The Fraternity of Saint Peter saw 25 ordinations in 2026, as growth of the Latin Mass order continued apace despite restrictions on the old rite more generally
The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter has recorded a record year of ordinations, along with now counting over 600 members for the Latin Mass order.
As with every November 1, All Saints day marked the annual release of statistics for the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP), the priestly society dedicated to the traditional Mass which was founded in 1988.
Some 25 new priests were ordained for the Fraternity in 2026, following completion of their training in one of the two seminaries the FSSP operates: in Germany and in North America.
This marks the highest number of new priests ordained for the Fraternity in a single year. Such a number looks set to continue in 2027, with the FSSP currently counting 24 deacons.
In total, the FSSP numbers just over 600 members: 410 priests, 24 deacons and 168 seminarians excluding the deacons. The average age of the Fraternity is just 39.
Indeed the total number of seminarians has grown notably since the 2021 publication of Traditionis Custodes. Excluding deacons, the FSSP has not counted less than 160 seminarians since 2020.
Spread across the globe, the Fraternity is particularly active in the USA and Europe. As such, the order ministers in 154 dioceses: the majority of which (43) are in America, followed closely by France, which sees the FSSP in 40 dioceses.
Founded in 1988 by priests and seminarians wishing to leave the Society of Saint Pius X after the 1988 episcopal consecrations by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, the FSSP’s constitutions were officially approved by the Holy See in 2003. They outline that one of the Fraternity’s chief aims is the “sanctification of priests” through the “faithful observance of the ‘liturgical and disciplinary traditions’ according to the dispositions of the Motu proprio Ecclesia Dei of July 2, 1988, which is at the origin of its foundation.”
The FSSP is an Apostolic Society of Pontifical Right and recently had its particular character confirmed by Pope Francis. Following the publication of Traditionis Custodes which implemented sweeping restrictions on the traditional Mass, Pope Francis met privately with FSSP superiors in February 2022.
Such a meeting led to a Papal Decree noting that “institutes such as the Fraternity of St. Peter are not affected by the general provisions of the Motu Proprio Traditionis Custodes, since the use of the ancient liturgical books was at the origin of their existence and is provided for in their constitutions.”
Demonstrating the positive relationship between the FSSP and the Pope, Fraternity superiors met with Francis once again in February 2024. They thanked him for the 2022 Decree, but also noted “difficulties encountered in its application”. Francis was described as “very understanding” and then “invited the Fraternity of St. Peter to continue to build up ecclesial communion ever more fully through its own proper charism.”
In September 2024, the FSSP announced that they had been informed of an impending apostolic visitation from the Vatican. Due to the dissolution of the Ecclesia Dei committee, which the FSSP used to deal with at the Vatican, the order has come under the purview of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. No results of the Dicastery’s visitation have been made public.
Another audience followed with Pope Leo XIV in January 2026. The “cordial” meeting “provided an opportunity to evoke any misunderstandings and obstacles that the Fraternity encounters in certain places and to answer questions from the Supreme Pontiff.”
After being briefed on the “proper law and charism that guide the sanctification of its members” – namely the traditional Mass – Leo imparted his blessing to the Fraternity.
Michael Haynes is an English journalist in the Holy See Press Corps. He serves as Vatican Correspondent for theCatholic Herald, while readers can follow him atPer Mariamand on X@MLJHaynes.
Having a holy Mass offered for one’s own intentions, the intentions of relative or a friend, or for a deceased person, used to be the backbone a Catholic devotion from medieval times? Up to the Tudor reformation, there used to be in every main church some side chapels called chantry chapels, dedicated to such Masses for the dead. Therefore, every Catholic should become familiar again with this somewhat lost tradition, to the greater glory for God, to the merit of the benefactor, and to the benefit of those for whom the Mass is offered.
How it works:
Write your intention on our small, printed envelopes, inserting your stipend in cash inside, and hand it to the priest or drop it in the offertory collection basket. (If using your own envelope, make sure to specify clearly how many Masses and what is the stipend per Mass.)
The merits of Christ being infinite in value, your stipend does not “pay for the Mass,” but it goes to support the priest celebrant who retains it for personal use (one stipend / day maximum).
Your intentions will appear on the Chaplaincy bulletin, unless you don’t mind for that Mass to be offered privately.
There is no obligation to attend personally the Mass you ask to be offered.
No online payment please:
We are unable to accept Mass intentions and Mass stipends paid online. Please do not either make a single online donation to the Chaplaincy that would “include a Mass stipend,” as those are accounted distinctly and we don’t have the admin resources to process it.
Intentions can be for your own self, or for someone else, dead or alive, or if personal, you may simply write “Private intention”.
How much?
You may give what you can afford: most people give between £10 and £20 for one Mass. Thank you in advance.
Please help EIGHT holy souls out of Purgatory into heaven this week:
On all the days from Nov 1st through Nov 8th inclusive, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls in Purgatory, is granted to those who visit a cemetery and pray even if only mentally for the departed, and for the traditional intentions of the Holy Father. There must be one visit for each day one seeks to gain the indulgence; one visit will not apply for several days.
The usual conditions for a plenary indulgence apply: being in state of grace, receiving Holy Communion and going to Confession the day the indulgence is sought (or within 20 days before or after that day).
One sacramental Confession suffices for several plenary indulgences, but a separate Holy Communion and a separate prayer for the Holy Father’s intentions are required for each plenary indulgence (cf. Vatican website: The Gift of the Indulgence #5, AD 2000).
On All Souls’ Day (Monday 2nd Nov) a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls in Purgatory, is granted to those who visit a Catholic church and there recite one Our Father and one Creed.
Safeguarding: If you have concerns about children or vulnerable adults, please contact the FSSP Northampton Safeguarding officer William Currie: Tel: 07825 089 336. Email: safeguardingfssp@pm.me. Reminder: NO child must be left unsupervised at any time.
Watch latest Chaplaincy homilies and more on the dedicated FSSP YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@FSSPLiveMass.
