Friday 31 May 2013

Harvington Pilgrimage - Latest Update

 Latest Harvington Update Sunday 2nd June 2013

 Please note the 3pm Mass has been moved to the next Church along from Harvington   -  to St. Ambrose in Kidderminster, DY10 2BY (3 miles away).

There will also  be Adoration 4-5pm after the 3pm Mass in line with the recent request from Pope Francis.

 The rest of the Harvington pilgrimage timetable is unaffected.

Timetable


11:30-12:00pm Arrival
12:00pm-1:20pm Guided Tour of the House
1:20pm-2:00pm – Lunch (packed lunch)
2:00-3:00pm – Free Time (chance to look at the grounds)
3:00pm Low/Sung Mass followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Ambrose, Kidderminster, DY10 2BY (next Church along from Harvington).


Friday 17 May 2013

More about St. John Wall and Harvington Hall

[ST+JOHN+WALL,+HARVINGTON+HALL.JPG]

Known at Douay and Rome as John Marsh, and when on the Mission under the aliases of Francis Johnson, Webb, and Dormore. The son of wealthy and staunch Lancashire Catholics, he was sent when very young to Douai College. He entered the Roman College, 5 November, 1641, was made priest, 3 December, 1645, and sent to the Mission, 12 May, 1648. On 1 Jan., 1651, he received the habit of St. Francis at St. Bonaventure's Friary, Douai, and a year later was professed, taking the name of Joachim of St. Anne. He filled the offices of vicar and novice master at Douai until 1656, when he returned to the Mission, and for twenty years laboured zealously in Worcestershire.

He was apprehended, December, 1678, at Rushock Court near Bromsgrove, where the sheriff's man came to seek a debtor; his priestly character transpiring, he was tendered the Oath of Supremacy, and was committed to Worcester Gaol for refusing it. He was brought to trial at the Assizes, 25 April, on the charges of receiving and exercising his priesthood, and of refusing the oaths. A man whose vices he had reproved bore testimony to his priesthood, and he received sentence. He was then sent to London, and four times examined by Oates, Bedloe, and others in the hope of implicating him in the pretended plot; but was declared innocent of all plotting and offered his life if he would abjure his religion. Brought back to Worcester, he was executed at Redhill. On the day previous, William Levison was enabled to confess and communicate him, and at the moment of execution the same priest gave him the last absolution. His quartered body was given to his friends, and was buried in St. Oswald's churchyard. Mr. Levison, however, secured the martyr's head, and it was treasured by the friars at Douai until the dissolution of that house in the French Revolution.

The Franciscan nuns at Taunton possess a tooth and a bone of the martyr. The long speech he composed for his execution was circulated among the Catholics after his death; and the authorities issued as a broadsheet the public account of his execution containing "a true copy of the speech...with animadversions upon the same". In 1879 a rood was erected in his memory in the churchyard at Harvington, whose hall was the usual home of the martyr.


H/t to http://lastwelshmartyr.blogspot.co.uk.   

Thursday 16 May 2013

Year of Faith Retreat

Year of Faith retreat for all:
31 May-2 June 2013
 
'You shall be My witnesses' (Acts 1:8):
In the prayerful and relaxing setting of Douai Abbey, come and reflect with us on how to bear a more fruitful witness to Our Blessed Lord Jesus in our everyday lives.
 
Upper Woolhampton, Reading, West Berks. RG7 5TQ.
Starts Friday 5pm, ends Sunday 3pm
.
Led by Fr Armand de Malleray FSSP, assisted by Fr Matthew Goddard FSSP.
 
(Picture: The Calling of Apostles, by Domenico Ghirlandaio)
 
Spiritual conferences and direction, Holy Masses (Extraordinary Form – or Ordinary Form possible with the Monks), Eucharistic adoration.
 
