Latin Mass tonight at Morriston!

5pm at The Church of the Sacred Heart - and afterwards?

A few tidbits of food and some beverages or other - a good way to prepare for 2012!


                              A PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR

 O sacred and adorable Trinity, hear our prayers on behalf of our holy Father the Pope, our Bishops, our clergy, and for all that are in authority over us.


Bless, we beseech Thee, during the coming year, the whole Catholic Church; convert heretics and unbelievers; soften the hearts of sinners so that they may return to Thy friendship; give prosperity to our country and peace among the nations of the world; pour down Thy blessings upon our friends, relatives, and acquaintances, and upon our enemies, if we have any; assist the poor and the sick; have pity on the souls of those whom this year has taken from us; and do Thou be merciful to those who during the coming year will be summoned before Thy judgment seat.


May all our actions be preceded by Thy inspirations and carried on by Thy assistance, so that all our prayers and works, having been begun in Thee, may likewise be ended through Thee.

Amen.

Reflections on the Feast of The Holy Innocents

More from A Reluctant Sinner aka Dylan Parry....

Feast of the Holy Innocents - How the Church could benefit from a reintroduction of the Boy Bishop traditions

Westminster Cathedral's 2007 Boy Bishop
(source: Solomon, I have surpassed thee)

Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, when the whole Church commemorates those children who were killed by King Herod for the sake of the gospel. It is also one of the days that used to be connected to the Boy Bishop tradition - the others being St Nicholas' Day and certain local saints' days. The custom itself, which saw a boy (usually a cathedral chorister) replacing the local bishop for a day or a few weeks, was very popular in the Middle Ages. Sadly, it was suppressed in England during the Protestant Reformation, though continued in some parts of Europe well into the 20th century. In recent years, though, there have been a few attempts to revive this joyful and playful tradition throughout the universal Church.

Although each cathedral community had its own dates, liturgies and customs surrounding the election and installation of its Boy Bishop, most places shared certain things in common. Almost everywhere a chorister or schoolboy connected to a particular cathedral was either nominated by his masters or eleceted by his peers to become that year's temporary replacement to the local ordinary - during which he wore the mitre, pectoral cross, ring and also carried the crozier. Sometimes, a writing or translating competition was used to choose which boy was worthy enough to become that year's mock bishop.

Also common amongst the Boy Bishop traditions was the beautiful ceremony that saw the actual bishop giving up his throne and the boy's subsequent enthronement. During Vespers on the day upon which the Boy Bishop was installed - usually St Nicholas' Day (in England) or the Feast of the Holy Innocents (in most other places) - the local ordinary would step down from his seat during the Magnificat, at the words "deposuit potentes de sede" ("He casts down the mighty from their thrones"), whilst the child who had been elected would then immediately replace him whilst "et exaltavit humiles" ("and He raises the lowly") was sung.

This beautiful semi-official liturgy acted as a sort of memento mori for the bishop and was also a means of encouraging children to strive towards their best potential - for nothing is impossible for God, and any boy could potentially become a bishop. The Boy Bishop tradition reminded prelates that God would permanently remove them from their thrones one day and that there were countless other generations waiting to serve Him. The custom, then, was not just a childish bit of fun for Christmas, but was also a powerful reminder to individualistic or power-hungry ecclesiastics that their offices and honours were not theirs to keep. Not only would they have to answer to future generations for the way they had led their dioceses, but they would also have to answer directly to the One who exalted them in the first place. The Boy Bishop customs also helped prelates to reflect on the fact that no-one in the Church is indispensable - not even a bishop. As Our Lord said: "Out of these stones, God can raise children for Abraham" (Mt 3:9).

Soon after his investiture, the Boy Bishop would be dressed in a mitre and cope and choose a curia or chapter for himself from amongst his friends and classmates. He would afterwards lead most of his particular cathedral's services either for the whole of Advent (if he was elected on the Feast of St Nicholas) or Christmastide (if he was appointed on the Feast of the Holy Innocents). In York, the Boy Bishop was invested with great solemnity and even went on a visitation of his diocese, whilst the one at Gloucester Cathedral was often lavished with gifts of money by members of the local aristocracy! In some places, the boy would only exercise his "office" for a day or two or just during Vespers on his particular cathedral's own saint's day - during which very popular sermons were preached (often better than the ones given by the real bishop!). Of course, a Boy Bishop could not celebrate the sacraments, so Masses and confessions continued to be celebrated and heard by priests belonging to the (real and adult) cathedral chapter.

