into confusion, to the point where their Primate, the 'Archbishop of Canterbury', has no hope of keeping in unity his own communion, let alone striving for deeper unity with the rest of Christendom.

We have tickets to wait outside the Birmingham Oratory when the Holy Father comes there on Sunday. This is particularly exciting for us since it will be immediately after the Beatification of John Henry Newman, who we have been devoted towards for the last five years since the same 'Kindly Light' led Wendy towards the Church. It is unfortunate that his example is now being distorted to present him as a Patron of Conscientious Objection from the Church's teaching, as well as Homosexuality, and even Ecumenism. None of these agendas accurately reflects Newman's legacy, but as long as it is in the full glare of media attention, this is an inevitable drawback. History will surely see him, and the English Oratory, in its proper light, despite the short-term silence and lack of voice for the Truth.

Serving Mass in the Chapel
now dedicated to Newman

So this coming Sunday afternoon, unfortunately during a period of night-shifts for me (starting tonight), we will be showing our support for the Holy Father outside our beloved Oratory, and cheering his arrival. We will also have the opportunity of being some of the first pilgrims after the Pope to pray in the newly renovated Shrine to Blessed John Henry Newman; a chapel previously remembered by us with fondness when it was dedicated to St Philip Neri, and when Fr Philip Cleevely used to say private Mass there with our noisy family in attendence!

If everything happens as it has so far, the support for the Holy Father in Birmingham will be immense. We have a wonderful Catholic History in this Archdiocese, and a large Catholic Population which has swelled in recent years to include lots of Eastern Europeans. We are honoured to have the Vicar of Christ here to celebrate it with us! And perhaps he will stop his Popemobile to bless a few more babies!

EWTN coverage of the Holy Fathers visit to UK

2010-09-13T10:43:00.000+01:00

IRONDALE, AL (August 18, 2010) - EWTN Global Catholic Network will provide live coverage of every public event during Pope Benedict XVI’s historic visit to England and Scotland Sept. 16-19, numerous original productions on the life and works of Cardinal John Henry Newman, who will be beatified by the Pope during his visit, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.

Coverage will be seen and heard on all nine EWTN Television Networks worldwide, and can be heard in English, Spanish, French and German; on EWTN Radio Network, and at www.ewtn.com through live streaming video. (Find EWTN Television at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder and EWTN Radio at http://www.ewtn.com/radio/amfm.htm or on Sirius Satellite Channel 160.)

Special live coverage will be provided by EWTN News Anchor Raymond Arroyo, who has covered more papal events than anyone in the industry and who obtained the only English language interview in existence today with the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. (Contact EWTN to arrange an interview.)

“To my mind, this visit to the U.K. is to Pope Benedict XVI’s papacy what Pope John Paul II’s visit to Poland was to his,” said “World Over” Host Raymond Arroyo, who will anchor EWTN’s coverage. “Not enough attention is being paid to the historicity of this seismic moment.”

EWTN’s coverage of these events will include exclusive interviews with Deacon John “Jack” Sullivan, who prayed to Newman for healing after watching a series on the saint on EWTN and whose resulting miracle is responsible for Newman’s beatification; Cormack Murphy O’Connor, former Archbishop of Westminster, who worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes to make this papal trip possible; Lord David Alton, a member of Parliament, who will discuss the government’s view of the trip and what Catholics can expect; Westminster’s current Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams, and many others!

You’ll also travel to the Birmingham Oratory and the rooms in which Newman lived and worked; Westminster Hall, where St. Thomas More was condemned to death; the Guild Chapel and much more.

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in 160 million television households in 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

From www.catholic.org

It also looks like there is live coverage via the official papal visit website.

-- Posted From Wend's iPod Touch WiFi (4.5Mb/s)
Virgin Media Broadband

Raynet on Patrol

2010-09-12T19:14:00.000+01:00

Louis' Grandad is a member of Raynet and has been on patrol today for radio cover at the jumbo run, which is a charity event where 30 disabled children are given a day out in motorcycle sidecars!

