Majestic Irish Cathedral Destroyed by Fire

The north-central Irish Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise has suffered the tragic loss of its 150-year old cathedral yesterday morning in what may have been an act of arson. Just a few hours after the bishop celebrated Midnight Mass, the fire broke out. By the time it was extinguished the beautiful interior was completely gutted.

A video showing the destroyed cathedral can be seen here. The Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, Dr Colm O'Reilly, has said he will restore St Mel's Cathedral in Longford , though it will cost over €2 million. Bishop O'Reilly said he celebrated midnight mass to a packed Cathedral. He said that it was an extraordinary contrast the next morning. Construction on St Mel's started in 1840 and it opened in September, 1856.

More on this story here.

Though details of any fundraising efforts have yet to emerge, the Diocese can be contacted as follows:-

The Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois
Diocesan Office,
Ballinalee Road.
Longford.
Co. Longford.
Phone: +353 (0)43-3346432
Fax: +353 (0)43-3346833
Email: ardaghdi at iol.ie

(image: RTÉ)

upcoming events - January

Friday 1 January 2010
Mass for New Year's Day [EF]
6.00pm, FSSP Oratory, 6 Belford Park, Edinburgh

Wednesday 6 January 2010
Mass for the Epiphany [EF]
6.15pm, St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh (more)

Monday 18 January 2010
Missa Cantata (Votive Mass for Unity of the Church),
followed by talk about Chartres Pilgrimage
7.00pm, Glasgow University Catholic Chaplaincy, Turnbull Hall,
13-15 Southpark Terrace, Glasgow G12 8LG

Thursdays, 21 & 28 January 2010
Gregorian Chant (intermediate)
9.45 - 11.45am, Appies Tea Rooms, Sandvick, Orkney Islands

Thursday 21 January 2010
Solemn Vespers and Benediction for the feast of St Agnes
6.45pm, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh (info)

Friday 29 January 2010
Mary's Meals Launch Night (fb)
7.30 - 9.00pm, Balcony Room, Teviot House, University of Edinburgh (Bristo Square)

Sunday 31 January (last Sunday of the month)
Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament
after 11.30am Mass (Extraordinary Form),
St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh (more)

Sunday 31 January
Talk: Paris to Chartres Pilgrimage
8.15pm, Edinburgh University Catholic Chaplaincy
Blackfriars, 24 George Square, Edinburgh (facebook)

~~*~~

Please comment with details of further events.

Christmas Masses in Edinburgh

CHRISTMAS 2009

Thursday 24 & Friday 25 December 2009
11.30pm, 09.30am, and 11.30am

Latin Masses
according to the Extraordinary Form

Rev. Fr. John Emerson
Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter
Celebrant

11.30pm, Gregorian Sung Mass
St Andrew's RC Church, 77 Belford Road, Edinburgh
(Carols from 11.30pm to midnight)

09.30am, Low (said) Mass
FSSP Oratory, 6 Belford Park, Edinburgh

11.30am, Gregorian Sung Mass
St Andrew's RC Church, 77 Belford Road, Edinburgh

For more information on the FSSP in the UK, see www.fssp.org.uk

Two Venerable Popes and a Martyr

A decree issued today by the papal offices has declared Popes Pius XII and John Paul II to be venerable. The bestowing of this title is a confirmation of their exemplary life and a step towards beatification and perhaps ultimately sanctification. For the cause of Pope John Paul II the miracle cure of a French nun is under investigation.

The decree is not unexpected in the cause of John Paul II. At his funeral there were calls for 'Santo subito'(Saint now) and rumours of this declaration of venerability have been growing these past days. Similarly, rumours continue that his beatification will happen sometime next year, either on the anniversary of his death (2 April) or the start of his papacy (15 October).

Pope Pius XII's papacy ran from 1939 to 1958 and his cause has long been slowed down by of accusations of his alleged lack of actions against the Holocaust. Much can be said about this and against the majority of the accusations, but evidently the decision has been made to recognise Pius XII's heroic virtues.

Officially, the two popes must now be referred to as Venerable Pope Pius XII and Venerable Pope John Paul II.


The same decree also affirms the martyrdom of Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko, a Polish priest who was murdered by the Polish Security Police in 1984 for his role in the anti-communist workers movement in Warsaw. Fr. Popiełuszko was a young priest (only 37 at the time of his death) who supported the striking steel workers in Warsaw and then became an inspiration, both spiritually and politically for the fledgling Solidarność union. Eleven days after his murder, the body of Fr. Popiełuszko was found in a reservoir. He is buried in front of his church in Warsaw.

(reposted from There was a boy...)

Another Successful Gregorian Chant Course

The historic church of St Magnus, Birsay (Orkney), provided a fitting venue for Gregorian chant on Monday 14 December. The ancient evening service of Compline was sung by students on a beginners’ Gregorian Chant course. The course, led by Harray resident Ben Whitworth, ran at Appies Tea Rooms, Sandwick, during November and December. It followed a successful beginners’ course, also at Appies, last winter.

Ben said: ‘The students on the course were really enthusiastic and the quality of the singing at Birsay Kirk indicates just how much work they put in. Gregorian Chant is rightly famous for its serenity, but it requires a lot from the singers: accuracy, stamina, good pronunciation of Latin – and all this unaccompanied. I’m proud of how much this class has achieved.’

After the first beginners’ course, a number of students wished to continue meeting to learn new music. The group – known as the Orkney Schola – now rehearses regularly, and has sung at the Catholic parish church of Our Lady and St Joseph in Kirkwall. An intermediate course will run at Appies in the New Year, beginning on Thursday 21 January 2010. To book, please call Pam Farmer on 841562. The course will suit anyone who has completed one of the beginners’ courses at Appies, or who has some experience of choral singing.
Further details:

For additional information, contact: Ben Whitworth, Cribbaquoy, Harray, Orkney KW17 2LQ, tel. (01856) 771677, email: ben at whitworth.net, blog: orkneychant.blogspot.com

(image: Singers at the Gregorian Chant service of Compline in St Magnus’ church, Birsay; Angie Whitworth)

New Charity Shop...

The Sisters of the Gospel of Life have opened up a new outlet, hoping to get the pro-life message out.

If you are in Glasgow at any point, the shop, Precious Things, is at 651 Cathcart Road, and the Sisters would be delighted to see you.

Please keep this new venture, and all the wonderful work of the Sisters and the Cardinal Winning Pro-Life Initiative in your prayers.