Protestants viewed such joyful traditions with deep suspicion - especially puritans, who were never really known for their sense of joy or sense of humour! Also, both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I were deeply suspicious of these subversive customs, even if the Church had had no problem with them for centuries. As the Boy Bishop tradition sees an ecclesiastical potentate replaced by a spotty teenager or child, many early Anglicans thought that if it continued this custom could destabilise (through mockery) their new or "reformed" episcopacy. So, although Mary Tudor revived the Boy Bishop custom in the mid-16th century, it all but disappeared by during the reign of her Protestant half-sister, Elizabeth I.

In recent years, the Boy Bishop tradition has made a bit of a comeback. Several English cathedrals, such as Salisbury and Hereford, now keep this custom once more. Even Westminster Cathedral attempted to revive the Boy Bishop tradition a few years ago - though as far as I am aware this annual event has now stopped (publicly, at least). The photos in this post show ceremonies surrounding the installation of Westminster Cathedral's 2007 Boy Bishop. That year's Boy Bishop was elected after winning a writing competition at the Cathedral's Choir School. He then delivered a homily on St Gregory's Day - the Choir School's feast day. A blog post written in 2007 by Mgr Mark Langham, who was Administrator of Westminster Cathedral at the time, contains more images, as well as the prayers and rites that were used during the installation of that year's Boy Bishop.

There is something to be said for the Boy Bishop tradition. It reminds us all that being light-hearted can be immensely beneficial, especially as religion is prone to be taken far too seriously. It is also a wonderful way of reminding bishops that God will, one day, cast them from their thrones. Those bishops who spent the past few decades implementing their own version of Catholicism could therefore have done with a Boy Bishop - they might have realised then in a profound way that bishops are custodians of truth, which must be passed on from generation to generation, as opposed to being religious innovators. Those who think they have modernised their dioceses forever would know, if they had been replaced by a Boy Bishop, that the Church is bigger than they are, that God will probably undo all their work with the next generation, and that out of the mouths of babes shall pour forth wisdom (cf Mt 21:16).

Update: Fr Bede Rowe has left a comment, reminding us that Chavagnes International College (an acclaimed English language Catholic school based in France) maintains the Boy Bishop tradition. To read more about it, and to view photos of the 2011 Boy Bishop and the ceremonies surrounding his installation, please click here, here, here, here and here. Fr Bede Rowe has also found an old photo of a Boy Bishop here, who looks more like a Boy Pope!

[Images: Westminster Cathedral's 2007 Boy Bishop; source: Solomon, I have surpassed thee

A Happy and Spiritual New Year begins......

....at 5pm on 31st December when Fr Jones will offer Mass at the Church of The Sacred Heart, Morriston, near Swansea.

Photo: Glorificamus

And afterwards.......?

If you would care to bring a small amount of party fare we will pool resources and have a modest bunfight!

Courtesy of Fr Jason Jones, Extraordinary Form of Mass Co-ordinator, Menevia Diocese.

A Christmas message to the Confraternity - the sound of silence!

Silent night, Silent Mass, Silence at the foot of the cross

There has been much discussion recently on the Pastoral letter of the Bishop of Aberdeen on the need to Create Silence. In the beautiful letter the Bishop stresses the importance of Silence in Church. This silence is of course an active silence.

 

 The popular Christmas carols which touch the heart are either sung with gentleness or allude to the importance of Silence. Silent Night Holy Night, Away in a Manger and How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given.

 

In the Stillness of the midnight hour we gather for the celebration of the incarnation , in silence Mary gives birth to Christ in silence ,St Joseph contemplates the great mystery.

 

In Silence we too look up and silently say 'My Lord and my God' when the miracle of Christmas , the descent of the Son of God into the hands of the priest takes place.