A Fond Farewell

2010-09-12T15:48:00.000+01:00

A successful retreat came to an end with over 30 weekend delegates saying goodbye after a hearty meal at the Rowbarge pub in Woolhampton. I haven't mentioned the social side of the Young Catholic Adults Retreat, which is invaluable in this secular and oppressive world we live in. For young Catholics who are both doctrinally and liturgically conservative, it is nice to be in company which is not threatening or stifling, allowing free conversation to flourish.

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Douai Missa Cantata

2010-09-12T11:02:00.000+01:00

The weekend with Young Catholic Adults ends with a Sung Mass for this Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost. We learn from the Gospel the importance of humility and are sent back to our respective homes with the mission to love God and neighbour in our everyday lives having benefited from this spiritual retreat.

It has been an excellent retreat with an opportunity for lots of young Catholics to get together and share the Faith, undiluted and with full orthodoxy, and expressed in its traditional way through the Latin liturgy and devotions.

This is an example of youthful faith which many Catholics in this country would do well to look upon, as the future of the Faith has such fervent and lively carriers of Sacred Tradition.

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Douai Adoration

2010-09-11T20:41:00.001+01:00

The source and summit of the Christian Faith is the Eucharist, the real presence of Christ, the Emmanuel "God is with us". It is not only the sacrament of sacraments, but God's love in action as a transforming power of Grace not only in the species but also in our life.

Tonight at the Juventutem Retreat, Exposition, Adoration and Benediction takes place in the little Parish Church of Our Lady. It is a special way to end such a wonderful day, and a good way also to see in Sunday.

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Douai Conference

2010-09-11T19:09:00.001+01:00

Fr Armand de Malleray FSSP, the retreat giver for this weekend's international Juventutem conference, has been giving us intricate teachings of the Holy Mass and it's spirituality. There are many unique aspects of the Extraordinary Form, but of course all his theological exposition applies to the Mass as a whole. This afternoon's conference brought us to the Canon, which is like ascending Calvary up to the point of the consecration. As well as taking us through the individual prayers, we were helped to understand more about the double consecration of bread and wine which makes the sacrament a visible representation of the separation of body and blood which took place at the sacrificial death of Christ. As the risen Christ being made actually present, is an efficacious and divine manner, we have present the whole body and blood, soul and divinity of Christ under either species, distributed to faithful only in the form of bread as a precaution against accidental spillage (something I have regrettably seen happen once before).

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Douai Solemn High Mass

2010-09-11T14:39:00.000+01:00

A striking feature about Douai Abbey, in the pleasant Berkshire countryside, is the way one encounters a grand modern facade which practically spills out into the world beyond the Monastery.

The community have a noble history, originating as an English community of Benedictines in 17th Century Paris, to escape the Protestant persecutions. Later, during the French revolution, they fled and settled in Douai, France. For centuries they trained future martyrs who died for their Faith, ministering to a recusant Catholic England, giving them the simple Tridentine Mass as sustenance.

In brief, following Catholic emancipation, the community of Douai returned to England in 1903 and settled in Woolhampton it's present location. Originally they used the old parish church (above) which YCA are using this weekend for most liturgy, but eventually they began building the neo-Gothic Abbey Church of Our Lady & St Edmund designed by Birmingham architect J. Arnold Crush.

The Abbey Church was not completed according to it's original design, and the nave was completed in an altogether different style.

It is an interesting contrast, and one which the Solemn High Mass today made stark, the first of it's kind at the free-standing altar, set at the building's architectural divide between secular and Divine.

The West Midlands based choir, ensemble 1685, sang a magnificent polyphonic Mass setting by Palestrina under the direction of Richard Jeffcoat. They will be singing again soon for the LMS Birmingham's annual Solemn Requiem on November 5th at West Heath.

