Fr de Malleray comments on the fear felt by many souls confronted with growing uncertainty in the Church and secular pressure from the world
The English Pope (Part One)
While another English cardinal has just been created, young convert and historian Adam Mercer describes the rise to prominence of one Nicholas Breakspear, who later become the first (and latest) English pope.
Homily for First Mass of Fr Gwilym Evans, FSSP
Fr de Malleray welcomes the newly ordained priest as he begins his pastoral ministry in England. Fr Evans is reminded of being a man of the sacred, better to serve souls, including the most vulnerable ones. Diligence and love for God, especially in the Blessed Sacrament, conditions a fruitful priestly life.
Can A Catholic Wear Tattoos?
Niall Patrick Carroll reflects on Fr Mike Schmitz’s “Awesome Tattoo”. Why this recent trend of tattoos, now spreading even among Catholics? What criteria help one discern whether tattoos are bad, indifferent or positive? Our souls are where the divine imprint should show, now and forever.
Mgr Benson’s Novels on Catholic Persecution
The newly started Cenacle Press at Silverstream Priory in Ireland has released a beautiful illustrated edition of Mgr Hugh Benson’s classic novels describing the persecution of Catholics in England under penal times. A timely reminder and an encouragement as genuine religious freedom is under threat even in Western countries.
The Sacred Liturgy as a Secret Garden
In his latest and short book, Fr de Malleray offers an analogy between Frances Hodgson Burnett’s pre-WWI tale for children and the revelation experienced in the 2020s by a growing number of adults stepping into the grace-filled haven of the traditional Roman liturgy.
8.30 am Ireneusz Oledzki Intentions 12.30 pm Private intention
CONFESSIONS 3 pm—5 pm Today
SUNG MASSES These will start again after the summer break next Sunday 4th September, with a practice on Saturday 3rd September 3 pm—5 pm in church. We are looking for new members, especially men! Experience not necessary. Please contact Katherine Smith on 07985 214854/katie.peddie@gmail.com to find out more.
PARISH MEETING NEXT SUNDAY This takes place next Sunday 4th September at 11.30 am. We have been specifically invited to attend this meeting, to discuss issues which affect the whole parish community.
ST JOSEPH’S BUSINESS DIRECTORY
The third edition of the St. Joseph’s Directory for Catholic businesses is being put together. There are a few copies of the last one on the table as you go out of church, if you’d like to see what it looks like. Entry is free, and it’s printed, not online, so you won’t be harassed by an online mob for being Catholic. Please email bedfordlatinmass AT gmail.com if you a) have a business or some work you’d like to promote, b) are looking for employment or any support yourself, or c) have a job opening. Deadline for entries is 4th September
SAFEGUARDING From the Northampton Diocese Safeguarding Team: If you are working with children or vulnerable adults, or considering doing so, you must complete a DBS check. There are more details on the leaflet on the table as you leave—please take a copy if this applies to you.
ACCESS TO THE SACRAMENTS If there is the need for sacraments — baptism, confirmation, sick calls etc — please contact Fr Goddard as the priest in charge of the Chaplaincy Masses at Christ the King on telephone number 0118 966 5284 or by email goddard AT FSSP.org
8.30 am Tim O’Connor RIP 12.30 pm Private intention
Confessions: no confessions today but usually 3-5pm every Saturday.
Minibus Driver Needed!
Maria is hoping to organise a group from this parish for March for Life on Saturday 3rd September – she has the parish minibus but is in need of a driver! Please contact her on mariabookerltd AT hotmail.co.uk if you would like to be a passenger or a driver; no experience is necessary, just a clean license and being comfortable driving a minibus.
Bioethics
The Anscombe Centre is having a half day conference on suicide prevention and assisted suicide, on 10th September. Attendance is free, and you can do so in person or virtually. In the meantime, if you’re a doctor, or involved in working in healthcare, you can sign an important letter about conscientious objection here.
St. Joseph’s Business Directory
The third edition of the St. Joseph’s Directory for Catholic businesses is being put together. There are a few copies of the last one on the table as you go out of church, if you’d like to see what it looks like. Entry is free, and it’s printed, not online, so you won’t be harassed by an online mob for being Catholic. Please email bedfordlatinmass AT gmail.com if you a) have a business or some work you’d like to promote, b) are looking for employment or any support yourself, or c) have a job opening.
Cost of Living Crisis
With a tough few months coming up, please consider supporting the Bedford Foodbank with food donations. You can leave any donations at the back of the church and they will be taken there. A list of what’s needed is here. More generally, if you have any ideas about how Christ the King can help people this autumn and winter, there’s a parish meeting at 11:30 on 4th September where you can share your thoughts.
8.30 am Catherine Baker RIP and for her family 12.30 pm Private intention Monday 15th August – Holyday of Obligation
7.30 pm Lucy Healy
CONFESSIONS 3 pm—5 pm Saturdays, but no confessions on 20th August.
GOODBYE AND THANK YOU! Today marks the last visit of the Warrington priests, who have been ministering in Bedford since December 2020. Thank you so much, Frs de Malleray, Verrier, Stewart and Quirke!
FIRST BLESSINGS Newly ordained Fr Gwilym Evans will be in Bedford on Sunday 21st August and will be giving First Blessings after the 8.30 am and 12.30 pm Masses.
SEVEN YEARS AND GOING STRONG! It is seven years this weekend since the first Latin Mass was celebrated at Bedford—with 16 people present! Deo Gratias for all the growth and the many blessings received since then.