 

 So sacred a moment so great an accomplishment that the words which draw our Lord down are uttered in silence.

 

When all was silent the Lord leapt down from his throne.

 

In the silence of the manger, the silence of the tabernacle, we adore and kneel before Our Lord and our God.

May our adoration this Christmas fill us with the choicest blessings that the Christ Child bestows.

 

Wishing you all a very Happy and Blessed Christmas

 

Fr Jason Jones

Merry Christmas Menevia!

The House of Christmas

There fared a mother driven forth
Out of an inn to roam;
In the place where she was homeless
All men are at home.
The crazy stable close at hand,
With shaking timber and shifting sand,
Grew a stronger thing to abide and stand
Than the square stones of Rome.

For men are homesick in their homes,
And strangers under the sun,
And they lay on their heads in a foreign land
Whenever the day is done.
Here we have battle and blazing eyes,
And chance and honour and high surprise,
But our homes are under miraculous skies
Where the yule tale was begun.

A Child in a foul stable,
Where the beasts feed and foam;
Only where He was homeless
Are you and I at home;
We have hands that fashion and heads that know,
But our hearts we lost - how long ago!
In a place no chart nor ship can show
Under the sky's dome.

This world is wild as an old wives' tale,
And strange the plain things are,
The earth is enough and the air is enough
For our wonder and our war;
But our rest is as far as the fire-drake swings
And our peace is put in impossible things
Where clashed and thundered unthinkable wings
Round an incredible star.

To an open house in the evening
Home shall men come,
To an older place than Eden
And a taller town than Rome.
To the end of the way of the wandering star,
To the things that cannot be and that are,
To the place where God was homeless
And all men are at home.

G K Chesterton

Before the birth, news of the Mass of the Epiphany!

The Adoration of the Magi

As a generous gesture, Monsignor Johnson has offered to celebrate Mass in the Extraordinary Form on this great feast.

It will be at 11am Friday 6th January at The Church of the Holy Name, Fishguard.

I am sure that a local inn will be found for those wishing to enjoy meat on this Friday as, of course, it is a feastday and abstinence is exempt.

The Bishop's Rosaries

Last week, Fr Jason Jones presented Bishop Thomas Burns with the spiritual bouquet of 315 Rosaries offered up on the his behalf by Catholics from around the world.

The Bishop was most touched and moved by this act and asked for his gratitude to be expressed to all who had contributed.

315 offered for the Bishop's intentions



Next EF Mass is on Sunday!

Sunday 18th December at the Church of St Therese of Lisieux, Sandfields, Port Talbot at 5pm.

St Therese of Lisieux, Sandfields, Port Talbot

A Martyr for Christ, and for Wales!

Defending Catholicism without compromise and facing martyrdom with a sense of humour - The life of St John Roberts

St John Roberts - Benedictine martyr

Today (10th December) is the feast of St John Roberts OSB, who was martyred at Tyburn on this day in 1610. I have a particular devotion to this brave man, whose life is one I can relate to in many ways. I also know a few friends who are as equally devoted to St John Roberts - including the hermit-priest, Fr David Jones, who has composed hymns and a Mass setting for the Saint's feast. This blog post is therefore dedicated to John Roberts, asking him to intercede for those who pass by this way and for his prayers for the conversion of England and Wales. May the Lord's grace and peace be with all those who have recourse to this holy martyr.

Amongst the many things that attract me to St John Roberts is the fact that we both seem to have trod similar paths - although I am definitely no saint. John Roberts was born in North-West Wales in 1575, whilst I also entered the world in Gwynedd - albeit 400 years later, in 1975. We both converted to Catholicism at a young age. He eventually went to Valladolid to test a vocation to the priesthood, whilst I found myself in the same seminary a few centuries later. Both of us left that seminary for similar a reason – a desire to test the monastic vocation. St John Roberts, though, actually entered the monastic life, whilst I have managed to avoid that so far! Bizarrely, John Roberts also spent the latter part of his life in Westminster, the area of London where I now live. His place of imprisonment is just round the corner from me, whilst the site of his martyrdom is now a convent where I attend Mass every now and again.