You can still make a donation to the Sisters via the PayPal button on their blog's sidebar, or you can send items for the mothers and babies in their care direct to 106 Dixon Avenue, Glasgow, G42 8EL.

Cenacle of the Eucharistic Face of Jesus

News from Tulsa, OK: This week saw the clothing of the first novice of the Our Lady of the Cenacle monastery, Brother Juan Diego Maria de San José. Fr Mark Kirby, superior of the Cenacle, has been given a mandate by Bishop Slattery, the local Ordinary, to live under the Benedictine rule, in a life of adoration, thanksgiving, intercession and reparation.

The Cenacle is planning renting larger property for use as a temporary monastery. However, this depends on the generousity of others. More funds means this can be achieved, and even beginning may be made on a permanent monastery. Cheques can be sent to Fr Kirby at the address below.

~~*~~

The foundation of the Benedictine Monastery of Our Lady of the Cenacle in the Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma is a timely response to the Year of the Priesthood. The following notes present something of the vision for this new monastery under the Rule of Saint Benedict. Please address all inquiries to Father Mark at the address given below.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR LIFE IN ABUNDANCE

"I came," says Our Lord Jesus, "that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)

-- A LIFE THAT IS MONASTIC

"One thing is needful." (Luke 10:42)

• under the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict and the guidance of the Father of the monastery.
• in the school of the service of the Lord.
• in obedience, the love of silence, and humility.
• in the joy of the Holy Spirit.

-- A LIFE THAT IS EUCHARISTIC AND SACERDOTAL

"I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." (Luke 22:15)

"And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth." (John 17:19)

• the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass: the sun illuminating each day.
• daily prolonged adoration, on behalf of all priests, before the Eucharistic Face of Jesus, close to His Open Heart.
• in reparation for offenses committed against the Most Blessed Sacrament, and for the indifference of those who forsake Him, Who waits for us in the tabernacles of the world.
• in thanksgiving for the mercies that ever flow from the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.

-- A LIFE THAT IS OFFERED AND CONSECRATED

"I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Romans 12:1)

• for the sanctification of priests and the spiritual renewal of the clergy in the whole Church.
• in reparation for the sins that disfigure the Face of Christ the Priest.
• in the sacrificial love that is inseparable from the gift and mystery of the priesthood.

-- A LITURGICAL LIFE

"I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; in the presence of the angels I sing your praise." (Psalm 137:1)

"O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." (Psalm 28:2)

"Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God." (Hebrews 13:15)

• Holy Mass and the Divine Office celebrated in Gregorian Chant.
• bringing to the traditional forms of the sacred liturgy a diligence and beauty worthy of the Holy Mysteries.

-- A LIFE WITH OUR LADY, THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

"When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing near, He said to His mother, 'Woman, behold your son!' Then He said to the disciple, 'Behold your mother!' And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home." (John 19:26-27)

• following in the footsteps of Saint John the Apostle who, obedient to the word of Jesus crucified, took Mary into his home and into the intimacy of his priestly heart.
• communitarian and personal consecration to the Virgin Mary.
• commemoration of the Mother of God at all the liturgical Hours.
• Holy Rosary daily.

-- A LIFE THAT IS ECCLESIAL AND APOSTOLIC

"In the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations." (Ephesians 3:21)

• heeding the Supreme Pontiff, our Holy Father, the Successor of Peter.
• in filial obedience to the Bishop of the Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• in generous service of the clergy by means of hospitality given to priests, deacons, and seminarians for days of silence and adoration, for retreats, and for spiritual direction.
• promoting Eucharistic adoration in the diocese of Tulsa.
• direction of the movement for spiritual motherhood benefiting priests.

-- A LIFE OF WORK

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord, and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one." (1 Corinthians 11:4-7)

• hospitality to priests, deacons, and seminarians.
• spiritual care and support of the clergy.
• both manual and intellectual work, according to the abilities and gifts of each one.

-- A LIFE THAT INCORPORATES DIVERSE EXPRESSIONS WITHIN A SINGLE FAMILY

"If all were a single organ, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you,' nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.'" (1 Corinthians 11:19-21).

• choir monks dedicated to the integral service of the liturgy and, normally, destined for the priesthood.
• monks not destined for the priesthood who, imitating Saint Joseph, dedicate themselves to the ceaseless prayer of the heart in the daily tasks entrusted to them.

• diocesan priests, Missionary Adorers of the Eucharistic Face of Jesus, sacerdotal Oblates of the monastery, living its charism and sustained by the monastic community in the midst of their pastoral labors. The Missionary Adorers, while remaining incardinated in their respective dioceses, will live according to the Statutes approved by the Bishop of Tulsa.

• deacons and laymen, single and married: secular Oblates of the monastery.
• women Oblates dedicated as Spiritual Mothers for Priests, following the initiative of the letter of 7 December 2007 of His Eminence, Claudio Cardinal Hummes, Prefect of the Congregation Pro Clericis.
The monastery will provide these women with a suitable initial and ongoing spiritual formation.

-- ADORERS OF THE EUCHARISTIC FACE OF JESUS

"You have said, 'Seek my Face.' My heart says to You, 'Your Face, O Lord, do I seek.' Hide not your Face from me." (Psalm 26:8-9).

"It is the God who said, 'Let light shine out of the darkness,' who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the Face of Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6).

• all participate daily in adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament in the monastery, or for priest, deacon, and lay oblates, in their parishes

-- MONASTIC FORMATION

For Catholic men between the ages of 18 and 35.
Postulancy: 3-6 months
Novitiate: 2 years
Temporary Vows: 3 years
Monastic Consecration after 5 years

~~*~~

Please send your contributions toward building the Eucharistic Cenacle to:

Reverend Dom Mark Daniel Kirby, O.S.B.
1744 South Xanthus Avenue
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104-5324
Telephone: 918-749-0995
E-mail: cenacle at sbcglobal.net

Thank you for your generosity. May Our Lord Jesus Christ make the light of His Eucharistic Face shine upon you.

upcoming events - December (2)

December 15th onward

Monday - Friday during Advent
Confessions
12.00 - 12.30pm, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh

Tuesday 15 December 2009
Service of Advent Lessons and Carols (more info)
6.30pm, Conventual Church of Saint John of Jerusalem
(Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, Grove End Road NW8
in aid of the Knights of Malta Hospice

