Pictures from Mass at Joint Ops HQ


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.

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