Daily Holy Mass readings: www.divinumofficium.com/cgi-bin/missa/missa.pl
CONFESSIONS TIMES
Check online before travelling from afar: Our Lady of Ransom (for anyone): Sat 10:00am-11:15am, and 20mins before every weekday Mass. At All Saints: during Sunday Mass in the room behind the organ. Chesham Bois: after the Sunday 12noon Mass if not before.
Even though they may not be able to attend our Masses, still they may be inspired by the unique configuration of our Bedford Chaplaincy apostolate, benefitting from full-time clergy, as well as traditional scout groups and education with RCA.
Congratulations to Alix Grimer, baptised and confirmed on 1st Nov in Bedford.
Please help EIGHT holy souls out of Purgatory into heaven this week:
On all the days from Nov 1st through Nov 8th inclusive, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls in Purgatory, is granted to those who visit a cemetery and pray even if only mentally for the departed, and for the traditional intentions of the Holy Father. There must be one visit for each day one seeks to gain the indulgence; one visit will not apply for several days.
The usual conditions for a plenary indulgence apply: being in state of grace, receiving Holy Communion and going to Confession the day the indulgence is sought (or within 20 days before or after that day).
One sacramental Confession suffices for several plenary indulgences, but a separate Holy Communion and a separate prayer for the Holy Father’s intentions are required for each plenary indulgence (cf. Vatican website: The Gift of the Indulgence #5, AD 2000).
On All Souls’ Day (Monday 2nd Nov) a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls in Purgatory, is granted to those who visit a Catholic church and there recite one Our Father and one Creed.
How to have a holy Mass offered to any of your intentions? Write your intention on our small, printed envelopes, inserting your stipend in cash inside, and hand it to the priest or drop it in the collection basket. The merits of Christ being infinite in value, your stipend does not “pay for the Mass,” but it goes to support the priest celebrant who retains it for personal use (one stipend / day maximum). Your intentions will appear on the Chaplaincy bulletin, unless you don’t mind for that Mass to be offered privately. There is no obligation to attend personally the Mass you ask to be offered.
Well done: our pilgrims to the Annual Rosary Crusade of Reparation from Westminster Cathedral to the London Oratorylast Sat 17th October, including our scouts, guides, cubs and wolvets; our teenagers for the monthly gathering last 24th Oct;17 young adults on the trek in Marlow with holy Mass by Fr McGonagle, FSSP and veneration of the hand of St James the Apostle last 31st October (join their WhatsApp group.); adults attending the Talk for All by Fr McGonagle in Chesham Bois last 31st Oct.
Fr de Malleray attended two weeks ago the annual FSSP clergy gathering in Sées, Normandy, with 100 priests from the French FSSP Province.
Save the date: Annual weekend of vocational discernment on 5-7 March 2027,
led by FSSP clergy at Buckden Towers, PE19 5TA. For unmarried men 18-35.
Sun 15 Nov 8:30am, All Saints Church, Kempston, with Very Rev Fr John Berg, Superior General FSSP (who will also preach at our 12noon Mass that day in Chesham Bois);
Sat 28 Nov 12noon, St Joseph’s Church, Bedford, annual Mass of Our Lady of Guadalupe in reparation for abortion, organised by LMS with Chaplaincy clergy.
We are grateful to Archbishop Robert Le Gall, OSB, former Archbishop of Toulouse in retirement at Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight, for having accepted to confer the sacrament of Confirmation in Bedford on Sat 8th May 2027.
We thank Archbishop Richard Moth of Westminster, Administrator of the Northampton Diocese, for allowing Archbishop Le Gall to step in in the absence of our diocesan bishop, Bishop David Oakley. Candidates from 12 onward are invited to contact the Chaplaincy.
Thank you to all who registered interest in our First Holy Communion classes. We will be in touch shortly to book with you dates for classes, normally taking place two Saturdays a month at 1:00pm at OLOR, Kempston, from January to June 2027. The ceremony will take place like every year on Corpus Christi Sunday, 30th May 2027.
Chaplaincy parishioners propose: Languages for Catholics. Learn French, Italian or Spanish with practising Catholic tutors. A curriculum centred around the faith. Courses available for ages 4 to adult, from first steps to fluency. Starting at just £5 per week.
Pray for the sick in our congregations: Fr John Emerson, FSSP, John Smith, Stephen Moxham, Malgorzata Anna Pietrak, Maureen Readings, Daniel Jahansouz, Emma Pickford, Maria Chidell, Monika Oledzka, Mrs Henn, Eliah Isaac, Baby Vincent Jones, Tom and Inma Jones, Baby Joseph Osborn. R.I.P. Gealfio and Liberata Dadulla Zabat, Wailim Fook, Roger Johnson, Patsy Crocker, Prima Nevard, Carl Roberts. Please email additions to this list.
Holy Mass Intentions:
Sun 1 Nov 8:30am
All Saints‘ Day I Cl
Margaret Chao
Sabina Leigh
Sun 1 Nov 12:00pm
Ella Tait RIP
Poppy Kirlew-Tait
Mon 2 Nov All Souls Day I Cl Plenary indulgence for holy souls 1-8 Nov at cemetery
Chesham Bois 6:30am
Holy Souls
Di Falco
Chesham Bois 10:00am
Souls of priests/nuns
Anonymous
Chesham Bois 10:30am
R. & M. Chisnall RIP
Di Falco
OLOR 5:00pm
Souls in Purgatory
Ruth Dyson
OLOR 5:30pm
Holy Souls
Jones family
OLOR 6:00pm [not 6:30pm]
Holy Souls
J. Madden
Tue 3 Nov 6:30am
Feria IV Cl
Gregory Tubilewicz
T & C Tubilewicz
Wed 4 Nov 7:15pm
St Charles B C III Cl
Fr John Emerson
Currie family
Thu 5 Nov 9:30am
Feria IV Cl
Prima Nevard RIP
Anthony Nevard
Fri 6 Nov 8:30am
Feria IV Cl
Teresa Reynolds
Laura Sallion
Sat 7 Nov 11:30am Eucharistic adoration
Our Lady on Saturday IV Cl & confessions 10:00-11:15am
Titmus family
Jon & Ja. Moxham
Sun 8 Nov 8:30am
Remembrance Sunday (5th remaining aft. Epiphany)
Gealfio Zabat RIP
Stev. & So. Hector
Sun 8 Nov 12:00pm
FSSP Fraternity
Chaplaincy
Mon 9 Nov 9:30am
Dedic. Archb. Saviour I Cl.