Tuesday 15 - Friday 18 December 2009
Advent retreat: 'The Holy Angels' (more info)
Douai Abbey, Upper Woolhampton, Berkshire
Preacher: Fr Armand de Malleray FSSP

Thursday 17 December 2009
Solemn Vespers and Benediction - Great Antiphon 'O Sapientia'
5.00pm, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh
please note the altered time (more info)

Saturday 19 December 2009
Advent Penitential Service
4.30pm, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh

Sunday 20 December 2009
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
12.00am, St Margaret's RC Church, Loch Rd, South Queensferry,
followed by Benediction at 1.45pm; Advent Penitential Service thereafter

Sunday 20 December 2009
Holy Mass for 4th Sunday of Advent [EF]
5.00pm, St Thomas the Apostle, Blackburn Road, Addiewell
this Mass will normally take place on the 3rd Sunday of each month

Sunday 20 December 2009
Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction
6.30pm, Immaculate Heart of Mary, 162 Broomfield Road, Balornock (Glasgow)
please note the altered time (more info)

Thursday 24 December 2009
vigil Mass of Christmas
carols at 11.30pm, Mass at Midnight
St Andrew's RC Church, 77 Belford Road, Edinburgh

Friday 25 December 2009
Masses for Christmas Day
9.30am, FSSP Oratory, 6 Belford Park, Edinburgh
11.30am, St Andrew's RC Church, 77 Belford Road, Edinburgh

Sunday 27 December (last Sunday of the month)
Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament
after 11.30am Mass (Extraordinary Form),
St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh (more)

~~*~~

Please comment with details of further events.

Priests Training Conference (Ushaw)

LMS Residential Training Conference for Priests Wishing to Learn the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (Traditional Latin Mass) at Ushaw College, Durham.

The Latin Mass Society of England and Wales (LMS) is organising a residential training conference for priests wishing to learn the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (Traditional Latin Mass) at Ushaw College, Durham, one of England’s most prestigious seminaries.

The conference will run from Monday 12 April to Friday 16 April 2010 (i.e. Low Week) and will feature Traditional liturgies in Ushaw’s magnificent neo-Gothic St Cuthbert’s Chapel together with a Gregorian Chant schola and polyphonic choir.

Expert tuition in the celebration of Mass in the Usus Antiquior will be provided on a small group basis. There will be tuition in Low Mass, Missa Cantata and Missa Solemnis and there will be streams for beginners and more advanced students. There will be a keynote lecture and 1962 Missals and altar cards will be available.

There will be opening and closing High Masses, daily Mass and Devotions, and Rosary. There will also be a closing Conference dinner with guest speaker.

The subsidised fee to participants is only £115.00 which includes all accommodation, meals and training materials. There are limited places and priests are asked to register as soon as possible.

Further details and registration forms can be obtained from the LMS office (Tel: 020 7404 7284, e mail: info at latin-mass-society.org) or from the conference organiser, Mr Paul Waddington (Tel: 01757 638027, e mail: paul at gooleboathouse.co.uk).

Paul Waddington said, “This is the second time the LMS has organised such a training conference at Ushaw College and we are delighted to be going back. I hope the laity will tell their priests about this wonderful opportunity to learn the Usus Antiquior in the setting of one of England’s finest Catholic seminaries.”

Latin Mass Society, 11-13 Macklin Street, London WC2B 5NH
Tel: 020 7404 7284
E mail: info at latin-mass-society.org
Website: latin-mass-society.org

(photo: Fr Ray Blake)

Papa Stronsay Calendar

by Fr Tim Finigan

The Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer on Papa Stronsay have a beautiful and original calendar for 2010 featuring photos of Liturgy and manual work on the island. For information, see: Into a New Year with the Papa Stronsay Calendar. There are some copies left after their regular mailing to subscribers so it would be good if they were able to sell them. The first page has a list of "n00th" anniversaries through the centuries, such as the 1800th anniversary of the birth of St Cyprian. Each day has the celebration listed according to the liturgical calendar of 1962.

You can get a copy via paypal by using the order link on the sidebar of the Papa Stronsay blog, or you can order one from ebay. Price £5.

(reproduced, with permission, from The Hermeneutic of Continuity)

Historic homecoming for the Knights of Malta

by Gerald Warner

West Lothian witnessed an historic event as the Knights of Malta returned after 450 years to Torphichen Preceptory, their mediaeval headquarters in Scotland lost at the Reformation, to celebrate the Latin Mass.

The occasion was presided over by Fra' Fredrik Crichton-Stuart, Grand Prior of England of the Order of Malta, accompanied by knights and dames of the order (above).

The traditional Mass was arranged by Una Voce Scotland, the Scottish branch of the International Latin Mass Federation. Una Voce has been conducting Masses in the extraordinary form in different historic venues in Scotland and at the end of October they celebrated an Old Rite Mass at Cambuskenneth Abbey [Stirling].

The celebrant was Mgr Hugh Boyle; Fr John Emerson, of the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter, was seated in the sanctuary beside the Grand Prior. The splendid vestment worn by Mgr Boyle, which attracted much attention, were 19th-century French cloth of gold.

Fred Stone of Una Voce explained that when they were taken to the Burrell Collection for expert assessment the museum was anxious to acquire them, but they are still very much in service and far from becoming museum.

Torphichen Preceptory near Bathgate in West Lothian was granted to the Knights Hospitaller by King David I in the 1140s, but there had been a church there from very ancient times, allegedly established by St Ninian around 400AD and said to have been visited by King Arthur a century later.

Torphichen was the Scottish Commandery of the Knights of Hospitaller of St John (known from 1530 as the Knights of Malta, after they took possession of that island.) Before and after the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, it was visited respectively by William Wallace and Edward I Longshanks, the Hammer of the Scots.

After the Reformation the building was partly demolished; only the foundations of the knight's cloister remain. The nave of the cross-shaped church became the parish kirk, but that too was demolished in 1756 and replaced by the present parish church.

Of the original commandery building all that remains is the central tower and transepts of the mediaeval church. These portions only surive because they were for a time used as a courthouse. The tower was at one point ruinous, but was re-roofed in 1947.

The building, now in the care of Historic Scotland, is still impressive. The vaulted ceiling is fine example of mediaeval craftmanship and, as the Una Schola schola discovered, provides excellent acoustic for Gregorian plainsong. They sang the Mass and then Te Deum, concluding with the Salve Regina.