Childhood and conversion

John Roberts was born into a Welsh family in Trawsfynydd in 1575. His parents were called John and Anna, and they seemed to have been the local landowners of the substantial Rhiw Goch farm. In fact, it is possible that John was descended from Welsh nobility, and it is certain that he receiveded a good preliminary education - a rare privilege at that time. Indeed, it is thought that one of his early teachers was a former monk of the nearby dissolved abbey of Cymer, and that this man instilled in him a sense of Catholic identity. After his initial schooling, John Roberts continued his studies at the relatively Catholic St John's College, Oxford. Whilst not graduating with a degree, his time at Oxford was followed by a spell at one of the Inns of Court in London - where he intended to become a lawyer.

During a holiday to celebrate the end of his studies, spent with a friend in Paris, something quite extraordinary and life-changing happened to John Roberts. Whilst in France, he decided to be reconciled to the old Faith - an act he might have been contemplating for some time. As a result of this decision, he was received into the Catholic Church at Notre Dame de Paris and abandoned any notion of being called to the bar. Soon after his conversion, John Roberts went even further - risking all in order to study for the priesthood with the intention of working as a missionary in his now Protestant homeland.

From seminary to cloister

John Roberts entered the newly erected Royal English College at Valladolid in 1598, but didn't stay long in this Jesuit run seminary, which had been founded by King Philip II of Spain soon after the Spanish Armada. In fact, he had abandoned his studies before the academic year was out. An anecdote from the time relates that John had left the College because he felt that the food on offer there wasn't wholesome enough. Somehow, though, I doubt this was the real reason for John Roberts' departure. It seems that what actually led him to abandon his studies for the secular priesthood was his fractious relationship with the then Rector, Father Robert Persons SJ. In all, five men left the English seminary at Valladolid to enter the local Benedictine monastery at the same time (early 1599), which suggests that the seminary was going through some sort of crisis. Whatever the immediate reasons for John's decision to test his monastic vocation, it is true to say that he had actually been feeling a genuine calling to the religious life for some time.

The old Abbey of San Benito in Valladolid  

The concepts of simplicity, silence, penance, and the holiness of the cloister have always been popular ones in the Welsh imagination, and might also have been the real inspiration behind John Roberts' move to the local Benedictine abbey at Valladolid. This monastery was relatively close to the College – one can still walk there quite easily in less than half an hour (though it now belongs to the Augustinians). Having made up his mind, John entered the monastic life in 1599, at which time he became known as Fray Juan de Mervinia (Brother John of Merionnydd). He soon left the city of Valladolid altogether, though - being sent to complete his novitiate at the Benedictine abbey in Santiago de Compostela. Living so close to his former College might have proved difficult both for John and his former Rector - especially seeing that there might also have been some tensions at the time between the Spanish monks and the English Jesuits.

Missionary priest and prisoner of Jesus Christ

Soon after his ordination to the sacred priesthood on St Stephen’s Day 1602, John Roberts was sent to England to work as a missionary monk. At the time, many professed Benedictines left the cloister in order to enter the English mission - following the example of the old British saints of the 5th and 6th centuries, most of whom were also missionary monks. At times of crisis, it seems that this form of monastic life - a dedicated and contemplative priesthood - becomes both necessary and beneficial to the Church's survival.

Before re-entering the British Isles, John Roberts would have been aware that the punishment for preaching the Catholic faith in England as a priest was a most horrific form of execution. Whilst ministering to the Catholics of England, then, not only would the newly ordained Father John have had to contend with plague and poverty, but he would also have had to evade the tyrannical machinations of the state and its network of spies. On several occasions he was arrested and exiled – yet back he came to minister to the poor and persecuted Catholic population of London. He was also imprisoned on several occasions, and would therefore have faced deprivations of all kinds for the sake of his faith. Yet, he remained steadfast - refusing to bow to fear, unwilling to compromise the truth and determined not to capitulate for the sake of an easier life. During one of his banishments, John Roberts actually became the first prior of the new English Benedictine foundation at Douai – this monastic community was later re-founded as the great Abbey of St Gregory at Downside (a well-known English monastery and school to this day).