Cost: full board 2 days including VAT: £140 single room with ensuite bathroom, £110 shared room with ensuite bathroom or £90 without. Low income/Unwaged: contact us for significant discounts. Bookings/info: FSSP, 17 Eastern Avenue, Reading RG1 5RU, Berks. malleray@fssp.org. www.fssp.org.uk/England
 
Booking : please send us your £20 deposit (per person), made payable to FSSP ENGLAND. Remainder to be paid at the Abbey during the retreat.

Monday 13 May 2013

New Gloucestershire YCA Chaplain





There is a new local Chaplain for YCA Gloucestershire. Rev. F Wainwright is also Chaplain to the local hospital and is affiliated to St. Thomas More's Church in Cheltenham. YCA Gloucestershire are very grateful for him generously giving up his time in assisting with catechesis and spiritual direction to the locally based group.

St Catherine’s Trust Family Retreat

From Shawn Tribe at the New Liturgical Movement - see the latest video from the recent St Catherine’s Trust Family Retreat!

Saturday 16 March 2013

Welcome Pope Francis

Now that our current Pope has taken the name of St. Francis of Assisi, perhaps it would be good to remind ourselves of certain teachings of this great saint!

Saint Francis of Assisi, “the little beggar” is perhaps the most popular saint in history.

"Francis was born in 1182 in Assisi, Italy and his baptismal name was John, but his father renamed him Franceso, in honor of his love for France. The son of a wealthy merchant, Francis had time and money to host lavish banquets for young nobles who proclaimed him "King of Feasts." Parties and selling cloth left Francis little time for God.

A handsome, charming and educated young man, he spent his early life leading young nobles to parties. He dreamed of knighthood and longed for the adventurous life of chivalry. In pursuit of that dream, he joined in the war between Assisi and Perugia at the age of 20.

In that war, Francis fought with youthful enthusiasm, but was wounded and taken prisoner. Spending the next year in a dungeon, he contracted malaria. Ransomed by his father, a more reflective Francis returned to Assisi. Sickness overtook him and in that languishing experience he heard the first stirrings of a vocation to peace and justice.

The military victories of Count Walter of Brienne revived Francis' desire for knighthood. Under Brienne's command, he hoped to win his favor and become a knight. On his way to join Brienne, Francis stopped in Spoleto and heard the shocking news of his death. Overcome by depression, his malaria returned.

One night a mysterious voice asked him, "Who do you think can best reward you, the Master or the servant?" Francis Answered, "The Master." The voice continued, "Why do you leave the Master for the servant?" Francis realized the servant was Count Walter. He left Spoleto convinced God had spoken to him.

From that moment on, Francis began to care for the sick and the poor -- especially the lepers -- convinced that this was what God had called him to do.

A further call came in 1205, when, in a dramatic moment of prayer in the abandoned Church of San Damiano, Francis heard a voice coming from the crucifix which challenged him to rebuild the church. At first he thought it meant that he should rebuild San Damiano, so he sold some of his father's cloth to raise money to build the Church at San Damiano. His father, who was already upset about the life he was leading, took him to court, where was ordered him to pay back the money. Francis complied with a dramatic gesture, renouncing his inheritance and handing his expensive clothing to him as well. Dressed only in a workman's smock, he left town and spent the next two years as a hermit, taking a vow of poverty and dedicating his life his life to God.

Francis begged for his food, wore old clothes, and preached peace. He began to attract followers, and in 1209 with the papal blessing he founded the Friars Minor (Franciscans). Then in 1212 with St. Clare of Assisi he founded the foundation of the Order of "Poor Ladies," now known as the "Poor Clares." He also founded the "Third Order of Penance" (the Third Order) which included lay people. He was the first person (recorded) to receive the stigmata (the five wounds of Christ) in 1224. Out of humility Francis never accepted the priesthood but remained a deacon all his life. He had a great love for animals. His ardent love of God merited him the name Seraphic.