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Douai Abbey, Berkshire

2010-09-11T10:30:00.000+01:00

Last year at the YCA retreat, there were enough participants to warrant having the Principal Mass in the main Abbey Church, rather than just the old parish Church. It was the first time, apparently, that the Traditional Latin Mass had been said in the Abbey since the liturgical revolution of the 1960s.

This year it is another first, as Fr Armand De Malleray will be Celebrant at a Solemn High Mass, with two other Priests as Deacon and Subdeacon. The Choir of ensemble 1685 will sing Palestrina's Ave Regina Caelorum.

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Juventutem International Gathering 2010

2010-09-10T20:30:00.000+01:00

The Young Catholic Adults (YCA) is the English branch of Juventutem which draws together young people attached to the Extraordinary Form of the Latin Mass. It has its presence both at World Youth Days and the Chartres Pilgrimage.

Every year Damian Barker organises a weekend retreat for YCA here at Douai Abbey. This year we are fortunate to have several clerics from FSSP present, and a contingent from Switzerland, and will have a Solemn High Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary tomorrow at 11am followed by a procession in the Abbey grounds.

Fr Armand de Mallery FSSP is the retreat giver, and after Low Mass for the feast of St Nicholas of Tolentino, followed by a hearty supper, is tonight launching the retreat with a conference entitled "How God is present in the Holy Eucharist".

I will give further updates throughout the weekend and give my reflections.

Birmingham Latin Mass Training Day

2010-08-13T21:28:00.000+01:00

NEW TRAINING EVENT INITIATIVE

(FOLLOWED BY 3PM MISSA CANTATA)

Sat 2nd October (Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels) at 1.30pm

at St Michael & the Holy Angels, High St, West Bromwich B70 8AQ

1) Gregorian Chant Schola
We will establish a new Gregorian Chant initiative for the region. Anyone who is interested is welcome, be it newcomers or those more proficient in Chant. The main objective will be to meet perhaps every other month in different Parishes around the region. With the encouragement of the Gregorian Chant Network, it will group together like-minded individuals to hopefully form a schola to aid more sung Masses in the region.

2) Servers Training
Anyone wishing to learn to serve at a Sung Mass are encouraged to come to this training event. If you’d like to learn the Low Mass, please get in touch to arrange an opportunity. Affiliated with the Society of St Tarcisius, which I can provide further information about.

Pilgrim picnics

2010-08-11T22:10:00.001+01:00

Check out the official website in case you are struggling to know what to pack for your pilgrim picnic!!

Please note that the following will NOT be allowed:

Prayer for chastity- Mother Teresa

2010-08-06T15:27:00.001+01:00

O Lord Jesus Christ, guardian of chaste souls, and lover of purity, who was pleased to take our nature and be born of an Immaculate Virgin, mericifully look upon me and preserve my chastity. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Help me to drive away impure thoughts, to conquer every sinful desire, so that, the temptation being overcome, I may serve you with a chaste body and a purr heart. Amen

-- Posted From Wend's iPod Touch WiFi (4.5Mb/s)
Virgin Media Broadband

Honour of serving God

2010-07-21T20:22:00.001+01:00

What return shall I make to You for this grace? For it is not given every man to forsake all things, to renounce the world, and undertake the religious life. Is it anything great that I should serve You Whom every creature is bound to serve?

It should not seem much to me; instead it should appear great and wonderful that You condescend to receive into Your service one who is so poor and unworthy. It is a great honour, a great glory to serve You and to despise all things for Your sake. They who give themselves gladly to Your most holy service will possess great grace. They who cast aside all carnal delights for Your love will find the most sweet consolation of the Holy Ghost.

Imitation of Christ III Ch 10

Ave Maris Stella

2010-07-14T14:26:00.001+01:00

Ave Maris Stella

Hail thou star of ocean
Portal of the sky,
Ever virgin Mother,
Of the Lord Most High.

O! by Gabriel's Ave,
Uttered long ago,
Eva's name reversing,
Established peace below.