Like so many other missionary priests of the time, St John Roberts constantly returned from exile to serve the people of his country – even in the face of imprisonment, torture and execution. In fact, it seemed that the prospect of martyrdom might have been a motivation for his persistent returns to England. Like so many other priests working in post-Reformation England and Wales, such as St John Southworth (whose remains are to be found in Westminster Cathedral), John Roberts was kept for long periods as a prisoner at the Gatehouse in Westminster. This was the old prison attached to Westminster Abbey, and served as a semi-open prison where inmates could sometimes come and go. In 1609, though, John Roberts was arrested after having escaped from the Gatehouse to minister to local Catholics. As punishment, he was placed in the hellish Newgate Prison. Aware of his plight, the French ambassador, Antonie de la Broderie, appealed to King James I on his behalf, and John Roberts narrowly escaped execution. Instead, he was exiled to France, where he returned to his beloved monastery at Douai. Needless to say, though, John Roberts was back in London before too long - determined to preach the gospel and reconcile Protestant England to Rome.

After being arrested seven times, escaping from prison twice and being banished three times, the Welsh Benedictine priest was apprehended for the last time on 2 December 1610 - whilst celebrating Mass in secret for his persecuted flock. He was immediately dragged through the streets back to Newgate Prison, whilst still dressed in his vestments. His trial was unjustly held only three days after his arrest and during it John Roberts was quickly found guilty of being a Catholic priest and therefore of high treason against the Crown. He was executed only five days later, on 10 December 1610.

An arrow points to St John Roberts as he stands with the other Forty Martyrs of England and Wales 

The Martyrs' Crown, well deserved

John Roberts suffered the horrendous execution reserved for traitors - being hanged, drawn and quartered. But he refused to be overcome at the thought of the horror that was about to befall him. Known for his keen sense of humour, and like many a martyr before him, St John Roberts joked right to the end. Whilst being led to the scaffold, someone in the crowd suggested that he should wear his cap. "Why?" he asked, "are you afraid that I might catch a cold?" Also, when John Roberts saw the flames in which his bowels were to be burned, he is said to have exclaimed, "I see you have prepared a hot breakfast for us!"

Due to the affection of the crowd who knew all about the way he had cared for the poor and dispossessed of Westminster, John Roberts was actually spared the more gruesome horrors of his sentence. The people who had gathered at Tyburn that day also remained silent and horrified throughout the Saint's execution - many could not believe that the Crown would do such a thing to an obviously holy man. There was no rejoicing amongst the usually exuberant execution-watchers that day. Not even the most Protestant of Englishmen could find much to celebrate over the death of this Welsh Catholic priest on that cold December morning.

After his painful martyrdom, St John Roberts' body was taken back to his monastic community, St Gregory’s in Douai. As happened to St John Southworth's body, John Roberts' remains were lost during the French Revolution. Whereas, though, John Southworth’s body was rediscovered in the 1920s, and returned to Westminster Cathedral, all we have of St John Roberts are a few relics, which are mainly to be found at Downside Abbey, the Catholic church at Gellilydan (Trawsfynydd), and Tyburn Convent - near the site where he offered his life to God for the sake of Christ's true Church and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Pope Leo XIII approved the opening of John Roberts' Cause on 4 December 1886. He was subsequently beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1929 and was canonised by Pope Paul VI on 25 October 1970, along with the other representative Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.

Sant John Roberts, gweddia drosom ni
Saint John Roberts, pray for us

Thanks go to Dylan Parry for this post.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen who died on 9th December 1979

At one time his television audience in the USA ran into 9 million viewers each and every week.

We remember his cause for the sainthood today, the anniversary of his death. If you have not heard this man speak, watch the clip below or, buy a set of his CDs from St Anthony Communications in Pembrokeshire, http://www.saintant.com/

             Prayer for the Canonisation of Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication.
You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J Sheen.

He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people.
If it be according to Your Will, for the honour and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint.

