upcoming events - June

Thursday 3 June
Missa Cantata for Corpus Christi
7pm, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Balornock, Glasgow (info)
6.15pm, St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh (info)

Saturday 5 June
First Solemn High Mass of Fr Simon Harkins FSSP
1pm, St Mary's Metropolitan Cathedral, Picardy Place, Edinburgh

His Eminence Keith Patrick Cardinal O'Brien will be in attendance and will preach the homily. This is the first time in the UK and possibly in the world that a Cardinal Primate will attend a First Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite in his own diocesan cathedral and preach for the occasion.

Saturday 5 June
Day Walk Of Historical, Literary, Ecclesiastical & Natural Interest
9.30am, Newtown St Boswells, Scottish Borders (info)
walk in aid of "Keeping the Door Open" - Edinburgh University Catholic Chaplaincy


Thursday 24 June
Solemn Vespers and Benediction for the Nativity of St John the Baptist
6.45pm, St Mary's Metropolitan Cathedral, Picardy Place, Edinburgh

Sunday 27 June (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)

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Please comment with details of further events.

Society of St Tarcisius - Sodality of Traditional Altar Servers

On Saturday 15th May 2010, at Blackfriars, Oxford, a newly founded Sodality of Servers of the traditional Latin Mass (“extraordinary form”) was inaugurated. This took place in the context of a training day for experienced altar servers, arranged by the Latin Mass Society of England and Wales, who were seeking to improve their understanding of the ceremonies of sung solemn mass. Thirty servers were present at the event, with the training being delivered by Fr Armand de Mallerey FSSP, Br Lawrence Lew OP, Mr David Forster, and Mr Richard Hawker.

The new Sodality has been founded at the request of numerous servers of the traditional Mass, who desired a society that would encourage them in their work on the altar, provide training for both new servers and the more experienced, promote a high standard of reverent and exact service, and form a network through which servers can stay in touch and share resources.

The Sodality is sponsored by the Latin Mass Society of England and Wales, though membership is open to those from other countries who may wish. It has taken as its patron St Tarcisius, a Roman acolyte who was martyred during one of the fierce persecutions of the third century, while defending the Holy Eucharist from profanation. The Sodality has taken “Fidelis usque ad mortem” – Faithful even unto death – as its motto, and seeks to inculcate in servers an intense devotion and reverence to Our Lord in the Eucharist, as well as a precise attention to the ceremonies of Mass.

A website for the Society has been inaugurated – www.saint-tarcisius.org.uk – where further details will be found. Anybody wishing to join the Sodality should contact the Secretary, Mr David Forster, at secretary at saint-tarcisius.org.uk.

Photographs of the training event on Saturday can be seen at http://www.lmschairman.org/2010/05/server-master-class-report.html

Note: efforts are also being made to co-ordinate interests in membership from Scotland. If you live in Scotland and are interested in membership, please leave a comment, or email Mark Miles at markadm at catholic.org

(Photo: Joseph Shaw)

Orkney - Little Splinters from the Cross

On Friday the news broke - courtesy of Damian Thompson of The Telegraph - that the Bishop of Aberdeen, the Right Reverend Peter Moran had blocked Una Voce Scotland's plans for a Solemn High Mass in St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall. St Magnus Cathedral dates back to 1137! For readers abroad: St Magnus Cathedral is one of those beautiful pre-Reformation Churches up and down Scotland, which are now in the care of the (presbyterian) Church of Scotland.

Father Z soon picked up the story too, as did even 'Anglo-Catholic' bloggers! Having known about this setback for a while, and conscious that stories often grow arms and legs, I worried that the truth might not necessarily 'out', but rather be confused by what people think the truth is.

Let's sum up the facts:

• Una Voce Scotland, as a group dedicated to preserving the Gregorian Chant and the traditional form of the Roman rite, often arranges for Masses in pre-Reformation sites - they must be pre-Reformation, because that means they were once consecrated Churches of Catholic worship;
• In this instance, and indeed as in others, Una Voce Scotland approached the venue to see if there was indeed any possibility at all. Those who sneer that we ought to go to the local Ordinary first should remember that it's harder to go without any details at all;
• Having secured the agreement in principle that it may be possible to celebrate Holy Mass at St Magnus Cathedral, Bishop Moran was then contacted.
  

Now, there's plenty precedent for this method, as Father Z notes: there was a fine Solemn TLM in the Cathedral of Winchester which had the permission of the Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth. And even, happy reports closer to home, e.g. 'Historic Homecoming for Knights of Malta' and 'Sing Out in Praise at Abbey Mass in Stirling' (both Scottish Catholic Observer).