In his homily Mgr Boyle invoked the historic nature of the occasion and the ancient link that Torphichen represented with the Order of Malta and Scottish Catholicism. At the end of Mass, Fra' Freddy Crichton-Stuart led the knights in reciting the prayer of the Order of Malta.

(photo © Martin Gardner;
reproduced from The Scottish Catholic Observer, 27.11.09)

upcoming events - December (1)

Events to December 14th

Monday - Friday during Advent
Confessions
12.0 - 12.30pm, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh

Wednesday 2 December 2009
Holy Hour - Prayer for Priests
7.00 - 8.00pm, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh

Thursdays, 3 & 10 December 2009
Gregorian Chant for Beginners
9.45 - 11.45am, Appies Tea Rooms, Sandvick, Orkney Islands

Saturday 5 December 2009
Cardinal Winning Pro-Life Initiative Advent Bazaar
12.00 noon - 2.00pm
Holy Cross Church Hall, 104 Albert Road, Crosshill, G42 8DR
(see here)

Sunday 6 December 2009
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
11.00am, St Margaret's RC Church, Loch Rd, South Queensferry,
followed by Rosary and Benediction at 3.00pm

Monday 7 December 2009
(vigil of the Immaculate Conception)
Traditional Latin Mass
7pm, Sacred Heart Church, 50 Old Dalmarnock Road, Bridgeton, Glasgow
followed by tea and talk for half an hour - all welcome

Tuesday 8 December 2009 (Immaculate Conception)
Traditional Latin Mass (Missa Cantata) [EF]
6.15pm, St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh
(to be confirmed)

Tuesday 8 December 2009
Prayer Evening for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
7.30 - 9.30pm, Convent, 106 Dixon Avenue, Glasgow
organised by the Confraternity of St Joseph (more info)

Saturday 12 December 2009
Una Voce Advent Day of Recollection
10.00am, Nazareth House, Glasgow
Led by Mgr Hugh Boyle.
Starts 10am, with Coffee; ends with Holy Hour, approx. 3pm

Sunday 13 December 2009
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
11.00am, St Margaret's RC Church, Loch Rd, South Queensferry,
followed by Rosary and Benediction at 3.00pm

Sunday 13 December 2009
Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction
5.00pm, St John Cantius Church, Broxburn (more info)

Sunday 13 December 2009
Carol-singing (more info)
starts 2.30pm, Fortescue House, 58 Grove End Road, London NW8
ends approx. 4.00pm, in aid of the Knights of Malta Hospice

~~*~~

Please comment with details of further events.

Manhattan Declaration

by Fr Ray Blake

The "Manhattan Declaration", is according to Sandro Magister, "The Manifesto That's Shaking America",

It's been endorsed by Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox leaders, united in defending life, the family and the place of Christianity in society. Obviously aimed at the Whitehouse:

"We will not be intimidated into silence or acquiescence or the violation of our consciences by any power on earth, be it cultural or political, regardless of the consequences to ourselves."

it is presented as a new civil rights movement:

We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them. These truths are:

• the sanctity of human life
• the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
• the rights of conscience and religious liberty.

Inasmuch as these truths are foundational to human dignity and the well-being of society, they are inviolable and non-negotiable. Because they are increasingly under assault from powerful forces in our culture, we are compelled today to speak out forcefully in their defense, and to commit ourselves to honoring them fully no matter what pressures are brought upon us and our institutions to abandon or compromise them. We make this commitment not as partisans of any political group but as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

sign it yourself here

(reposted from St Mary Magdalen)

Coming Up Next Week (November, Week 4)

Thursdays, 5, 12, 19, & 26 November 2009

Gregorian Chant for Beginners
9.45 - 11.45am, Appies Tea Rooms, Sandvick, Orkney Islands

Tuesday 24 November 2009
Parish Requiem Mass (Sung) [OF]
7.00opm, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Balornock (Glasgow)

Wednesday 25 November 2009
Queensferry Quench: "Danger!"
Are all religions essentially fundamentalist?
talk with Dan Petersen (more info)
7.15pm onwards, Orocco Pier, 17 High Street, South Queensferry

Saturday 28 November
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
after 10.00am Mass, St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh, AND
after 10.00am Mass, St Kentigern's, 26 Parkgrove Avenue, Edinburgh EH4 7QR

Sunday 29 November 2009 (Advent Sunday)
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
12.00 noon, St Margaret's RC Church, Loch Rd, South Queensferry,
followed by Rosary and Benediction at 3.00pm

Sunday 29 November 2009
Prayer for the Conversion of Scotland
Rosary vigil to pray for Scotland's leaders, and the conversion of Scotland
2.00pm, outside Scottish Parliament, Abbey Strand (Holyrood), Edinburgh

Sunday 29 November 2009
Unveiling of the Nativity Scene and Carol Service
4.00pm, St Andrew's Square Gardens (east of George Street), Edinburgh

Monday 30 November 2009
Traditional Latin Mass [EF]
7.00pm, Sacred Heart, Old Dalmarnock Road, Bridgeton (Glasgow)

Monday 30 November 2009
Traditional Latin Mass (Missa Cantata) [EF]
6.15pm, St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh

Monday 30 November 2009
Solemn Vespers and Benediction for the feast of St Andrew, Apostle
6.45pm, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh

~~*~~

Please comment with details of further events.

Note: November has seen an unprecedented number of traditional events, hence splitting the 'Upcoming Events' post into four. Please let us know if you like this new format!

"Almighty Answers" blog

by Fr Tim Finigan

A student at the University of Edinburgh tells me of the Catholic chaplaincy there, which is run by the Dominicans. The students are fortunate to have five friars dedicated to their our spiritual care.

Last year they started up a blog called 'Almighty Answers' to encourage ordinary students (as well as anyone else who comes across the blog) to ask questions about the Faith or any other aspect of the Church. These questions are then responded to, either by one of the priests, or by a student, depending on the nature of the question.

The blog was set up and run last term during the Chaplaincy's 'Mission Week' and it has now been restarted. They welcome questions and comments...

You may also 'corner a cleric' by emailing almighty.answers at gmail dot com.

Reminder - Prayer Vigil for Conversion of Scotland

A reminder to all that the Holy Family Apostolate is organising a Prayer Vigil outside the Scottish Parliament on Advent Sunday.

Remember the blasphemous play performed at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow? This is a symptom of the spiritual and moral sickness pervading our society at an alarming rate...