We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Advent thoughts from A Reluctant Sinner

The Successor to St Peter



Pope Benedict XVI celebrating First Vespers
on the First Sunday of Advent 2007
from the Throne of Pope Leo XIII

Here is a quotation from a book written by the then Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI. It comes from his reflection on Advent as contained in the book Seek That Which Is Above, which was first published in 1986. I happen to think these words are beautifully profound and enlightening: -

"Advent is concerned with that very connection between memory and hope which is so necessary to man. Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope. The purpose of the Church’s year is continually to rehearse her great history of memories, to awaken the heart’s memory so that it can discern the star of hope.… It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope."

Let's thank God for all the beautiful memories we might have, especially ones from our childhood, as well as for that joyful gift: Hope.

 

 Let us also thank Him for our compassionate and wonderful Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.

 

A Prayer for the Pope
(composed by Pope Leo XIII)

O Lord, we are the millions of believers, humbly kneeling at Thy feet and begging Thee to preserve, defend and save the Sovereign Pontiff for many years. He is the Father of the great fellowship of souls and our Father as well. On this day, as on every other day, he is praying for us also, and is offering unto Thee with holy fervour the sacred Victim of love and peace.

Wherefore, O Lord, turn Thyself toward us with eyes of pity; for we are now, as it were, forgetful of ourselves, and are praying above all for him. Do Thou unite our prayers with his and receive them into the bosom of Thine infinite mercy, as a sweet savour of active and fruitful charity, whereby the children are united in the Church to their Father. All that he asks of Thee this day, we too ask it of Thee in unison with him.

Whether he weeps or rejoices, whether he hopes or offers himself as a victim of charity for his people, we desire to be united with him; nay more, we desire that the cry of our hearts should be made one with his. Of Thy great mercy grant, O Lord, that not one of us may be far from his mind and his heart in the hour that he prays and offers unto Thee the Sacrifice of Thy blessed Son. At the moment when our venerable High Priest, holding in His hands the very Body of Jesus Christ, shall say to the people over the Chalice of benediction these words: "The peace of the Lord be with you always," grant, O Lord, that Thy sweet peace may come down upon our hearts and upon all the nations with new and manifest power. Amen.

Posted by Dylan Parry http://areluctantsinner.blogspot.com/

A bouquet of 315 Rosaries for Bishop Burns

A congregation of 22 attended the Sung Mass at 3pm at Our Lady of the Taper, Cardigan, on Sunday to mark Monsignor Johnson's last official Latin Mass prior to his retirement next year.

After Mass the Monsignor blessed a spiritual bouquet of 315 Rosaries offered to celebrate the Bishop's 40th Anniversary of ordination on 18th December.

The faithful present then sang the Salve Regina around the shrine statue of Our Lady.

Catholics from around the world contributed to this bouquet which will be presented to him by Menevia's Co-ordinator for the Extraordinary Form of Mass, Fr Jason Jones.

Afterwards, Elaine Sharpling made a presentation to Monsignor Johnson to thank him for his dedication in celebrating the EF Mass in West Wales over so many years. He was presented with a gift as a token of thanks and a pledge of a Latin Mass to be celebrated on his behalf at the Birmingham Oratory.

Masses for December

Thanks to Father Jason Jones for producing this listing and to Fathers Williams and Brophy for their unstinting support to the Confraternity and others who wish to attend the Latin Mass.

Please note that, due to the many duties that Advent brings for our priests, the programme is not as usual:

1st Sunday- Our Lady of the Taper, Cardigan 3pm

 

2nd Sunday -The Sacred Heart, Morriston 3pm

 

3rd Sunday- St Therese of Lisieux, Sandfields, Port Talbot  5pm

 

 

Some housekeeping notes:

 

1. Please inform me if, at any time you wish to unsubscribe to this blog

 

2. If you would like to make a contribution (in the form of a written post for publication) please send it to me in Word format. All of our posts remain charitable and within the teachings of Holy Mother Church but, if there is ever any doubt about views expressed, Fr Jones will be the final arbiter as to whether publication can take place. We reserve the right not to publish without reservation.

 

3. My email address is: r.collinsassoc@btinternet.com

 

4. Please pray for those members of the Confraternity who are sick or in need of our prayers.

 

"We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee. Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world"