Break the captives' fetters,
Light on blindness pour,
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.

Show thyself a Mother,
Offer Him our sighs,
Who for us incarnate
Did not thee despise.

Virgin of all virgins
To thy shelter take us,
Gentlest of the gentle
Chaste and gentle make us.

Still, as on we journey,
Help our weak endeavor,
Till with thee and Jesus
We rejoice forever.

Through the highest heaven,
To the almighty Three
Father, Son, and Spirit,
One same glory be. Amen.

-- Posted From Wend's iPod Touch WiFi (4.5Mb/s)
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West Heath High Mass

2010-07-10T21:27:00.002+01:00

We had a lovely evening yesterday at the accommodation of the kind parishioners of St John Fisher Parish in South Birmingham. The Church is actually situated at the beginning of Cofton Rd. At the other end is, you guessed it, Cofton Park; where Pope Benedict will beatify Newman on September 19th. So there is certainly an air of excitement, and Fr Jan Nowotnik who was subdeacon last night, is Deputy Local Liturgy Organiser for the Papal Visit. Bodes well, doesn't it?

Go to my LMS Blog for more info on the occasion.

EF High Mass this Friday!

2010-07-07T21:55:00.003+01:00

St John Fisher RC Church
West Heath, Birmingham
Friday, 9th July 2010 at 7pm
(followed by Buffet and blessing of new Garden)

Fr George Grynowski would like to welcome everyone to a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Use of the Roman Rite at his Parish Church in West Heath, South Birmingham, for its Patronal feast (which differs in the old calender and therefore gives his parishioners the chance to celebrate it twice!) From the website:

Dominating the 45 bus terminus at West Heath, Birmingham is the Catholic Church of St. John Fisher. Even though it rises from below road level, the lofty octagonal building is impressive from every angle, even from the nearby Lickey Hills. The predominant feature is a large octagonal dome surmounted by a large bronze cross. This copper dome has now toned to a soft green tint, a pleasing contrast to the honey coloured brickwork. Over the main entrance the large statue of St. John Fisher offers a blessing to all who enter, pass by or are waiting for the bus!

Parish of St. John Fisher, West Heath was founded on 30th September 1956. The first parish priest, Fr. Philip Smith, celebrated Mass at Turves Green School and later at Archbishop Masterson School for Girls. Work on the new church building commenced on 5th March 1962 with Fr. Smith cutting the first sod. The foundation stone was laid by Archbishop Grimshaw on 25th June that year.The church was opened on 31st March 1964 and consecrated by Archbishop Dwyer on 22nd June 1972, the [new rite] feast of St. John Fisher.

I hope you will be able to attend and support this great celebration, but also important initiative: a Traditional Latin Mass in a normal Parish Church, with all ministers being parish priests from the Deanery. This is the 3-year anniversary of Summorum Pontificum, and the Holy Father's wish for the faithful to benefit from the full riches of this Mass. It will be a time of reflection and what better way to show our support for the Pope than by attending this Mass!

Directions to St John Fisher, West Heath
1 Cofton Road,
West Heath
Birmingham
West Midlands
B31 3QT

SsJohnFisher

Urgent Message Latin Masses next week and beyond...

2010-06-27T23:11:00.001+01:00

Next week, Tues 29th July, it will be the holy day of obligation St Peter & Paul Feast. Fr George Grynowski will be offering a

Low Mass 1pm
St John Fisher
West Heath

I CAN CONFIRM A MASS AT THE ORATORY @ 11am ! ! Also at back of Church for tickets to the Papal beatification (which Valero says, is "just a Mass and a 1min proclamation that he's going to heaven"!)

Also at the West Heath Catholic Parish on July 9th, their patronal feast will be high Mass celebrated with a new 3 piece red Mass Set, and 3 parish priests all serving the same deanery (Birmingham South) which includes the site of Newman's burial and site of Papal Mass on Sept 19th at 10am in Cofton Park. I hope we get a ticket.