What happens next is confusing, and can divert attention from the real issues: Una Voce Scotland had suggested - to make things easier - that the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer provide Priests, rather than the Bishop having to find Priests. However, he didn't like this one, writing "they have as yet only limited faculties to celebrate Mass in this diocese". Fair enough, though he could have granted them specific faculties for this particular Mass. His Lordship then continues, "like all priests of the Church they are at liberty to celebrate the forma extraordinaria privately without specific permission, and to have some people with them when they do, but for public celebration the local bishop’s permission is needed". Now, this is where confusion can set in:

• the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum provides that a Priest does not need any special faculty to celebrate the traditional form of the rite;
• however, the Bishop is still correct in a manner of speaking. Why? Because he has ordinary jurisdiction - it's his Diocese. More importantly so, because it's not in a Catholic Church (CIC Canon 933).
  

So, the letter of the law does not allow the Bishop to forbid the old rite, but he cannot forbid the Mass entirely, especially due to the venue not being a Catholic Church nowadays - it requires his express permission. But this is where the Bishop might wish to set an example by taking a leaf out of Cardinal O'Brien's book: the Cardinal has been gracious and open to Una Voce Scotland, allowing them to make pilgrimage and celebrate Holy Mass in pre-Reformation sites.

Christian Campbell reminds us: "Whenever and wherever the Christian faithful ask for the older form of the Mass, every reasonable accommodation should be made. Even where congregations do not think to petition for the older use, the Holy Father suggests that pastors should introduce their people to its treasures." So why does Bishop Moran use the choice of celebrant, and a legal technicality, to summarily dash the hopes of those in his diocese attached to the old rite? Truly sad. And as to saying to the reporter, "I've no knowledge at all of what you're talking about. I'll make inquiries and get back to you" - curious? My Lord, you really ought not to sign things without looking!

The upshot? The upshot is that whilst Damian suggests complaining to the CDW, and Father Z corrects him - stating its PCED, i.e. CDF - there's no use complaining because the Bishop has exercised his ordinary jurisdiction in a matter of his competence. Also, this was private correspondence between the Ordinary and a member of Una Voce Scotland, already eight months old. Why didn't Damian contact him?

Whilst people grouse in comment boxes saying 'this is an outrage!', it's what many have had to put up with for forty years. The situation is changing slowly, and for the better. But setbacks do happen: each year Historic Scotland refuses us permission to finish the St Margaret Pilgrimage with a Mass in Dunfermline Abbey - do we beef about that? As a friend once said to me: "little trials, little pains, little splinters from the Cross". Grin and bear it - it's just a pity Moran couldn't be more gracious about this all! But let's not blow this out of all proportion!

International Juventutem Weekend at Douai Abbey

During the weekend of the 10-12 September . Young Catholic Adults will be running the 2010 Juventutem Conference at Douai Abbey, the retreat will be led by Juventutem Ecclesiastical Assistant Fr de Malleray . The weekend will be full-board. Places are limited so please book early:

• YCA will have half of the retreat centre to itself;
• There will be socials;
• Fr. de Malleray FSSP head of Juventutem will preach the retreat, Masses will be in the Extraordinary form.
  

THE MAIN GUEST HOUSE

Saturday 11th – Sunday 12th September (full board)*

• 51 pounds full-board (except Sunday lunch) PER PERSON PER NIGHT
• 25 pounds for students/low waged/unwaged (or whatever you can afford)

THE COTTAGES

£35 per person per night (full board). Self catering £25 per person per night (reductions for students:- or whatever you can afford).


SELF CATERING CAMPING

£5 per person per night (or whatever you can afford - please bring your own tent and food).

How to book - limited places so please reserve your place early.

To reserve your place FOR THE WEEKEND (no deposit needed if you are coming for the day on Saturday 5th July), please a 20 pound deposit (NON RETURNABLE) to Damian Barker, Flat 5, 12 St. Catherine Street, Kingsholm, Gloucester, Glos. GL2 9DU (please make any cheques payable to Damian Barker). For enquiries ring 07908105787.

upcoming events - May

Sunday 2 May 2010
Exposition and Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament
after 10.00am Mass, St Margaret's RC Church, Loch Road, South Queensferry
followed by Benediction at 3.00pm

Saturday 8 May 2010
Sung High Mass [EF]
11.00am, former Carmelite Priory of St Mary, South Queensferry
(currently Scottish Episcopal Church)

part of this Church dates back to 1441; it is but a stone's throw from the former Queen's Crossing, used by St Margaret, Queen of Scots.

Thursday 13 May
Missa Cantata for the Ascension
6.15pm, St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh (more)

Sunday 23 May 2010
Exposition and Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament
after 10.00am Mass, St Margaret's RC Church, Loch Road, South Queensferry
followed by Benediction at 3.00pm

Sunday 30 May (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 30 May 2010
Exposition and Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament
after 10.00am Mass, St Margaret's RC Church, Loch Road, South Queensferry
followed by Benediction at 3.00pm

~~*~~

Please comment with details of further events.

