Solemn High Mass was offered on the occasion of a fiftieth Wedding Anniversary. The Missal allows for Mass in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary or in honour of the Blessed Trinity (the latter was chosen). Mass was followed by the moving blessing provided in the Ritual for a Golden Jubilee.
St Catherine's here in Farington, Leyland, is a small church and only once before in recent times have we been able to offer Solemn Mass (on major feasts we usually offer a Missa Cantata) so great care had to be taken in making sure we could offer the Mass in a fitting and dignified way with all the Sacred Ministers and servers that Solemn Mass involves. It was a great occasion and much appreciated by a congregation that filled the church for the occasion (including the vocal support of a baby's voice which can be heard on the video clips at various times!) My thanks, not only to the baby but especially to those who provided the rest of the music, raising our hearts and minds to God and helping to provide an atmosphere of prayer. It is one of the beauties of the Mass, when celebrated in the manner which the Church prescribes, that it gives so much space for ALL those who are there, whether they come in joy or sadness at that particular moment, that it allows each individual (in the presence of the believing community) to bring their needs and worship to Almighty God.
Dear Fr. Simon
ReplyDeleteIt is great to see that you now have a blog!
The video of the Mass is most beautiful and it looks like you have made suitable re-ordering of the Church interior since our visit last year.
May God continue to bless you and all that you do!
Alan and Angeline
Dear Fr.Simon
ReplyDeleteVideo of the Mass most enjoyable, excellent, church looks lovely a credit to all your hard work.
God bless you always!
Jean.
Wonderful to see! I notice that Fr M still hasn't got the hang of using the right tone at the right time for Dominus Vobiscum ;-), but don't let that get in the way of a superb Mass. Congratulations to all involved!
ReplyDeleteOne day, when I finally get a spare weekend, *sigh*, I must come over and see you all.
Dear Mike,
ReplyDeleteHe tells me that he always uses the right notes - but not necessarily in the right order!