A. & S.Thomas family
Jones family
Tue 10 Nov 6:30am
St Andrew Avellino C III Cl
Margaret Smith RIP
Jon & Ja. Moxham
Wed 11 Nov 7:15pm
St Martin B C III Cl
L. & Anna Kedward
J. Kedward
Thu 12 Nov 9:30am
St Martin I P M III Cl
Michael O’Donnell RIP
Maeve Chakrabarti
Fri 13 Nov 8:30am
St Didacus C III Cl
Krystyna Makuch RIP
Anonymous
Sat 14 Nov 11:00am Eucharistic adoration
St Josaphat B M III Cl & confessions 10:00-10:40am
Safeguarding: If you have concerns about children or vulnerable adults, please contact the FSSP Northampton Safeguarding officer William Currie: Tel: 07825 089 336. Email: safeguardingfssp@pm.me. Reminder: NO child must be left unsupervised at any time.
Watch latest Chaplaincy homilies and more on the dedicated FSSP YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@FSSPLiveMass.
Daily Holy Mass readings: www.divinumofficium.com/cgi-bin/missa/missa.pl
CONFESSIONS TIMES
Check online before travelling from afar: Our Lady of Ransom (for anyone): Sat 10:00am-11:15am, and 20 mins before every weekday Mass. At All Saints: during Sunday Mass in the room behind the organ. Chesham Bois: after the Sunday 12noon Mass if not before.
28 FSSP seminarians TONSURED this month at our two seminaries, 13 in Wigratzbad on 17th Oct, and 15 at OLGS on 24th Oct. Pray for them, and for our three seminarians from the UK & Ireland admitted in First Year this autumn.
On Sunday 18th October:
38th anniversary of establishment of the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter as of pontifical right by the Holy See. Learn more about the FSSP through our founding documents and papal decrees here: fssp.org/en/presentation-2/documents. Shared recitation of the Confraternity Prayer for Vocations and blessing of members after both Masses.
V. Remember, O Lord, Thy congregation.
R. Which Thou hast possessed from the beginning.
Let us pray: / O Lord Jesus, born to give testimony to the Truth, Thou who lovest unto the end those whom Thou hast chosen, kindly hear our prayers for our pastors. / Thou who knowest all things, knowest that they love Thee and can do all things in Thee who strengthenest them. / Sanctify them in Truth. Pour into them, we beseech Thee, the Spirit whom Thou didst give to Thy apostles, who would make them, in all things, like unto Thee. / Receive the homage of love which they offer up to Thee, who hast graciously received the threefold confession of Peter. / And so that a pure oblation may everywhere be offered without ceasing unto the Most Holy Trinity, graciously enrich their number and keep them in Thy love, who art one with the Father and the Holy Ghost, to whom be glory and honour forever. / Amen.
Discover the Confraternity of St Peter, our 10,000-strong international prayer network for priestly vocations: fssp.org.uk/about-the-confraternity
Fr de Malleray will attend the annual FSSP clergy session in France this week.
All Saints parties on Sunday 1st November. In either parish halls after Mass in Bedford and in Chesham Bois, children are invited to dress up as their favourite saints.
How to have a holy Mass offered to any of your intentions?
Write your intention on our small, printed envelopes, inserting your stipend in cash inside, and hand it to the priest or drop it in the collection basket. (If using your own envelope, make sure to specify clearly how many Masses and what is the stipend per Mass.)
The merits of Christ being infinite in value, your stipend does not “pay for the Mass,” but it goes to support the priest celebrant who retains it for personal use (one stipend / day maximum).
Your intentions will appear on the Chaplaincy bulletin, unless you don’t mind for that Mass to be offered privately.
There is no obligation to attend personally the Mass you ask to be offered.
No online booking please: We are unable to accept Mass intentions and Mass stipends paid online. Please do not either make a single donation to the Chaplaincy that would “include a Mass stipend,” as those are accounted distinctly and we don’t have the admin resources to process it.
Intentions can be for your own self, or for someone else, dead or alive, or if personal, you may simply write “Private intention”.
Thank you in advance.
Watch the lecture by Fr de Malleray, FSSP on St Francis of Assisi and creation:
Save the date: Annual weekend of vocational discernment on 5-7 March 2027, led by FSSP clergy at Buckden Towers, PE19 5TA. For unmarried men 18-35. Contact & inquiries:malleray@fssp.org
The sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred as planned in Bedford on Sat 8th May 2027 by a retired bishop. Any adults who have not yet received this great sacrament are invited to contact the Chaplaincy. Children from age 12 onward may also be enrolled in the preparation programme.
We will contact the applicants shortly.
Thank you to all who registered interest in our First Holy Communion classes. We will be in touch shortly to book with you dates for classes, normally taking place two Saturdays a month at 1:00pm at OLOR, Kempston, from January to June 2027. The ceremony will take place like every year on Corpus Christi Sunday, 30th May 2027.
Chaplaincy parishioners propose: Languages for Catholics. Learn French, Italian or Spanish with practising Catholic tutors. A curriculum centred around the faith. Courses available for ages 4 to adult, from first steps to fluency. Starting at just £5 per week. Visit languagesforcatholics.org, or email info@languagesforcatholics.org
Next Talk for All in Chesham Bois: Sat 31st Oct, 7pm
by Fr McGonagle, FSSP on
The Universal Call to Holiness,
at the Hall at Our Lady’s Chesham Bois.
Congratulations to Alix Grimer, to be baptised and confirmed on 1st Nov, 11am, at OLOR.
Gathering of teenagers 13-17 on Sat 24th Oct, 3pm-7pm, St Leonard’s Hall in TRING.
Contact Fr McGonagle, FSSP.
