The Coal Hole on the Strand was buzzing last night when about 30 Catholic bloggers descended to the downstairs bar at the invitation of Fr Zuhlsdorf. Beforehand I celebrated Mass at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane: the regular Latin Mass Society Mass which happens every Monday at 6.30pm.
Fr Selvester of OMNIApost was there along with Fr Ray Blake and Deacon James Bradley of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. We all had the chance to swap stories and chat about the issues that are creating news on the blogosphere. Part of this conversation always involves the things that we know about but choose not to put on our blogs in order to avoid scandal.
It was really a great success in bringing together Catholics who have a love for the Church and a real desire to evangelise using the new media. Conversations revolved around liturgy, pro-life politics, lay apostolate, marriage, families, bishops, blogging, vocations, the ordinariate, gay masses, prayer, preaching and more.
It was an evening of Catholic action in the best sense and I for one, as a priest, came away revitalised by contact with good fellow Catholics who want to do their best to help the Church fulfil her mission. For me as a priest it is most consoling to be in the company of so many devout and committed lay people who want to be active in the work of the Church and promote her dogmatic and moral teaching.
I don't know what the Coal Hole made of it all but I think at least the staff were treated with kindness and consideration - they always say that they like Monday evenings when we come in.
Here's a good photo of three clerical friends of mine:
(L-R Fr Ray Blake, Fr John Zuhlsdorf, Deacon James Bradley)
5 comments:
Oh man I'm gutted. I wish so much I could have been there. I nearly came to London as my poor daughter's unwell and gone into hospital, and on top of that she was in Bexleyheath with babies when that awful murder happened yesterday morning.
Anyway, enough of my troubles, I couldn't come as I have an informal interview today, in the field of palliative care, and so fel quite nervous. Setting out in a minute and had a terrible nights sleep.
Sorry, did I say, enough of my own troubles.
Glad you all had a super time last night; I knew you would.
Dear Father Finigan,
It was very good to see so many new faces at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane. Hopefully many of the Londoners will assist at the Monday 6.30pm Missa Cantata more often. Anyone interested in singing or serving should come into the sacristy before Mass; the Choir practice starts at about 6.00pm.
As ever the Little Choir is always in need of men to join the singers. As long as you have a singing voice we can teach you to sing the Missa Cantata. Also any men who would like to serve are very welcome as they are always needed as well.
I was very pleased to meet Fr Blake and Fr Z.
In caritate Xp.,
Bryan
PS: As it was a blognic you might like to have a look at my little blog here:
http://missaleromanum1604.blogspot.com/
BLESSED TITUS BRANDSMA GUILD PRAYER
God our Father, source of life and freedom, through Your Holy Spirit, you gave the Carmelite, Titus Brandsma the courage to affirm human dignity even in the midst of suffering and degrading persecution. Grant us that same spirit so that, in refusing all compromise with error we may always and everywhere give coherent witness to Your abiding presence among us. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen
http://guildofblessedtitus.blogspot.com
Thank you for this post Fr Tim. It was a great evening.
Would you be so kind as to send me the pictures?
May I use one or two on my blog?
If you would prefer me not to use them on my blog, then may I have the photo with me, Therese and Gerard for my private photos?
God bless you and your great blogging always,
Mary
Mary - photos are at my flickr set. You're welcome to use them under the creative commons licence.
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