7pm High Mass
1962 Missal
Fr G Grynowski (middle of above photo) celebrates in his parish Church of St John Fisher for it's Patrons;
Ss JOHN FISHER & THOMAS MORE

Cloister Chapel Singers
Missa de Angelis
Credo III
Plainchant propers for Ss John Fisher & Thomas More

Please do support this wonderful parish event. It will be followed by a blessing of a new garden at the Parish, in the traditional Rite, followed by tea wine and refreshments cakes etc.

We are a witness to the Traditional Movement just in attendance, and with the 3 year report of Summorum Pontificum and the Pope's visit coinciding with the anniversary on the 14th. Maybe His Holiness should celebrate a Mass in EF to celebrate!

P.s. Clarification from the Oratory: "Jack Valero is strictly correct about the beatification Mass although
I think the declaration of beatification is timed for about 70 seconds! Strictly speaking, beatification is nothing more than a permission for local or limited cult. It does not, unlike canonisation, make any theological claim that the beatus is, in fact, in heaven. It is not (again, unlike canonisation) an infallible act of the Church. Having JHN beatified does mean a great deal to us, of course! This distinction might seem insignificant, but it is important. For example, it makes it possible to accept the second miracle for canonisation, even though it happened before the beatification. JHN either is in heaven or he isn't, there is no question of more or less! The important thing is that the second miracle took place as a result of the public cult, and that it took place after the Pope's declaration of an intention to beatify. All we have to do is get a dispensation for that public cult because it took place before it had been formally and publicly announced i.e. at a beatification ceremony."

Pope coming to Birmingham!

2010-06-24T18:16:00.000+01:00

The news channels are abuzz with the confirmation that the Beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman on Sunday September 19th 2010 will be held at Cofton Park near Rednall (the burial site of Newman at the Oratory Retreat House) just south of Birmingham. It seems like an obvious choice with clear historical links to the Oratory Community and Newman himself.

On the way to work this morning the local radio station BBC WM (West Midlands) had picked up on the story that Cofton Park was being considered (it turned out the Archdiocese was just waiting for the final decision to be made by Birmingham City Council before announcing it). Listeners were ringing in, with some complaining that the tax payers shouldn't have to foot the bill for such an event. I was able to ring in and point out that it is not part of the State Visit, and therefore funded entirely by the Catholic Church and the donations from the Faithful. I didn't expect to be asked a question involving the 'paedophile controversy' and tried to avoid it!

Gravesite at Rednal

Then on the way home from work BBC WM had Peter Jennings on the line, who is the spokesman for the Archdiocese, who explained that the venue is smaller than Coventry Airport, accommodating about 70,000 people rather than nearly 200,000. This point I think should not take precedence when we are considering the dignity of the Mass and the event itself of a Beatification ceremony, not a concert. According to Jennings the Vatican had a delegation who looked around Cofton Park yesterday afternoon, and promptly asked the council permission to have the Beatification here. I know that some will express horror that all the money and planning that went into the Coventry Airport venue was wasted, but Jennings expressed the hope that Coventry council will provide their planning framework to Birmingham so that things aren't starting from scratch.

Peter Jennings also went on to say that the Vatican will be officially announcing the Pope's Itinerary on July 5th. Anna Arco on her blog has even suggested the Pope wants to make a private visit to Birmingham Oratory to see Newman's rooms. What an exciting turn of events, and how nice to see the Oratory in a positive light after all the negative media attention in recent weeks.

Bl John Henry Newman, Priest

2010-06-22T13:02:00.000+01:00

The Congregation for Divine Worship has published the text for the Divine Office of the prospective Bl John Henry Newman, Priest of the Birmingham Oratory. More info, with the complete text in Latin and English, has been published on the site for the Holy Name of Jesus (I'm not sure of the original source). The Feast Day will be October 9th, the date when Newman was received into the Church by Bl Dominic Barbari at Littlemore in 1845.