Next Trek for unmarried 18-35s: Sat 31st Oct at Marlow.
Meet at St Peter’s Catholic Church, 7 St Peter St, Marlow SL7 1NQ, start 90min trek along Thames,
then holy Mass by Fr McGonagle, FSSP,
and veneration of the relic of the hand of St James the Apostle, followed by lunch at nearby pub.
Join the WhatsApp group!
Help us raise money to buy our own place of worship. Thank you for £40k raised already. Contact Holy Family Project, our team of parishioners: holyfamilyprojectemail@gmail.com.
Pray for the sick in our congregations: John Smith, Stephen Moxham, Malgorzata Anna Pietrak, Maureen Readings, Daniel Jahansouz, Emma Pickford, Maria Chidell, Monika Oledzka, Mrs Henn, Eliah Isaac, Baby Vincent Jones, Tom and Inma Jones, Baby Joseph Osborn. R.I.P. Gealfio and Liberata Dadulla Zabat, Wailim Fook, Roger Johnson, Patsy Crocker, Prima Nevard, Carl Roberts. Please email additions to this list.
Holy Mass Intentions:
Sun 18 Oct 8:30am
21st Sundayafter Pentecost II Cl
Gealfio Zabat RIP
Schola
Sun 18 Oct 12:00pm
John Cusack RIP
Dominic & Esther Ibbs
Mon 19 Oct 9:30am
St Peter of Alcantara C III Cl
Richard Casserley
Margaret Casserlay
Tue 20 Oct 6:30am
St John Cantius C III Cl
Godchildren of Jones Family
Jones family
Wed 21 Oct NO PUBLIC MASS
Feria IV Cl
Charlotte Moxham
Jon & Jacinta Moxham
Thu 22 Oct NO PUBLIC MASS
Feria IV Cl
Helena Stepien RIP
Emma Pickford
Fri 23 Oct NO PUBLIC MASS
St Ant. M. Claret B C III Cl
Souls in Purgatory
Anonymous
Sat 24 Oct 11:30am Eucharistic adoration
St Raphael Archangel III Cl & confessions 10:00-11:15am
Mr and Mrs Jones
Ruth Dyson
Sun 25 Oct 8:30am
Christ the KingI Cl
Elaine Bujokova
Alan & Matt Bujok
Sun 25 Oct 12:00pm
Grant & Loretta Lane
Di Falco
Mon 26 Oct 9:30am
Feria IV Cl
Parish of OL Immaculate
Bernadette Cassidy
Tue 27 Oct 6:30am
Feria IV Cl
Vicki Mariadas & family
T. Bryan
Wed 28 Oct 7:15pm
Ss Simon & Jude Ap II Cl
In Thanksgiving
Eric and Cindy Tang
Thu 29 Oct 9:30am
Feria IV Cl
Sebastian Moxham
Jon & Jacinta Moxham
Fri 30 Oct 8:30am
Feria IV Cl
Frederick Grant
Gregorio Maglione
Sat 31 Oct 11:30am Eucharistic adoration
Our Lady on Saturday IV Cl & confessions 10:00-11:15am
Safeguarding: If you have concerns about children or vulnerable adults, please contact the FSSP Northampton Safeguarding officer William Currie: Tel: 07825 089 336. Email: safeguardingfssp@pm.me. Reminder: NO child must be left unsupervised at any time.
Watch latest Chaplaincy homilies and more on the dedicated FSSP YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@FSSPLiveMass.
Daily Holy Mass readings: www.divinumofficium.com/cgi-bin/missa/missa.pl
CONFESSIONS TIMES
Check online before travelling from afar: Our Lady of Ransom (for anyone): Sat 10:00am-11:15am, and 20mins before every weekday Mass. At All Saints: during Sunday Mass in the room behind the organ. Chesham Bois: after the Sunday 12noon Mass if not before.
Holy Mass Intentions:
Sun 4 Oct 8:30am
19th Sundayafter Pentecost II Cl
Mary Wooldridge
Madden family
Sun 4 Oct 12:00pm
Helena Stepien RIP
Emma Pickford
Mon 5 Oct 9.:30am
Feria IV Cl
Prima Nevard RIP
Anthony Nevard
Tue 6 Oct 6:30am
St Bruno C III Cl
Teresa Reynolds
Laura Sallion
Wed 7 Oct 7:15pm
Our Lady of the Rosary II Cl
Nicholas Dyson
Ruth Dyson
Thu 8 Oct 9:30am
St Bridget W III
Evelyn Yhap RIP
J. Kedward
Fri 9 Oct 8:30am
St John Leonardi C III Cl
Titmus family
Chaplaincy
Sat 10 Oct 11:30am Eucharistic adoration
St Francis Borgia C III Cl & confessions 10:00-11:15am
Nicholas Lubbock
Jon & Ja. Moxham
Sun 11 Oct 8:30am
20th Sundayafter Pentecost II Cl
FSSP Fraternity
Chaplaincy
Sun 11 Oct 12:00pm
Conv. of Leop. & Maria
Alina Ivorra Nasur
Mon 12 Oct 9:30am
St Wilfrid B C III Cl
Brendan Holmes
Bernadette Cassidy
Tue 13 Oct 6:30am
St Edward K C III Cl
Lani Hopkins-Jones
Jones family
Wed 14 Oct 7:15pm
St Callistus I P M III Cl
Thomas Robert Ball RIP
J. & Grace Bozzino
Thu 15 Oct 9:30am
St Teresa V III Cl
Kam. & Ant.’s marriage
Eric & Cindy Tang
Fri 16 Oct 8:30am
St Hedwig W III Cl
Jon Moxham & family
Petit Bregu
Sat 17 Oct 11:30am Eucharistic adorationAlso: ROSARY CRU
St Margaret M. Alacoque V III Cl & confessions 10:00-11:15am +SADE, Westminster Cathedr. 2pm
George Oyo Nyimba RIP
Bridget Ninsiima
Sun 18 Oct 8:30am
21st Sunday after Pentecost II Cl.38th anniversary of FSSP: Shared recitation of the Confraternity Prayer for Vocations and blessing of members after both Masses
Gealfio Zabat RIP
Schola
Sun 18 Oct 12:00pm
John Cusack RIP
Dom. & Esther Ibbs
28 FSSP seminarians TONSURED this month at our two seminaries, 13 in Wigratzbad on 17th Oct, and 15 at OLGS on 24th Oct. Pray for them, and for our three seminarians from the UK & Ireland admitted in First Year this autumn.