Juventutem Meal (England)

For our readers in England, Young Catholic Adults (the Juventutem Chapter in England) is organising a social even for Palm Sunday. They will be meeting up at the 11am Traditional Mass at St William of York Catholic Church in Reading on Palm Sunday (28th March) and then heading off for a meal afterwards (place to be specified). Everyone is warmly welcome.

The Church is situated on Upper Redlands Road, Reading, Berks. RG1 5JT, located next to St Joseph Convent School. Large free parish car park next to St William Church. Sung Mass preceded and followed with Confessions.

For more details see the YCA website, or the FSSP England website.

upcoming events - April

Thursday 1 - Saturday 3 April 2010
Tenebrae for the Holy Triduum
10.00am daily, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh (info)

Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 April 2010
Easter Triduum Retreat
Craig Lodge, Dalmally, Argyll (facebook)

Thursday 1 April 2010
Mass for Maundy Thursday [EF]
7.00pm, St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh

Friday 2 April 2010
Good Friday Liturgy [EF]
3.00pm, St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh

Saturday 3 April 2010
Easter Vigil [EF]
8.00pm, St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh

Sunday 4 April 2010
Mass of Easter Day (Missa Cantata) [EF]
11.30am, St Andrew's Church, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh

Friday 16 April 2010
'Catholics and Evolution' talk
6.30pm, St Andrew's Church Hall, Belford Road, Ravelston, Edinburgh
talk organised by the Holy Family Apostolate (more info)

Saturday 17 April 2010
'Catholics and Evolution' talk
1.00pm, St Bride's Hall, Coursington Road, Motherwell
talk organised by the Holy Family Apostolate (more info)

Sunday 18 April 2010
'Catholics and Evolution' talk
3.00pm, Immaculate Heart of Mary, 162 Broomfield Road, Glasgow
talk organised by the Holy Family Apostolate (more info)

Saturday 24 March
Solemn High Mass for the 5th Anniversary of the Enthronement of Pope Benedict XVI, with Gregorian Chant propers
11.30am, Seton Collegiate Church, A198 near Longniddry

Sunday 25 April (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.

Annunciation in Edinburgh

ANNUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thursday 25 March 2010

Vespers and Latin Mass
in the Extraordinary Form

Solemn Vespers and Benediction
5.00pm, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Picardy Place, Edinburgh
Rev. Fr. Bruno Clifton OP, Celebrant
(Gregorian Chant sung by Schola Sanctae Margaritae, Regina Scotorum)

Low Mass
6.15pm, FSSP Oratory, 6 Belford Park, Edinburgh
Rev. Fr. John Emerson FSSP, Celebrant

Note: Tenebrae (Solemn Morning Prayer) will also be sung daily in St Mary's RC Cathedral, Picardy Place, Edinburgh, at 10.00am on the mornings of the Thursday 1st, Friday 2nd, and Saturday 3rd April. For more information see: edinburghschola.blogspot.com.

For more information on the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter (FSSP) in the UK, visit www.fssp.org.uk

reminder: A Passiontide Reflection

REMINDER: TOMORROW!

Chant Day @ St Mary's
A Passiontide Reflection

Talks, readings and chants led by Fr. Paul Francis Spencer C.P. and the cantors of the St. Margaret Schola, culminating with First Vespers of Passion Sunday in St Mary's Metropolitan Cathedral, Edinburgh.

All welcome: tuition in Gregorian Chant will be available (don't be put off: no experience necessary!).

Saturday 20 March 2010, 10:00am - 4:30pm.
St Mary's Cathedral Parish Centre (behind Café Camino),
Little King Street, Edinburgh (just by John Lewis at the foot of Leith Street)

Cost: £10.00 to cover lunch, refreshments and music.

Please call 07736061080 if attending.

Sacred Triduum and Easter in Edinburgh

SACRED TRIDUUM &
EASTER 2010

Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 April 2010

Latin Masses
according to the Extraordinary Form

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

Thursday 1 April 2010
Maundy Thursday
7.00pm, Gregorian Sung Mass

Friday 2 April 2010
Good Friday
3.00pm, Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday

Saturday 3 April 2010
Easter Vigil
8.00pm, vigil Mass of Easter (Sung)

Sunday 4 April 2010
Easter Sunday

all within St Andrew's RC Church, 77 Belford Road, Edinburgh

Note: Tenebrae (Solemn Morning Prayer) will also be sung daily in St Mary's RC Cathedral, Picardy Place, Edinburgh, at 10.00am on the mornings of the Thursday 1st, Friday 2nd, and Saturday 3rd April. For more information see: edinburghschola.blogspot.com.

For more information on the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter (FSSP) in the UK, visit www.fssp.org.uk