A little unseasonal, I know, but I have just been given some photographs of the Requiem Mass for deceased members and friends of the Order of St Lazarus which I celebrated in Preston this year. The Canons of the Institute of Christ the King were kind enough to welcome us to their Church of St Thomas of Canterbury and the English Martyrs, a fine church by Edward Welby Pugin.
I was assisted by Canon Scott Tanner of the Institute and Fr Leo Daley of the Archdiocese of Liverpool and a team of altar servers drawn from the Institute parishes, St Catherine's and even a friend of mine all the way from Bristol University. My thanks - and those of the Order to all who assisted.
I was particularly delighted to be celebrating with the music of Faurés Requiem as the Mass setting.
It was beautiful to experience it in its proper context, instead of hearing it as a concert piece. Fauré conducted its first outing in 1888 at La Madeleine in Paris. I have the wonderful singers of "Octavius" to thank for the experience, along with David Scott-Thomas at the organ. Truly beautiful.
Grand Prior H.E. The Much Honoured Baron of Fetternear and other members taking their place in church, along with Chaplain Fr William Charlton from Middlesbrough Diocese in choir. Thanks to everyone who came along (and to lunch afterwards in the hall). It was a goodly congregation in such a large church.