On Sunday 18th October:
38th anniversary of establishment of the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter as of pontifical right by the Holy See. Learn more about the FSSP through our founding documents and papal decrees here: fssp.org/en/presentation-2/documents
Shared recitation of the Confraternity Prayer for Vocations and blessing of members after both Masses.
Following a decade of the Rosary:
V. Remember, O Lord, Thy congregation.
R. Which Thou hast possessed from the beginning.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus, born to give testimony to the Truth, Thou who lovest unto the end those whom Thou hast chosen, kindly hear our prayers for our pastors.
Thou who knowest all things, knowest that they love Thee and can do all things in Thee who strengthenest them. Sanctify them in Truth. Pour into them, we beseech Thee, the Spirit whom Thou didst give to Thy apostles, who would make them, in all things, like unto Thee.
Receive the homage of love which they offer up to Thee, who hast graciously received the threefold confession of Peter. And so that a pure oblation may everywhere be offered without ceasing unto the Most Holy Trinity, graciously enrich their number and keep them in Thy love, who art one with the Father and the Holy Ghost, to whom be glory and honour forever. Amen.
Discover the Confraternity of St Peter, our 10,000-strong international prayer network for priestly vocations:
Fr de Malleray attended a full day of Advanced Safeguarding ongoing training last week.
Kindly pray for the spiritual fruit for the priests on clergy retreat this week with Fr de Malleray in Stonyhurst.
Save the date: Annual weekend of vocational discernment on 5-7 March 2027,
led by FSSP clergy at Buckden Towers, PE19 5TA.
For unmarried men 18-35.
Contact & inquiries:malleray@fssp.org.
NEW TEAM:
Following on the success of our latest Juventutem gathering, our new team invite all unmarried 18-35s to join us for our Next Juventutem event in London :
Fri 9th October, after 6pm Confessions, 7pm Sung Mass followed by 8:15pm social.
St Mary Magdalen Church, 96 North Side Wandsworth Common, London, SW18 2QU.
The sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred as planned in Bedford on Sat 8th May 2027. We will announce later the name of the Bishop. Any adults who have not yet received this great sacrament are invited to contact the Chaplaincy. Children from age 12 onward may also be enrolled in the preparation programme.
We will contact the applicants shortly.
Thank you to all who registered interest in our First Holy Communion classes. We will be in touch shortly to book with you dates for classes, normally taking place two Saturdays a month at 1:00pm at OLOR, Kempston, from January to June 2027. The ceremony will take place like every year on Corpus Christi Sunday, 30th May 2027.
Well done all parishioners who prayed the novena and gathered in Kempston and Willington to celebrate the Jubilee of St Francis last Sat 3rd Oct, and those who attended Fr McGonagle’s talk on Forgiveness in Chesham Bois last 26th Sept.
Next Talk for All in Chesham Bois: Sat 31st Oct evening, by Fr McGonagle, FSSP.
Congratulations to Peter and Maria Jones on the birth of their daughter Carmel – and to Luke and Laura Scullion on the birth of their son Gabriel and his holy Baptism on 4th Oct in Chesham Bois.
Gathering of children 13-17 on Sat 24th Oct, 3pm-7pm, St Leonard’s Hall, Chesham Bois. Contact Fr McGonagle, FSSP.
Annual Rosary Crusade of Reparation from Westminster Cathedral to the London Oratoryon Sat 17th October: https://rosarycrusadeuk.org/.
Next Trek for unmarried 18-35s: Sat 31st Oct.
Location to be confirmed. Join the WhatsApp group!
Help us raise money to buy our own place of worship. Thank you for £40k raised already. Contact Holy Family Project, our team of parishioners: holyfamilyprojectemail@gmail.com.
Pray for the sick in our congregations: John Smith, Stephen Moxham, Malgorzata Anna Pietrak, Maureen Readings, Daniel Jahansouz, Emma Pickford, Maria Chidell, Monika Oledzka, Mrs Henn, Eliah Isaac, Baby Vincent Jones, Tom and Inma Jones, Baby Joseph Osborn. R.I.P. Gealfio and Liberata Dadulla Zabat, Wailim Fook, Roger Johnson, Patsy Crocker, Prima Nevard, Carl Roberts. Please email additions to this list.
Safeguarding: If you have concerns about children or vulnerable adults, please contact the FSSP Northampton Safeguarding officer William Currie: Tel: 07825 089 336. Email: safeguardingfssp@pm.me. Reminder: NO child must be left unsupervised at any time.
Watch latest Chaplaincy homilies and more on the dedicated FSSP YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@FSSPLiveMass.
Daily Holy Mass readings: www.divinumofficium.com/cgi-bin/missa/missa.pl
CONFESSIONS TIMES
Check online before travelling from afar: Our Lady of Ransom (for anyone): Sat 10:00am-11:15am, and 20mins before every weekday Mass. At All Saints: during Sunday Mass in the room behind the organ. Chesham Bois: after the Sunday 12noon Mass if not before.
