Following on from Justin's report, here are some photos from today's Pontifical High Mass at Westminster Cathedral, celebrated by Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos. Above you can see His Eminence solemnly entering the Cathedral, giving his blessing as he passed along.
The push-chairs illustrate the youth of the congregation: there were many young families with babies. Their occasional wailing did not matter a bit.
Above you can see Fr Hudson, the Subdeacon (centre), myself as the second Assistant Deacon (left) and Fr Wadsworth as Deacon for the Mass (right)
The Cathedral was completely packed for the Mass. These photos were taken from about two-thirds the way down the nave. People were standing at the back and all the way down the side aisles.Today was a magnificent, joyful and hope-filled celebration of the Roman Rite in its finest form with the Cathedral Choir singing and over two thousand people participating actively by uniting themselves spiritually with what was happening at the altar.
After Mass, the piazza outside Westminster Cathedral was in truly festive mood. I met many good friends there from pro-life and pro-family groups, from apostolic movements for young people, from university chaplaincies, and from religious orders that are flourishing. I was also glad to meet people who know me only through this blog, and priests from all over the country.
Cardinal Hoyos hoped that today's Mass would be a sign for people throughout the world that the Classical Roman Rite was part of their heritage. Some people in England have said that there is no demand for the Traditional Roman Rite. It would be hard to sustain this position after witnessing the exuberant demonstration of faith at Westminster Cathedral this afternoon.
More coverage: Damien Thompson in the Daily Telegraph: Latin Mass to return to England and Wales; BBC: Church 'comeback' for Latin mass
8 comments:
What are the religious orders that you had in mind, Father?
It looks a wonderful occasion, a truly inspiring Mass. I think Damian Thompson however is under estimating the resilience of the bishops and their ruling clique.
True the cardinal may have faced down Colombian drug barons but in ecclesiastical terms our bishops and advisers are just as ruthless as the late Pablo Escobar and in the words of Black Adder they are as cunning as a fox with a Phd in cunning.
However one of the things on our side is that those who attend Mass in the Extraordinary Rite are faithful Catholics. Hence they marry and have larger families because they do not buy the anti Humane Vitae teaching which is so widespread. Because dad goes to Mass, their kids are less likely to lapse. Hence by the middle of this century demographics will be on our side. The liberals have fewer kids - and because their kids are given a pick and choose faith, they choose not to go to Mass.
You clearly left a few things out of my formation for the Diaconate at Wonersh. What exactly does a second Assistant Deacon do? However, please don't set me an essay on the subject!
Many thanks to Fr. Tim for these photos (are these the pics taken by Mulier Fortis ?)
I wish I could have been present at this great event. (I understand EWTN will broadcast the event at a later date, and that the LMS will probably be marketing a video or DVD. I don't know if that's quite right.)
I would say : look at the magnificence of what the sacred ministers, the Cathedral Administrator and the Cathedral staff, and the LMS, and the men and boys of the choir achieved. Look at the huge crowds of people of all ages attending the Mass.
Look at the ceremony and the liturgy. It is so majestic and so prayerful.
Look at the devotion of the people, especially the young.
Be impressed !
A significant signal has now been sent to doubters and opponents that the restoration of the "old" Mass, far from being a step backward, is the way forward for the Church.
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I'm sorry not to have bumped into you yesterday on the piazza, Father Tim. Maybe another time. My thoughts on the events here: http://thesensiblebond.blogspot.com/2008/06/another-westminster-waltz.html
Dear Father Tim, (if I may,)
I read your blog each day and I cannot help but be impressed firstly by your 'finger on the pulse' about Catholic news and views in this country and in the world in general, secondly, the speed and efficiency by which the excellent articles are written and produced and with such complimentary photographs! Thank you for providing this invaluable service and my the Good Lord Reward you a hundrend fold in this life and the next for upholding and preserving the true, Catholic and Apostolic Church of God.
Love the people kneeling on the floor... I used to always do it in St. Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh (for the big masses when there was standing room only) which is actually quite a lovely place and has really beautiful image of the Coronation of Our Lady in Heaven. Thing is, people always used to look at me as if I was a nutter kneeling on the wood; nice to see the trads flying the flag for small mortifications and showing honor to God.
Iosephus - FSSP, ICKSP, Franciscans of the Immaculate, and, I expect, others as well.
Peter Simpson - I am sorry, I hadn't discovered the traditional Mass then. If I had, I expect I would have found it difficult to include such things in the course!
Anne - thank you for your kind comment. The blog is indeed a "labour of love" and comments such as yours convince me that it is worthwhile.
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