Let us Pray:
O God, who bestowed on the Priest John Henry Newman
the grace to follow your kindly light
and find peace in your Church;
graciously grant that,
through his intercession and example,
we may be led out of shadows and images
into the fulness of your truth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever
Amen

Sacred Heart Rebuff

2010-06-15T21:42:00.001+01:00

Where were we? The Sacred Heart. A Protestant reader once asked me to explain this devotion, which may be seen as a novelty, and in particular what it means to 'make reparation' to it.

I have never got around to answering this, mea culpa, but as often happens in life, someone else I found has gone to the trouble. H/T Roman Christendom

Hipstamatic Day 2

2010-06-15T16:51:00.001+01:00

Relaxin on the Beeeeach!

Hipstamatic iPhone

2010-06-14T13:21:00.000+01:00

I just love the iPhone App Hipstamatic. It is an emulator which turns your simple 1MPix cameraphone into an 80s Hipstamatic 100 camera. I barely remember the original format, but love the way you can recompense for the iPhone's poor quality digital camera, and turn it into a classic piece of stylish analogue equipment!

Lens: Kaimal Mark II
Film: BlacKeys Ultrachrome B&W
Flash: Off

Recess...

2010-06-13T20:04:00.001+01:00

On holiday for the week in Braunton. Posting will be sparse! Like this sanddune! May you have a blessed summer!

Fr Julian Green writes:

2010-06-12T22:21:00.001+01:00

Manor House, Northfield (Halls where Wendy & I first knew eachother) now derelict due to change in building standards

University of Birmingham Catholic Chaplaincy

Mass on the Vale & Shared Picnic

Tomorrow (Sunday) our morning Mass will be at the Vale, outside Shackleton Hall. As it means getting people there we will begin at 11am, with some warm up praise and worship leading into Mass. PLEASE BRING SOME FOOD to share with others, and we'll have a picnic after the Mass. Maybe think of bringing someone new to Mass too. The minibus will pick up in Selly Oak at 10.20am, and then we will pick up those who are at Newman House to go to the Vale at 10.40am. If you don't know your way to the Vale then come to Newman House as normal and we'll take you there. It's important that, as we're on public display, we get as many people as possible to Mass in the morning, so please do come if you can. (There will be a simple Mass in the evening at 6.30pm for those who can't make it.) See you tomorrow morning!

Sacred Heart

2010-06-12T13:32:00.000+01:00

June is traditionally the month of the Sacred Heart, something I never learnt in 4 years at a Catholic School. Also traditionally there are special First Fridays of every month, which we celebrate at St John Fisher Church in West Heath, with a Low Mass celebrated by the PP Fr George Grynowski at 7pm.

Read more here on my local LMS site. (click "Latin Mass Society" in the header of this page)

Requiescat in Pace

Contented Parenting

2010-06-07T10:49:00.002+01:00

This article in the Times demonstates something beautiful about parenting. It is not written by a Catholic Dad, as far as I know, but it advocates a type of natural, relaxed, and down-to-earth parenting which I can largely identify with, but also which I see prevalent in Catholic Homeschooling Families. I think it demonstrates some practical sequelae of being happy with the way parenting changes a couple, and embracing being a new Dad rather than pining after the 'good ol days'!

Here's an extract:

I have a quiet little bet with myself. A hundred years from now, people will look back on us the way we look back on the Victorians and many will find it astonishing that we treated children the way we do. The more extreme parenting strategies appear to deny the fact that we’re parents at all. The aim is to get back to our normal, child-free lifestyles as soon as possible.

Do have a quick read; you may not identify with everything outlined in the article, but it stimulates ideas and makes me realise how much we have in common with hippy-guru parents! Being parents as God intended us to be.