Holy Mass times and intentions
Sun 20 Sept 8:30am
17th Sunday after Pentecost II Cl
Catherine Donner RIP
Sabina Leigh
Sun 20 Sept 12:00pm
Aleksander & Neli Nasur
Alina Ivorra Nasur
Mon 21 Sept 9:30am
St Matthew Ap Evangelist II Cl
Mr and Mrs Jones
Ruth Dyson
Tues 22 Sept 6:30am
St Thomas of Villanova B C III Cl
Kevin Drew
Maeve Chakrabarti
Wed 23 Sept 7:15pm
Ember Wednesday of Sept II Cl
Sean Paul
J. Kedward
Thu 24 Sept 9:30am
Feria IV Cl
Martin Martinez RIP
Anthony Nevard
Fri 25 Sept 8:30am
Ember Friday of Sept II Cl
Jedson and Shaira wedding
Anonymous
Sat 26 Sept 11:30am
Ember Saturday of Sept II Cl
Titmus family
Chaplaincy
Sun 27 Sept 8:30am
18th Sunday after Pentecost II Cl
30th anniversary
Baderto family
Sun 27 Sept 12:00pm
Pedro and Alina Ivorra
Alina Ivorra Nasur
Mon 28 Sept 9:30am
St Wenceslaus Duke M III Cl
Conversion husband/daughter
Anonymous
Tue 29 Sept 6:30am
Ded. St Michael Archangel I Cl
Trevor Coy RIP
Emma Pickford
Wed 30 Sept 7:15pm
St Jerome Priest C D III Cl
Titmus family
Chaplaincy
Thu 1 Oct 9:30am
Feria IV Cl
Knight family
Jon & Jac. Moxham
Fri 2 Oct 8:30am
Holy Guardian Angels III Cl
Holy Souls
Di Falco
Sat 3 Oct 11:30am JUBILEE EVENT
St Teresa of the Child Jesus V III Cl SEE SCHEDULE BELOW
Isaac family
Currie family
Sun 4 Oct 8:30am
19th Sunday after Pentecost II Cl
Mary Wooldridge
Madden family
Sun 4 Oct 12:00pm
Helena Stepien RIP
Emma Pickford
The sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred as planned in Bedford on Sat 8th May 2027. We will announce later the name of the Bishop. Any adults who have not yet received this great sacrament are invited to contact the Chaplaincy. Children from age 12 onward may also be enrolled in the preparation programme.
First Holy Communion classes: if your child has reached the age of reason, please register with us for enrolment in the catechetical preparation. The ceremony will take place like every year on Corpus Christi Sunday, 30th May 2027.
Our quarterly magazineDowry is now available on our website, and soon in print at your church. Do take a copy home, and share the link around to discover articles on: St Francis, Chartres experience, the loss of an unborn child, how the Latin Mass revival inspires lady novelists, a painting by Bellini, pro-life story, chastity for women, SSPX consecrations, seminary life, and more.
Sat 3rd October: join us for celebrating the 800th anniversary of the holy death of St Francis of Assisi as per the ongoing Jubilee Year.
Schedule at OLOR in Kempston, then Willington:
10:00am Confessions and Eucharistic Adoration
11:10am: Eucharistic Benediction
11:30am: Sung holy Mass
1:00pm: Meet us at Willington hall, Church Rd, Willington, Bedford MK44 3PY for a shared lunch
2:00pm: Talk for all by Fr de Malleray on: St Francis of Assisi’s poetic outlook on God’s creation, culminating in his love of Jesus in the holy Eucharist.
Ahead of 3rd October, join us from home or at church in the Novena in preparation for this important Church event: pray daily from Friday 25th Sept until Saturday 2nd Oct a prayer of your choosing or the following one:
Glorious Saint Francis, who voluntarily renounced all the comforts and riches of thy home to follow more perfectly the life of poverty and abnegation of Jesus Christ: Obtain for us, we pray, a generous contempt of all things in this world, that we may secure the true and eternal things of heaven.
O glorious Saint Francis, who during the whole course of thy life continually wept over the passion of the Redeemer, and laboured most zealously for the salvation of souls: Obtain for us, we pray, the grace of weeping continually over those sins by which we have crucified afresh Our Lord Jesus Christ, that we may attain to be of the number of those who shall eternally bless His supreme mercy.
O glorious Saint Francis, who, loving above all things suffering and the Cross, merited to bear in thy body the miraculous stigmata, by which thou becamest a living image of Jesus Christ crucified: Obtain for us, we pray, the grace to bear in our bodies the mortifications of Christ, that we may merit one day to receive the consolations which are infallibly promised to all those who now weep.
Pray for us, Saint Francis, that we may obtain the graces and favours we ask for in this novena; pray for us, especially, that we may obtain the grace of perseverance; of a holy death and a happy eternity.
The Bedfordshire Pastoral Area Council invites anyone to an afternoon with Fr Emmanuel, a Franciscan friar of the Renewal working with the poor and spreading the Gospel in East London: Sat 31st October 2026, Holy Cross Church, Bedford, MK41 0DP, 2pm-4pm. The speaker, Fr Emmanuel Mansford, was born and raised near Bedford, in Henlow, converted at 18, joined the Franciscan friars in the Bronx in New York in 1998. Ordained a priest in 2007, currently in London, Canning Town.
The day will close with Adoration.
Congratulations to Sam Kelleher and Claudine Sabet united in holy Matrimony last 12th September, at Chesham Bois.
Chesham Bois Talk for All on Sat 26th September by Fr McGonagle on: The obligation and possibility of forgiveness in the Christian life, while also looking at how charity applies to our enemies and what exactly is expected of the Christian when dealing with persons and situations in which reconciliation seems infeasible. Contact Agostino Di Falco for address to location next to the church (not at the church).
A gathering of children between 13 and 17 is planned again. Thank you to the parents who shared their preferences as to the format. Location, time and activities may need adjusting, especially now that the school year has begun and daylight is diminishing. The next date and location will be announced soon.
Thank you for your generosity toward sponsoring our Chaplaincy coach to the March for Life on Saturday 5th September. For the first time 15 UK bishops attended, and Pope Leo sent a message of support.
Frs de Malleray and McGonagle attended the deanery meeting last 3rd Sept. Fr McGonagle attended a gathering of diocesan clergy with Archbishop Moth in Luton on 12 Sept. Fr de Malleray spoke as part of a panel at the Resonate event in Westminster attended by 60 young adults last 8th Sept.
Kindly tell any priests, deacons, religious, and seminariansabout the Clergy retreat led by Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP at Stonyhurst 5-9 Oct 2026 on the theme: This Sacred Victim – The priest at the altar as sacrificer. Visit the event page https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/this-sacred-victim/.