The Holy Rosary is the perfect antidote, so please join us in front of the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh (Abbey Strand), on Sunday 29 November, at 2pm. Will you come along and pray for good leadership and the conversion of Scotland?

For more information please call 0131-669 1434, or email holyfamilyapostolate at gmail.com

Advent Carol Service in Aid of Knights of Malta Hospice

If you find yourself in London in the middle of December, here is an opportunity to support the excellent hospice work of the Knights of Malta:-

You are warmly invited to attend

A SERVICE OF ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS

in the Conventual Church of Saint John of Jerusalem
(Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, Grove End Road NW8)
at 6.30 p.m. on Tuesday 15th December, 2009

The renowned choir ‘Cantores Missae’, under the direction of Charles Finch, will sing carols and motets.

There will be a retiring collection for the

much-needed support of

Saint John’s Hospice.

Following the service, all are warmly welcome to join members of the Order for mulled wine and mince pies in Fortescue House, adjacent to the Hospital.

Update: there will also be Carol-singing in the environs of St John's Wood, on Sunday 13 December, approx 2.30pm - 4.00pm. For more information, see here.

Singing Out in Praise at Abbey Mass in Stirling

A Sung Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite was celebrated last week in the bell tower of the mediaeval Cambuskenneth Abbey in Stirling.

The Mass was celebrated by Fr John Emerson FSSP from Edinburgh, and was only the second Mass to be celebrated in the Abbey since the Reformation, the first having been celebrated by Fr Emerson last year.

The Schola of Una Voce Scotland sang the Plainchant Mass of Our Lady, and Mass ended with the Salve Regina. Mgr Hugh Boyle from Our Holy Redeemer's, Clydebank, presided over the Choir.

Fr Emerson celebrated a Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman rite on the first Sunday of the month in the Church of the Holy Spirit in Stirling at 5.00pm.

(photo: Martin Gardner; article reproduced from The Scottish Catholic Observer, November 13th 2009)

Coming Up Next Week (November, Week 3)

Thursdays, 5, 12, 19, & 26 November 2009

Gregorian Chant for Beginners
9.45 - 11.45am, Appies Tea Rooms, Sandvick, Orkney Islands

Monday 16 November 2009
Solemn Vespers and Benediction for the feast of
St Margaret, Queen of Scots
6.45pm, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh

Monday 16 November 2009
Traditional Latin Mass [EF]
7.00pm, Sacred Heart, Old Dalmarnock Road, Bridgeton (Glasgow)

Saturday 21 November
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
after 10.00am Mass, St John's, 37 St Ninian's Road, Corstorphine EH12 8AL

~~*~~

Please comment with details of further events.

Note: November has seen an unprecedented number of traditional events, hence splitting the 'Upcoming Events' post into four. Please let us know if you like this new format!

Government seeks secrecy on cleft palate abortions

from The Telegraph:

In an extraordinary move, the Department of Health is taking the Government’s own Information Tribunal to court to overturn a landmark Freedom of Information Act ruling.

The case, which is set to cost the taxpayer thousands, aims to prevent the publication of controversial statistics including late terminations for disabled babies, which are legal under Ground E of the Abortion Act, right up to birth.

Last month, the Information Tribunal upheld and earlier ruling by the Information Commissioner, in favour of the Pro-Life Alliance, that the data must be published.

courtesy of The Sisters of the Gospel of Life. Read more here.

Catholic Church launches new website

from the Bishops Conference of Scotland

Being Catholic.org is a new website which is designed to promote Catholic adult education in Scotland. It is provided as a free resource by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland.

There are three main sections on the site: Praying our Faith, Learning our Faith and Sharing our Faith. These are intended to help users to reflect, pray and learn and they provide:

• scripture readings from the daily Mass [Ordinary Form];
• a 3 minute on-line retreat;
• a thought for the day which can be download to MP3 players;
• blogs and podcasts.
  

There are links to the Vatican Radio and the Vatican YouTube websites, as well as to various Scottish Catholic agencies, helping users to keep up-to-date with the latest news and views in the Catholic Church.

The site also provides information on the many courses and events provided in Scotland to help Catholic adults to grow in their faith.

All this information is just a simple click away. www.BeingCatholic.org

[Please pray for Being Catholic's success, and also think of ways to help.]

new Marist Rosary Fraternity

Thanks to the Sisters of the Gosepl of Life for passing on the news:-

Brother John Ogilvie of the Marist Order has started a Marist Fraternity and welcomes all who would like to come along and join with him in praying this most Holy Rosary.

This is held at 1.30pm each Tuesday at St Mungo’s Church in Townhead (Glasgow) and is carried out in the Middle Hall, which is at the rear of the church and entered from McAslin Street.

“Remember your Rosary”

Coming Up Next Week (November, Week 2)

Thursdays, 5, 12, 19, & 26 November 2009

Gregorian Chant for Beginners
9.45 - 11.45am, Appies Tea Rooms, Sandvick, Orkney Islands

Saturday 14 November 2009

Holy Mass [EF]
11.00am, Torphichen Priory, near Bathgate
Torphichen is the former Headquarters of the Order of St John of Jerusalem in Scotland.

~~*~~

Please comment with details of further events.

Note: November has seen an unprecedented number of traditional events, hence splitting the 'Upcoming Events' post into four. Please let us know if you like this new format!

Advent retreat

Advent retreat on the theme:

‘The Holy Angels - who they are, and what they do.’

Advent retreat at Douai Abbey (Upper Woolhampton RG7 5TQ, Berks. – railway: Midgham)

Tues. 15th (2pm)- Fri. 18th (11am) December 2009

Preacher: Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP


Cost: £107 - to cover: Accommodation: single room with en-suite bathroom, full board: £92, full board, including VAT; Retreat Master’s expenses: £15.

Booking: please send a £15 cheque made payable to ‘FSSP England’ to:

Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP,
179 Elgar Rd, RG2 0DH, Reading, Berkshire, UK.

For more information, please see www.fssp.org.uk.

(image: Martini's The Angel Of The Annunciation, Wikimedia Commons)

Assisted suicide consultation until the 16th!

Archbishop Peter Smith on the CPS consultation on assisting suicide (Vimeo)

The Crown Prosecution Service is holding a public consultation on 'assisted suicide' until November 16th. This means we, the public, the faithful, have a real opportunity to influence the views of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the CPS' practices and procedures.

Don't leave it to someone else: act now!

More information is available on the English Bishops Conference Website.