Francis died at the age of 44 on October 4, 1226 at Portiuncula, Italy. He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX less than two years later." H/t to http://catholicfire.blogspot.co.uk

He had a great devotion to the Mass (Traditional Mass of course) and on the Real Presence. On matters liturgical, St. Francis of Assisi stated:-
Epistola ad clericos

"Let us all consider, O clerics, the great sin and ignorance of which some are guilty regarding the most holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ and His most holy Name and the written words of consecration. For we know that the Body cannot exist until after these words of consecration. For we have nothing and we see nothing of the Most High Himself in this world except [His] Body and Blood, names and words by which we have been created and redeemed from death to life.

But let all those who administer such most holy mysteries, especially those who do so indifferently, consider among themselves how poor the chalices, corporals, and linens may be where the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ is sacrificed. And by many It is left in wretched places and carried by the way disrespectfully, received unworthily and administered to others indiscriminately. Again His Names and written words are sometimes trampled under foot, for the sensual man perceiveth not these things that are of God.  Shall we not by all these things be moved with a sense of duty when the good Lord Himself places Himself in our hands and we handle Him and receive Him daily? Are we unmindful that we must needs fall into His hands?

Let us then at once and resolutely correct these faults and others; and wheresoever the most holy Body of our Lord Jesus Christ may be improperly reserved and abandoned, let It be removed thence and let It be put and enclosed in a precious place. In like manner wheresoever the Names and written words of the Lord may be found in unclean places they ought to be collected and put away in a decent place. And we know that we are bound above all to observe all these things by the commandments of the Lord and the constitutions of holy Mother Church. And let him who does not act thus know that he shall have to render an account therefore before our Lord Jesus Christ on the day of judgment. And let him who may cause copies of this writing to be made, to the end that it may be the better observed, know that he is blessed by the Lord."
Or as St. Francis would have said/written at the time (in Latin):-

"Attendamus, omnes clerici, magnum peccatum et ignorantiam, quam quidam habent super sanctissimum corpus et sanguinem Domini nostri Jesu Christi et sacratissima nomina et verba eius scripta, quae sanctificant corpus. Scimus, quia non potest esse corpus, nisi prius sanctificetur a verbo. Nihil enim habemus et videmus corporaliter in hoc saeculo de ipso Altissimo, nisi corpus et sanguinem, nomina et verba, per quae facti sumus et redempti de morte ad vitam (1 Joa 3,14). Omnes autem illi qui ministrant tam sanctissima ministeria, considerent intra se, maxime hi qui indiscrete ministrant, quam viles sint calices, corporalia et linteamina, ubi sacrificatur corpus et sanguis Domini nostri. Et a multis in locis vilibus relinquitur, miserabiliter portatur et indigne sumitur et indiscrete aliis ministratur. Nomina etiam et verba eius scripta aliquando pedibus conculcantur; quia animalis homo non percipit ea quae Dei sunt (1 Cor 2,14). Non movemur de his omnibus pietate, cum ipse pius Dominus in manibus nostris se praebeat et eum tractemus et sumamus quotidie per os nostrum? An ignoramus, quia debemus venire in manus eius? Igitur de his omnibus et aliis cito et firmiter emendemus; et ubicumque fuerit sanctissimum corpus Domini nostri Jesu Christi illicite collocatum et relictum, removeatur de loco illo et in loco pretioso ponatur et consignetur. Similiter nomina et verba Domini scripta, ubicumque inveniantur in locis immundis, colligantur et in loco honesto debeant collocari. Et scimus, quia haec omnia tenemur super omnia observare secundum praecepta Domimi et constitutiones sanctae matris Ecclesiae. Et qui hoc non fecerit, sciat, se coram Domino nostro Jesu Christo in die iudicii reddere rationem (cfr. Mt 12,36). Hoc scriptum, ut melius debeat observari, sciant se benedictos a Domino Deo, qui ipsum fecerint exemplari."

H/t to Fr z at http://wdtprs.com/blog/.

