LMS Chairman on Direction in the Society

"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

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

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

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