Blog Help Wanted

One of the authors of this blog intends to retire from blogging by Spring 2010. If you have time to help out with this blog, and see it continue, please leave a comment, or email markadm at catholic dot org.

All comments are moderated, hence private comments can be left which will remain unpublished.

Coming Up Next Week (November, Week 1)

Sunday 1 November
Holy Mass for All Saints' (Missa Cantata) [EF]
11.30am, St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh

Sunday 1 November
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
11.00am, St Margaret's RC Church, Loch Rd, South Queensferry,
followed by Rosary and Benediction at 3.00pm

Monday 2 November
Low (said) Mass for All Souls' [EF]
8.00am, FSSP Oratory, 6 Belford Park, Edinburgh

Monday 2 November
Holy Mass for All Souls' [EF]
10.30am, St Mary's, Fochabers

Monday 2 November
Holy Mass for All Souls' (Missa Cantata) [EF]
12.15pm, FSSP Oratory, 6 Belford Park, Edinburgh

Monday 2 November
Holy Mass for All Souls' (Missa Cantata) [EF]
6.15pm, St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh

Monday 2 November 2009
Queensferry Quench: "God's Undertaker"
Has science buried God?
talk with Alistair Donald (more info)
7.15pm onwards, Orocco Pier, 17 High Street, South Queensferry

Tuesday 3 November 2009
Prayer Vigil against blasphemous play
7.00pm, outside Tron Theatre, Trongate, Glasgow

The Holy Family Apostolate have organised a prayer-protest against a blasphemous play entitled ‘Jesus Queen of Heaven’ which depicts Jesus as a transexual woman. Venue is the Tron Theatre, Glasgow, starting Tuesday 3rd November.

Volunteers are meeting outside the theatre to pray a Rosary of Reparation from 7-8pm. Please do your best to join this protest against this calculated insult to Our Lord. if you can’t make it, please remember us in our prayers during the day.

Wednesday 4 November 2009
Holy Hour - Prayer for Priests
7.00 - 8.00pm, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh

Thursdays, 5, 12, 19, & 26 November 2009
Gregorian Chant for Beginners
9.45 - 11.45am, Appies Tea Rooms, Sandvick, Orkney Islands

Saturday 7 November 2009
Una Voce Requiem Mass [EF]
12.00 noon, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Balornock

Saturday 7 November 2009
Monteverdi Vespers (1610)
Linton Singers & Scottish Gabrieli Ensemble
7.30pm, Carlops Church, Carlops

Sunday 8 November 2009
Monteverdi Vespers (1610)
Linton Singers & Scottish Gabrieli Ensemble
7.30pm, Canongate Kirk, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
both these performances are in aid of Mary's Meals^(?); tickets £8 at the door.

~~*~~

Please comment with details of further events.

Note: November has seen an unprecedented number of traditional events, hence splitting the 'Upcoming Events' post into four. Please let us know if you like this new format!

All Souls' Masses in Edinburgh

ALL SOULS' DAY

Monday, 2nd November 2009
8.00am, 12.15pm and 6.15pm

Latin Requiem Masses
according to the Extraordinary Form

Rev. Fr. John Emerson
Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter
Celebrant

8.00am, Low (said) Mass
FSSP Oratory, 6 Belford Park, Edinburgh

12.15pm, Gregorian sung Mass:
FSSP Oratory, 6 Belford Park, Edinburgh

6.15pm, Gregorian sung Mass:
St Andrew's RC Church, 77 Belford Road, Edinburgh
(with Gregorian Chant sung by Schola Sanctae Margaritae, Regina Scotorum)

For more information on the FSSP in the UK, see www.fssp.org.uk

To find out more about the Schola, which sings monthly Latin Vespers in Edinburgh, visit edinburghschola.blogspot.com

Murphy lobbies over Pope's visit

Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy has said he hopes that the Pope will make a visit to Scotland next year

Mr Murphy will travel to Rome next week for talks with the Vatican about a possible visit to the UK next year by Pope Benedict XVI.

The Pope is expected to visit the UK in 2010 but nothing has been formally announced.

To read the full article (BBC News) please click HERE.

Catholic genealogical records go online

A "treasure trove" of historic archives from the Scottish Catholic Church have been published online for the first time.

Hundreds of volumes of records from the Scottish Catholic Archives have been available on the ScotlandsPeople site.

They include details of French royal post-revolution refugees and Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's family tree.

To read the full article (BBC News) please click HERE.

Photos from Pluscarden Sacred Music Symposium

Blogging friend Monachus Benedictus has posted a selection of photographs from the Pluscarden Abbey Sacred Music Symposium 2009 on his blog:


The selection is available here, with more in a flickr set.

There is also a report on an ordination at Pluscarden and the text of Abbot Gilbert's meditation on Priesthood here (Spiritual Mothers of Priests).

upcoming events - October [updated]

Monday 5 October 2009
Queensferry Quench: "Mad, Bad or Sad?"
Why does anyone still believe in God today?
talk with David Robertson (more info)
7.15pm onwards, Orocco Pier, 17 High Street, South Queensferry

Wednesday 7 October 2009
Holy Hour - Prayer for Priests
7.00 - 8.00pm, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh

Thursday 8 October 2009
Life Society Talk: "Should we create animal-human hybrids?"
guest speaker: Dr. Calum Mackellar
7.30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Appleton Tower, George Square, Edinburgh
Dr Mackellar is Director of Research, Scottish Council of Human Bioethics

Thursday 15 October 2009
Solemn Vespers and Benediction for the feast of St Teresa of Ávila
6.45pm, St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh

Friday 16 October 2009
All Night Vigil
6pm - 6am, St Lucy's, Cumbernauld (see here)

Wednesday 21 October 2009
The Ethics of the Death Penalty (Debate)
7.15 - 9.00pm, Chaplaincy Room 2, Edinburgh University

Saturday 31 October 2009
Holy Mass
11.00am, ruins of Cambuskenneth Abbey, near Stirling

~~*~~

Please comment with details of further events.

confirmed: Pope Benedict XVI to visit UK

Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office officially confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI will visit Great Britain next year.

Father Lombardi told reporters about plans for papal voyages in 2010 to Malta, Portugal, and Great Britain. The trips to Malta and Portugal have already been announced by the hosts in each country. Father Lombardi added that it was a "good hypothesis" that the Holy Father would visit Great Britain, and the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman would be "an obvious occasion" for that trip. He said that preparations for all of the projected trips on the calendar for 2010 are still incomplete.