Sunday 10 March 2013

YCA National St. John Wall Harvington Pilgrimage - Sunday 2nd June 2013






Timetable

11:30-12:00pm Arrival
12:00pm-1:20pm Guided Tour of the House
1:20pm-2:00pm – Lunch (packed lunch)
2:00-3:00pm – Free Time (chance to look at the grounds)
3:00pm Low/Sung Mass in the Parish Church (just outside the Hall)

Entrance Fees and How to Book

Inclusive Ticket (Hall, Malt House Visitor Centre & Gardens)
Adults: £8.00. Please send a deposit of £5 (cheque or cash) to D. Barker, 126 Curlew Road, Abbeydale, Gloucester, Glos. GL4 4TD.

How to get here

The Hall’s post code is: DY10 4LR.
Harvington Hall, Harvington, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 4LR
The Hall is situated three miles south-east of Kidderminster, about half a mile east of the A450 Birmingham to Worcester road and about half-a-mile north of the A448 from Kidderminster to Bromsgrove. Grid. Ref. SO877745.

Facilities & Access

Free Parking, Gift Shop, Moatside Tea Room (serving coffee, light lunches and afternoon teas, it is possible to visit the tea room and shop with out paying entrance fees).
Telephone: (01562) 777846
Fax: (01562) 777190
Email: harvingtonhall@btconnect.com

Saturday 2 February 2013

Ave Regina Cælorum

At this time of the year - that is from Compline of Candlemas (2nd February) until Compline of Spy Wednesday (27th March this year) inclusive - we sing the Marian antiphon of Ave Regina Cælorum. 

If you want to master the Marian antiphon for this season, you can listen to it HERE sung by the Benedictine Monks of the Abbey at Ganagobie.


Hail, O Queen of Heaven enthroned.
Hail, by angels mistress owned.
Root of Jesse, Gate of Morn
Whence the world's true light was born:
Glorious Virgin, Joy to thee,
Loveliest whom in heaven they see;
Fairest thou, where all are fair,
Plead with Christ our souls to spare.
V. Vouchsafe that I may praise thee, O sacred Virgin.
R. Give me strength against thine enemies.
Let us pray.
We beseech thee, O Lord, mercifully to assist our infirmity: that like as we do now commemorate Blessed Mary Ever-Virgin, Mother of God; so by the help of her intercession we may die to our former sins and rise again to newness of life.
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday 24 December 2012

RES MIRANDA - A MATTER FOR MARVEL





  There is no rose of such virtue
As is the rose that bare Jesu:
Alleluia.

For in this rose contained was
Heaven and earth in little space:
Res miranda.

By that rose we may well see
That he is God in persons three:
Pari forma.

Leave we all this worldly mirth,
And follow we this joyful birth:
Transeamus.


(Click here to hear King's College Choir, Cambridge,
sing this wonderful carol.)

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Alma Redemptoris Mater

 
At this time of the year - that is from vespers of the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent until vespers of February 2nd, ie Candlemas, inclusive - we sing the Marian antiphon of Alma Redemptoris Mater. 

If you want to master the Marian antiphon for this season, you can listen to it HERE sung by the Benedictine Monks of the Abbey at Ganagobie.



The following is a beautiful translation from the Latin by Father Adrian Fortescue (1874-1923) of the Alma Redemptoris Mater:

Holy mother of our Redeemer, thou gate leading to heaven and star of the sea;
Help the falling people who seek to rise,
Thou who, all nature wondering, didst give birth to thy holy Creator.
Virgin always, hearing the greeting from Gabriel’s lips, take pity on sinners.

Tuesday 11 December 2012

Missa Cantata at Devizes


Missa Cantata
at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Devizes
every 2nd Sunday of the month at 12.15pm.
If you are interested in singing in our small Schola,
please arrive before Mass, at 11.45am,
for a rehearsal in the choir loft.


Knowledge of the Missa de Angelis would be most helpful
as would the Marian antiphon of the season.


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