Last Tuesday, the feast of St Ignatius of Antioch, Fr Armand de Malleray FSSP celebrated Mass according to the usus antiquior at the UK's Operating Headquarters at Northwood. There is normally no more than a handful of people at Mass so getting fifteen people along was a bonus at a base where there is a constant high tempo of activity.
Fr de Malleray heard confessions before Mass and gave a sermon in which he reflected on sacrifice and the love of God, and on St Ignatius' witness as a martyr. He also spoke about the meaning of true Christian martyrdom out of love for God and neighbour, in contrast with the hate of terrorists who kill themselves in order to harm others.
At a small reception afterwards, Fr de Malleray was able to meet the military and civilian Catholics at the HQ. About half the congregation were unfamiliar with the older form of the Mass but many were enthusiastic about attending such a Mass again.
Here is a photo of Commander Neville McNally (who served Mass) with Fr de Malleray, taken by Leading Seaman Johnny Fallon (Royal Navy):
The other photos were taken by the HQ photographer Mark Rawlings and are Crown Copyright - but they may be used in blogs.
6 comments:
@ Father Finigan
Deptford's top A Deo et Rege Royal Naval officer has been informed.
"Jam lucis orto sidere"
Our Lady of the Rosary pray for us!
There is something splendidly appropriate about the Old Rite in a military base - something succinct and sacrificial to attend before going off to render service.
Isn't Cdr McNally the chap who's involved with CIEL?
Couldn't help noticing that the Naval chap's shoes need a repair!
"Couldn't help noticing that the Naval chap's shoes need a repair!"
Let us all pray for his sole.
@ JARay
I see from your blogger profile that you are retired and live in Australia.
My old Deptford friend Ian Andrew Wright MBA was once BT's Head of Economics, and he can tell you just how tough things are financially here in the UK & Europe for us all at the moment.
Ian's father owned the bootmenders at 181 Deptford Church Street after World War II, and he would have mended the Naval officer's shoes expertly, for a fair and reasonable price that he could afford.
I qualified RICS in 1984 and my steel toe-capped site boots are beyond repair, but I can't afford to replace them at the moment as there is no construction work available to me, although I will be attending a Larner Road Estate REGENERATION meeting with Orbit South & Bexley Council in Erith this coming Friday 11th February 2011 3.30pm-6.30pm at THE RESOURCE CENTRE NORVIC HOUSE.
"Jam lucis orto sidere"
Our Lady of the Rosary pray for us!
@ Zephyrinus
His soul is in safe hands.
Are you Tony Blair in disguise?
That sounds like one of his poor jokes at the expense of others less fortunate than himself.
Deptford's top A Deo et Rege Royal Naval officer has been informed.
"Jam lucis orto sidere"
Our Lady of the Rosary pray for us!
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