Sisters of the Gospel of Life welcome new postulant

by Fr Tim Finigan

Congratulations to the Sisters of the Gospel of Life and to Sr Amanda Brennan (above: centre) who has joined them as a new postulant.

The Sisters do great work in helping mothers who are tempted to abort their unborn child, offering compassion, kindness, and spiritual and material support. Their work is very worthy of your almsgiving - see the sidebar of their website to donate via paypal.

(reproduced with permission from The Hermeneutic of Continuity)

Nothing wrong with that?

Lifesitenews reports that Mrs Blair has once again stated her opposition to the Catholic Church's 'ban' - as she calls it - on contraception. She clearly says that it has been a part of her and her husband's married life.

Addressing the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Cherie Blair has again called upon the Church to change her perennial teaching on contraception. “I personally don't think there is anything wrong with that, said the wife of the former British prime minister, and indeed without being able to control that I wouldn't have been able to achieve the things that I've been able to do. I think there's a lot of difference between preventing a life coming about and actually extinguishing a life when it has come about, she added. A spokesman for the Church in Scotland defended Catholic teaching after hearing Mrs. Blair’s remarks. Referring to the abortifacient nature of some contraceptives, he said that extinguishing a life “is exactly what the morning-after pill does, while the conventional pill can potentially do the same.”

We are in a time of bold dissent from the Catholic Church's teaching and we must pray that our bishops will be inspired by the Holy Spirit to guide their faithful according to the Natural Law.

(source: gloria.tv/Fr John Boyle)

upcoming events - September

Wednesday 2 September 2009
Holy Hour - Prayer for Priests
7.00 - 8.00pm, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh

Thursday 3 September 2009
Solemn Vespers and Benediction for the feast of Pope St Pius X
6.45pm, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh

Saturday 5 September 2009
Solemn High Mass (Byrd 4-part)
Brinkburn Priory, Northumberland
Rudgate Singers of York assisted by members of Una Voce Scotland; vestments provided by UVS.

Sunday 6 September 2009
Solemn High Mass
11.30am, St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh

Saturday 12 September 2009
High Mass for wedding of David Brower & Coleen
1.30pm, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Balornock

Friday 18 September 2009
Mass for Vocations [OF]
7.00pm, Convent of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Gilmore Place, Edinburgh

Saturday 19 September 2009
Una Voce Scotland AGM and Holy Mass
1.00pm, Holy Mass, Seton Collegiate Church, East Lothian
AGM, afterwards, St Gabriel's Church Hall, Prestonpans

Tuesday 29 September 2009
Sung Mass for Holy Michael the Archangel [EF]
6.15pm, FSSP Oratory, 6 Belford Park, Edinburgh

~~*~~

Please comment with details of further events.

Douai Abbey Weekend for 18-35 Year Olds

If you are in the 18-35ish age range, there will also be a retreat led by Fr. de Malleray FSSP (head of the international Juventutem Federation) at Douai Abbey 18-20th September 2009.

How to Book for the retreat

From as little as 25 pounds for students (or 48-88 pounds for non students) for more details, please see www.youngcatholicadults.co.uk/news.htm or email juventutemcatholicam at yahoo.co.uk, or ring 07908105787.

* Douai Abbey has excellent transport links to London and its environs with a train station (Midgham – just past Reading) just 15 minutes walk away; and the A4 and M4 just down the road. Please see www.youngcatholicadults.co.uk/news.htm for directions.

Ambulance at the Foot of a Cliff

Dr Lyndsey Myskow, an Edinburgh sexual health expert argued in the Scottish Herald that the morning after pill should be available free of charge in Scotland’s schools. A spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland answered that "the morning after pill has been progressively distributed over the past five years. At every step the availability has been mirrored by a rise in sexually transmitted diseases, a rise in conceptions and a rise in abortions. "The morning after pill is like the equivalent of putting an ambulance at the foot of a cliff instead of putting a fence at the top."

(more here)

Better to resign

James MacMillan, the Scottish composer who is one of the Catholic world’s leading creative artists, has requested Catherine Pepinster, the editor of the Tablet, and Elena Curti, her deputy to resign. The Tablet crisis is caused by its misrepresentation of Catholic teaching on abortion and Archbishop Nichols’ views on the Latin Mass in successive editorials.

(more here)

Nanny Wanted

FULL TIME NANNY REQUIRED

Weekdays Only
Glasgow Area

Non Smoker, Driving License

Email CV to:
scoadvert at googlemail dot com

This is a really lovely young family, in urgent need of a nanny. It would be great if other bloggers could pick this up and people could spread the word. Thank you and God bless!

Spiritual Mothers of Priests

by Fr Tim Finigan

In 2007, the Congregation for the Clergy published a document entitled Eucharistic Adoration for the Sanctification of Priests and Spiritual Maternity. It is largely a collection of reflections on the example of women who prayed particularly for priests.

Jane, who writes the blog Thoughts from an Oasis in French Catholicism, has taken up the idea of promoting Spiritual Maternity for priests with a dedicated blog Spiritual Mothers of Priests. She has been helped particularly by the advice and encouragement of Fr Mark of Vultus Christi who lives in the diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma and spends his time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, interceding for his brother priests. He has a helpful post: What can I do for the Year of the Priest?

It is a great source of joy and encouragement for priests to know that others are praying for them. It also motivates us to try to live a holy life in response to the generosity of others in their prayers and sacrifices. My warmest thanks, which I am sure will be echoed by brother priests, for all those who pray for priests.

(reproduced from The Heremeneutic of Continuity)

Sisters Appeal...

by Mulier Fortis

The wonderful Sisters of the Gospel of Life are in need of baby stuff, as they're running very low on supplies. They don't need baby wipes, but they are asking for other baby toiletries, buggies, cots, baths and high-chairs. The Sisters run the Cardinal Winning Pro-Life Initiative, and have saved countless babies from being aborted by offering care, counselling and practical support to young mothers who feel they have no other option but to abort. This practical support extends to helping to find accommodation for young mothers, providing cots, prams, baby clothes and so on.

On their blog, they asked for stuff from anyone in the Glasgow area, but we know from previous experience that Amazon (UK) and Amazon are able to deliver these items, however small the order. The delivery address, if you use this option is:

Sisters of the Gospel of Life
106 Dixon Ave
Glasgow
G42 8EL

It is also possible to make a donation via PayPal. The button is on the Sisters' sidebar.