Save the date: Annual weekend of vocational discernment on 5-7 March 2027, led by FSSP clergy at Buckden Towers, PE19 5TA. For unmarried men 18-35. Contact & inquiries:malleray@fssp.org.
Next Juventutem event in London for unmarried 18-35: Fri 25th September, after 6pm Confessions, 7pm Sung Mass followed by 8:15pm social. St Mary Magdalen Church, 96 North Side Wandsworth Common, London, SW18 2QU.
Annual Rosary Crusade of Reparation from Westminster Cathedral to the London Oratoryon Sat 17th October: https://rosarycrusadeuk.org/. Support this the main Marian outdoor event in the UK, following the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, praying the rosary and singing hymns, until final devotions.
Help us raise money to buy our own place of worship. Thank you for £40k raised already. Contact Holy Family Project, our team of parishioners: holyfamilyprojectemail@gmail.com.
Pray for the sick in our congregations: John Smith, Stephen Moxham, Malgorzata Anna Pietrak, Maureen Readings, Daniel Jahansouz, Jean-Francois Moore, Maria Chidell, Monika Oledzka, Mrs Henn, Eliah Isaac, Baby Vincent Jones, Tom and Inma Jones, Baby Joseph Osborn. R.I.P. Wailim Fook (late mother of Cindy Tang), Roger Johnson, Patsy Crocker, Prima Nevard, Carl Roberts. Please email additions to this list.
Fr de Malleray tells why celebrating the happy death of the Poverello with the Church universal on 3rd October 2026 is relevant and beneficial.
My Chartres Pilgrimage Experience 2026
Bridget Nisiima recalls her very first Christendom pilgrimage last Pentecost weekend among 20,000 young pilgrims
On the Loss of Our Unborn Child
A young wife shares her experience of miscarrying and how as a couple she and her husband dealt with their child’s remains with dignity, despite challenges inherent in the UK health system
The Latin Mass Revival Inspires Lady Novelists
That novelists from different continents should feel inspired to describe the same phenomenon, albeit from various angles, confirms the vitality and relevance of their shared topic of interest, Fr Armand de Mallerayexplains
A Monk Muses Over a Painting by Bellini
An English Benedictine monk share his reflexions on Bellini’s Madonna and Child and Two Female Saints painted around the year 1490
The Girl and the Priest on the Train
Good Counsel Network co-founder Stuart McCullough has recourse to fiction to help readers realise the impact of peaceful pro-life witness, with prayer
Modesty and Chastity for Modern Women
A talk given by Sarah Haire to young ladies at the Juventutem Summer Weekend attended by 60 in July 2026
On the SSPX Episcopal Consecrations
What are disorientated laity and clergy to think of the event last 1st July in Switzerland: guiding principles on what Catholic tradition entails and excludes, even in critical times, in charity and truth
An Englishman in French-speaking Bavaria?
Englishman Deacon David Kahn, FSSP, feels at home in the multilingual motherhouse of the FSSP, where Latin is a unifying factor
Support & Events
Clergy retreat for any priests, deacons, religious, and seminarians, led by Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP at Stonyhurst 5-9 Oct 2026 on the theme This Sacred Victim – The priest at the altar as sacrificer. Visit the event page https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/this-sacred-victim/ and join already ten priests booked in
Save the date: Annual weekend of vocational discernment on 5-7 March2027, led by FSSP clergy at Buckden Towers, PE19 5TA. For unmarried men 18-35. Contact & inquiries:malleray@fssp.org.
Safeguarding: If you have concerns about children or vulnerable adults, please contact the FSSP Northampton Safeguarding officer William Currie: Tel: 07825 089 336. Email: safeguardingfssp@pm.me. Reminder: NO child must be left unsupervised at any time.
Watch latest Chaplaincy homilies and more on the dedicated FSSP YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@FSSPLiveMass.
Daily Holy Mass readings: www.divinumofficium.com/cgi-bin/missa/missa.pl
CONFESSIONS TIMES
Check online before travelling from afar: Our Lady of Ransom (for anyone): Sat 10:00am-11:15am, and 20mins before every weekday Mass. At All Saints: during Sunday Mass in the room behind the organ. Chesham Bois: after the Sunday 12noon Mass if not before.
Holy Mass Intentions:
Sun 6 Sept 8:30am
15th Sunday afterPentecost II Cl
Marriage of Anna and Lee
Currie family
Sun 6 Sept 12:00pm
Titmus family
Chaplaincy
Mon 7 Sept 9:30am
Feria IV Cl
Morin family
J. Kedward
Tue 8 Sept 6:30am
Nativity of the BVM II Cl
Teresa Reynolds
Laura Sallion
Wed 9 Sept 7:15pm
Feria IV Cl
Lubbock family
Jon & Ja. Moxham
Thu 10 Sept 9:30am
St Nicolas of Tolentino C III Cl
Joelle Fofana
Seb. Petit-Frere
Fri 11 Sept 8:30am
Feria IV Cl
Holy Souls
Ruth Dyson
Sat 12 Sept 8:00am No adorationowing to diocesan clergy event
Most Holy Name of Mary III Cl
Clayton family children
Clayton family
Sun 13 Sept 8:30am
16th Sunday afterPentecost II Cl
Abiel Matthew Contreras
Marissa Contreras
Sun 13 Sept 12:00pm
FSSP Fraternity
Chaplaincy
Mon 14 Sept 9:30am
Exaltationof theHoly CrossII Cl
Alex and Ale Windo
Jon & Ja. Moxham
Tue 15 Sept 6:30am
7 Sorrows of the BVM II Cl
Titmus family
Chaplaincy
Wed 16 Sept 7:15pm
Ss Corn. & Cyprian MM III Cl
Melville D’Rozario RIP
Hazlewood family
Thu 17 Sept 9:30am
Feria IV Cl
Doreen D’Rozario RIP
Hazlewood family
Fri 18 Sept 8:30am
St Joseph of Cupertino C III Cl
Eliah Isaac
Currie family
Sat 19 Sept 9:00am No adorationowing to youth trek
St Januarius & Comps MM III Cl
Priests/religious sisters’ souls
Anonymous
Sun 20 Sept 8:30am
17th Sundayafter Pentecost II Cl
Catherine Donner RIP
Sabina Leigh
Sun 20 Sept 12:00pm
Aleksander & Neli Nasur
Alina Ivorra Nasur
First Holy Communion classes: if your child has reached the age of reason, please register with us for enrolment in the catechetical preparation. The ceremony will take place like every year on Corpus Christi Sunday, 30th May 2027. We await the decision by the diocese regarding the date for our Confirmations scheduled last year with Bishop Oakley on Sat 8th May 2027.