Flat Corpus Christi

2010-06-06T04:54:00.001+01:00

5/6/10 2330hrs

On the eve of the great feast of Corpus Christi, on my way to work, I got a flat passenger side front tyre. It was nice to encounter the kindness of a Taxi Driver, who offered to help. Strangely enough I have also been having in depth discussions on Religion, Faith, mental illness and even a bit of Christian Conspiracy theories! A busy day intellectually and practically.

Papal Visit Fundraising

2010-06-06T02:14:00.002+01:00

Just now I tried to donate to papal visit online
but a run-time error. And I was feeling generous on this transferred feast of Corpus Christi. No wonder they're way off-target.

I hope that if the Pope won't go to Coventry Airport, then perhaps (flying there en route) to Birmingham or Oxford instead, closer to Newman's site of ministry.

I picture the Cathedral and Oratory filled with huge TV screens and services of Holy Communion. This would be an excellent service, if thought of, and reminicient of the installation of Archbishop Bernard Longley. I thought this a big success.

I would love to see the streets lined with Catholics and Non-Catholics, eager to catch a wave of the Holy Father.

Do continue to pray for the Oratory here in Birmingham.

NHS cuts

2010-06-04T19:53:00.002+01:00

Cross posted from Catholic Physicians Blog
"They're starting to get results, [health] Minister!"
"Time to restructure!"

The photo above is from a mug of tea I was drinking at work today. It made me laugh, but also got me thinking about the worrying prospect of NHS cuts in light of the public deficit following the global recession. Quite how our new coalition goverment will handle this I don't know, but my worry is it will impact adversely on Mental Health Services.

Why? Because in this day of public pressure groups and political maneuverings, it is the group of patients with mental health problems who lack a strong and unified voice. It probably stems from stigma, a case which is made worse by the aggressive shift towards community care during '80s conservative days, meaning society has been suddenly and unpreparedly exposed to a fear which they have no idea how to handle or integrate into society. It is a prime target for cuts.

There are very few advocates, people fighting for this vulnerable sector. But politically and socially, think of the huge burden of psychiatric illness: which 1 in 4 people will suffer from sometime in their life. Loss in earnings and taxes. Loss in confidence and stable homes. Worse and untreated physical health. Reduced life expectancy and huge socioeconomic inequalities widening. To not make this a priority, both within specialist services and in primary care when the bulk of illness is treated, would therefore be a huge mistake!

I pray the new goverment can make the correct decisions to cut excess and waste, and prune the health service to make it more efficient, effective, satisfying and above all accessible.

Daily prayer for Priests

2010-05-30T08:29:00.001+01:00

O Almighty, Eternal God, look upon the Face of Your Son and for love of Him, who is the Eternal High Priest, have pity on Your priests. Remember, O most compassionate God, that they are but weak and frail human beings. Stir up in them the grace of their vocation which is in them by the imposition of the bishop’s hands. Keep them close to You, lest the enemy prevail against them, so that they may never do anything in the slightest degree unworthy of their sublime vocation.

O Jesus, I pray for Your faithful and fervent priests; for Your unfaithful and tepid priests; for Your priests laboring at home or abroad in distant mission fields; for Your tempted priests; for the lonely and desolate priests; for Your young priests; for Your dying priests; for the souls of Your priests in purgatory.

But above all, I commend to you N. and all the priests dearest to me, the priest who baptized me, the priests who have absolved me from my sins, the priests at whose Masses I have assisted and who have offered me Your Body and Blood in Holy Communion, the priests who have taught and instructed me or helped and encouraged me, and the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way.

O Jesus, keep them all close to Your Heart, and bless them abudently in time and eternity. Amen.

Poem

2010-05-16T18:00:00.001+01:00

Every substance
Every thing
All sustinence
Comes through Him.

Every creature
The smallest heard
In a day's stature
Were made by His Word.

Every person
Every race
Whatever is begun
At conception reflects His face.

Whichever virtue
Or Love that saves
It is given through
Grace; never fails to amaze

In Faith of Him
What his death has done
Will surely begin
Salvation which he has won