Finally, the Sisters are aware that times are hard, and so they ask for those who cannot afford to send anything to keep them in their prayers. So pop over and tell them that you are praying for them and the work that they do.

(reproduced from Mulier Fortis)

Clergy Retreat for the Year for Priests

by Fr Armand de Malleray FSSP

Clergy pilgrimage to Ars and Lyons, 8-12 February 2010, led by Fr de Malleray FSSP - for the Year for Priests

On August 8th, 2009, Feast (EF calendar) of St John Marie Vianney, Patron of Priests:

Reverend and dear Fathers,

On this feast of our common Patron, please accept my heartfelt wishes of peace and joy in your priestly life.

To meet among priests and ask for the intercession of the holy Curé, I have the pleasure of inviting you to a pilgrimage to Ars next year (in exactly six months) from February 8 to 12, 2010 (i.e. the week before Ash Wednesday – 17 February 2010).

(image: the shrine of the Curé of Ars)

Dates:

• Depart Monday morning 8 February 2010 from the UK, arriving in the afternoon in Lyon and reach Francheville (FSSP house on the outskirt of Lyons).
• Return Friday morning 12 February 2010 from Lyons.
• Our pilgrimage will be under the special protection of Our Blessed Lady, the Mother of God and the Mother of priests as the anniversary of Her Apparitions in Lourdes will occur while we are still in Lyons. (Feb. 11th).
  

Location:

We will be based in the beautiful St Padre Pio House run by the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter in Francheville (Lyons), less than an hour drive from Ars. Single room accommodation. Garden.

Scheduled:

• A full day in Ars, the climax of our stay. Possibility of offering Holy Mass in Ars. Visit of the Curé’s presbytery. Veneration of his relics.
• One day in Lyons, original Episcopal See of St Iraeneus: visit of the Basilica of Fourvières; prayer at the place of death of St Francis de Sales; visit of the Roman amphitheatre where the protomartyrs of Gaul SS. Polycarp, Blandina, Pothinus and others suffered in 117 a.D. On a lighter note, meal in a ‘bouchon’ (traditional Lyonnais restaurant; see here).
• We will also have conferences on priestly spirituality, including the theology of the Mass, the EF Roman liturgy and prayer life.
  

Price (estimate):

• About £150 for return train ticket London St Pancras-Lyons-London St Pancras (reduction possible if we travel as a group).
• Alternatively: Easyjet direct return flight Stansted-Lyons-Gatwick: minimum price £51 (for group ticket of 15 passengers).
• Accommodation will be very affordable in the FSSP house - rough estimate: £30/day with breakfast + 1 main meal at least, i.e. £120 for 4 full days (4 nights).
• To be added: transport in Lyons and to Ars. Meals outside of the house (at least twice).
  

Liturgy:

Possibility of offering private Mass daily in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman rite (please bring only your alb, biretta, cingulum and linens). Compline (or one other Hour per day) in the EF of the Roman rite (please bring EF Breviary if you possess one).

Booking:

please send a £120 cheque made payable to ‘FSSP ENGLAND’, posted to : Fr de Malleray, FSSP, 179 Elgar Rd, RG2 0DH, Reading, Berkshire, UK. Please include your complete contact details in the booking.

Number of places available as of today: 13.

I am looking forward to meeting you again soon and I wish you a blessed Year for Priests. With my prayer,

Fr Armand de Malleray FSSP

Link:

• pictures of Francheville and FSSP in Lyons

(image below: Priests in the Padre Pio House Chapel)

upcoming events - August [updated]

Tuesday 4 - Thursday 6 August 2009
Vocation retreat with Fr de Malleray, FSSP
Axminster, Devon (more info)

Wednesday 5 August 2009
Holy Hour - Prayer for Priests
7.00 - 8.00pm, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh

Thursday 6 August 2009
Solemn Vespers and Benediction for the Transfiguration of Our Lord
6.15pm, St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh

Friday 14 August 2009
All Night Prayer Vigil
6pm onwards, St Lucy's Church, Abronhill, Cumbernauld (more info)

Saturday 15 August 2009
Missa Cantata for the Assumption
12.00 noon, St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh

Saturday 15 August 2009
Solemn Vespers for the Assumption of the B.V.M.
4pm, St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh

~~*~~

Please comment with details of further events, or if you would like to know more.

upcoming events - July

Wednesday 1 July 2009
Holy Hour - Prayer for Priests
7.00 - 8.00pm, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh

Sunday 5 July 2009
Mass of thanksgiving
4pm, Old College of Scalan, nr Tomintoul

~~*~~

Please comment with details of further events, or if you would like to know more.

Cappa Magna in use again

by Gregor Kollmorgen

From the Scottish Catholic Observer comes this interesting report:

Cardinal Keith Patrick O’Brien received a great welcome as he arrived as the Papal Legate of Pope Benedict XVI at St Columba’s Church Long Tower on the feast of St Columba and the centenary of Long Tower.
Cardinal O’Brien arrived in cappa magna, seen in Derry for the first time since Vatican II. The particular cappa magna worn by the cardinal initially belonged to Cardinal Heard, the first Scots-born Cardinal appointed since the Reformation. The cappa magna then passed on to Cardinal Gray — then to Cardinal Winning — and now is in the possession of Cardinal O’Brien with this solemn event being the first occasion on which he has worn it.
Rev Thomas Philip Donnelly (senior priest of the diocese), Pontifical Mission to the Papal Legate, and Rev Michael Canny (Administrator, St Eugene’s Cathedral) accompanied the cardinal.

(Read the entire report at the site of the Scottish Catholic Observer here)

While the cappa magna is not a strictly liturgical vestment, it is still a part of the prelatial choir dress, and perhaps the one that most vividly typified the prelatial dignity. That its use has been taken up again by Cardinal O’Brien may be taken to show the ongoing influence of the re-assertion of a hermeneutic of continuity in the Church, which is also shown by a passage of the Cardinal's homily, reported by the observer:

Cardinal O’Brien said that the centenary celebrations were part of the ‘great river of Christianity of which the late Pope John Paul II spoke in the Year of Columba 1997.
That river of Christianity began with the birth of Jesus Christ; it has continued through the centuries with the ministry of men like St Columba in Ireland and Scotland; and continues right up to our own time.’

(reproduced from The New Liturgical Movement)