Our first gathering for children between 13 and 17 last month went well with about 30 teenagers attending, led by Fr McGonagle with lay volunteers. Thank you to the parents who shared their preferences as to the format. Location, time and activities may need adjusting, especially now that the school year has begun and daylight is diminishing. The next date will be announced soon.
Our next monthly trek for unmarried young adults (18-35) will take place on 19th September at Ashridge Estate. We will meet at 11:00AM at Ashridge visitor centre car park HP4 1LX. At 13:00PM we will be having lunch at The Trooper in Aldbury HP23 5RW. Contact the Chaplaincy or Daniel to be added onto the WhatsApp group.
Well done our pilgrims to Walsingham with the LMS last 27-30 August.
Congratulations to Justin & Grace Bozzino on the happy birth of their son Alban, and to Barnabas & Anna Woodward on the happy birth of their son Jude: both baby boys will be baptised on 6th September at OLOR, 11am. Let us keep in our prayers parents expecting children, and any couples hoping to conceive.
Please pray for our newly baptised Sam Kelleher and Claudine Sabet as they prepare to be united in holy Matrimony on Sat 12th September, 1:00pm, at Chesham Bois.
Chesham Bois Talk for All on Sat 26th September by Fr McGonagle on: The obligation and possibility of forgiveness in the Christian life, while also looking at how charity applies to our enemies and what exactly is expected of the Christian when dealing with persons and situations in which reconciliation seems infeasible. Contact Agostino Di Falco for address to location next to the church (not at the church).
Thank you for your generosity toward sponsoring our Chaplaincy coach to the March for Life on Saturday 5th September.
Sat 3rd October: join us for celebrating the 800th anniversary of the holy death of St Francis of Assisi as per the ongoing Jubilee Year. After our 10am Confessions and Adoration and 11:30am holy Mass, meet us (location to be confirmed soon) for a shared lunch and talk for all by Fr de Malleray on St Francis of Assisi.
Novena in preparation for this important Church event: daily from Friday 25th Sept until Saturday 2nd Oct, let us recite this traditional prayer:
Glorious Saint Francis, who voluntarily renounced all the comforts and riches of thy home to follow more perfectly the life of poverty and abnegation of Jesus Christ: Obtain for us, we pray, a generous contempt of all things in this world, that we may secure the true and eternal things of heaven.
O glorious Saint Francis, who during the whole course of thy life continually wept over the passion of the Redeemer, and laboured most zealously for the salvation of souls: Obtain for us, we pray, the grace of weeping continually over those sins by which we have crucified afresh Our Lord Jesus Christ, that we may attain to be of the number of those who shall eternally bless His supreme mercy.
O glorious Saint Francis, who, loving above all things suffering and the Cross, merited to bear in thy body the miraculous stigmata, by which thou becamest a living image of Jesus Christ crucified: Obtain for us, we pray, the grace to bear in our bodies the mortifications of Christ, that we may merit one day to receive the consolations which are infallibly promised to all those who now weep.
Pray for us, Saint Francis, that we may obtain the graces and favours we ask for in this novena; pray for us, especially, that we may obtain the grace of perseverance; of a holy death and a happy eternity.
Scout/Guide leaders urgently WANTED: Want to help build God’s kingdom in Our Lady’s dowry, but not sure how or where to begin? Now is your chance, with us in Bedfordshire! Any 18+ Catholics, men and women, please contact Scouts Troop Chief Matthew Blissett: matthew.blissett@gseuk.org, or Guides Troop Chief Sarah Titmus: sarah.titmus@gseuk.org.
Next Juventutem event in London for unmarried 18-35: Fri 25th September, after 6pm Confessions, 7pm Sung Mass followed by 8:15pm social. Cf. https://www.instagram.com/juventutemlondon/.
Annual Rosary Crusade of Reparation from Westminster Cathedral to the London Oratory on Sat 17th October: https://rosarycrusadeuk.org/. Support this the main Marian outdoor event in the UK, following the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, praying the rosary and singing hymns, until final devotions.
Help us raise money to buy our own place of worship. Thank you for £40k raised already. Contact Holy Family Project, our team of parishioners: holyfamilyprojectemail@gmail.com.
Marriage Help – Communication failure is a major cause of marital breakdown – 1,000’s of couples have found Retrouvaille helped their relationship. Retrouvaille is not counselling but a programme to help married couples work through conflicts more effectively. We focus on helping restore trust and hope. Bookings close 18th Sept. www.Retrouvaille.org.uk ; +44 7887 296 983
Fr de Malleray will be on annual retreat 13-20 Sept and requests your prayers as he assures you of his.
The Latin Mass Society (LMS) is seeking an efficient and experienced manager for its London office, managing a small team of staff and online bookshop, the production of its quarterly magazine Mass of Ages, and facilitating the work of its activities in supporting the celebration of the Traditional Mass in England and Wales and beyond. Full-time position, for the complete Job Description and how to apply, visit: lms.org.uk/vacancies.
Pray for the sick in our congregations: John Smith, Stephen Moxham, Malgorzata Anna Pietrak, Maureen Readings, Daniel Jahansouz, Jean-Francois Moore, Maria Chidell, Monika Oledzka, Mrs Henn, Eliah Isaac, Baby Vincent Jones, Tom and Inma Jones, Baby Joseph Osborn. R.I.P. Wailim Fook (late mother of Cindy Tang), Roger Johnson, Patsy Crocker, Prima Nevard, Carl Roberts. Please email additions to this list.