MARCH FOR LIFE—SATURDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER Maria is hoping to organise a group from this parish. Please get in touch if interested and we’ll give you her contact details
The well-known children’s story The Secret Garden lends itself to a religious and modern interpretation. Like orphaned children in desperate need of spiritual comfort, many Catholics discovered the traditional Latin Mass thanks to the Covid pandemic. Thirsting for Confession, for Eucharistic adoration, or for Holy Communion administered with reverence, they rejoiced when finding all this and more in traditional worship. This book offers an analogy between Frances Hodgson Burnett’s pre-WWI tale for children, and the revelation experienced in the 2020s by a growing number of adults stepping into the grace-filled haven of the traditional Roman liturgy.
Praise for The Sacred Liturgy as a Secret Garden
A very clever treatment of the novel The Secret Garden. That well-known children story should be read twice—firstly, as any reader would read it just for enjoyment, and then again after reading Fr de Malleray’s fascinating hermeneutic of tradition, because the enjoyment and appreciation would be much greater. —Leo Darroch, former President of the International Federation Una Voce
An imaginative essay, whose poetic nature is a timely invitation to rediscover the forgotten riches of the Church’s traditional liturgy. —Fr Simon Henry, BA MA, Director of St Peter’s International College
This essay is intriguing, creative and sufficiently provocative to maintain the reader’s interest. The variety of expression is refreshing. Readers of all ages will enjoy discovering the liturgical treasures that lie hidden in the Secret Garden. —Fr Neil Brett, former head teacher
Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP holds a Master’s Degree in Modern Literature from the University of The Sorbonne in Paris. Ordained a priest and first assigned in England in 2001, he has been the editor of the quarterly magazine Dowry since 2008 and is the author of theological essays, of fiction and of art commentaries. He regularly preaches retreats to the clergy and the laity, and to young members of the Juventutem youth movement of which he has been the general chaplain since 2004. Since 2015, he is rector of St Mary’s Shrine Church in the Archdiocese of Liverpool, England.
MASS INTENTIONS Sunday 31st July 8.30 am Marek Oledzki 12.30 pm Private intention
CONFESSIONS 3 pm—5 pm Saturdays
FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION Monday 15th August, Holyday of Obligation, Mass 7.30 pm.h
ROSARY BOUQUET
When Fr Gwilym Evans joins Fr Goddard and Fr Phipps at Reading on 14 August, this will mark the last day the Warrington priests will be saying Mass at Bedford; they have been coming since December 2020. In thanksgiving for their ministry with us, we would like to offer them a Rosary Bouquet. Katherine is kindly organising this – we are aiming for 100 Rosaries! Please get in touch giving your name and the number of Rosaries you would like to offer. There is also a sign-up sheet available on the ‘sales table’ in the hall over coffee.
FSSP SUMMER CAMPS Please pray for the priests, seminarians, lay people and the children themselves as they take part in the Boys’ Camp (1st—6th August) and the Girls’ Camp (8th—13th August), both being held in the Peak District in Derbyshire.
MARCH FOR LIFE—SATURDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER See https://www.marchforlife.co.uk/2022-annual-event-page/ for ways to be involved.
YOUNG CATHOLIC ADULT WEEKEND Douai Abbey, Berkshire 7th—9th October 2022 Are you 18—40? YCA are organizing a weekend at Douai Abbey in Berkshire where you’ll be able to hear catechetical talks, learn how to sing Gregorian Chant, say the Rosary, socialise and have fun. Book soon as places are limited! Prices start from £12 (come for the day) and £55 per person per night (residential). All Masses are Old Rite. To book go to:- https://bookwhen.com/youngcatholicadults-douai2022.
ACCESS TO THE SACRAMENTS If there is the need for sacraments — baptism, confirmation, sick calls etc — please contact Fr Goddard as the priest in charge of the Chaplaincy Masses at Christ the King on telephone number 0118 966 5284 or by email: goddard AT fssp.org.
NEXT HOLYDAY OF OBLIGATION Mass for the Feast of the Assumption, Monday 15th August, 7.30 pm.
FR GWILYM EVANS Fr Evans was ordained to the sacred priesthood in Bavaria on 18th June. We are delighted to announce that he has been assigned to St John Fisher Parish in Reading, to assist in our apostolates in the Portsmouth and Northampton Dioceses. Fr Evans begins his mission in this country as chaplain to our boys’ camp in August. He commences his assignment in Reading with Solemn Mass on 14th August. We are hoping to see him sometime in Bedford to give First Blessings!
REPOSITORY Rosie, who runs the parish repository, has kindly agreed to open it after the 8.30 am Mass once a month. The first such opening is today and the next one will be in September. You will find cards, rosaries etc for sale at reasonable prices, cash only please.
12TH ANNUAL G K CHESTERTON PILGRIMAGE SATURDAY 30TH JULY 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of Chesterton’s conversion to Catholicism at the age of 48. See https://ww.catholicgkchestertonsociety.co.uk/ for how to get involved through walking, prayer or sponsorship. The whole walk is 27 miles or you can join for part of it.
YOUNG CATHOLIC ADULT WEEKEND Douai Abbey, Berkshire 7th—9th October 2022 Are you 18—40? YCA are organizing a weekend at Douai Abbey in Berkshire where you’ll be able to hear catechetical talks, learn how to sing Gregorian Chant, say the Rosary, socialise and have fun. Book soon as places are limited! Prices start from £12 (come for the day) and £55 per person per night (residential). All Masses are Old Rite. To book go to:- https://bookwhen.com/youngcatholicadults-douai2022.
RENTAL PROPERTY REQUEST A Spanish family is looking to move to Britain. Alfonso Chicarro is looking for a standard rental property for his wife and 5 children, within a 30 minute drive of Meppershall, for any ideas or suggestions please get in touch.
ACCESS TO THE SACRAMENTS If there is the need for sacraments — baptism, confirmation, sick calls etc — please contact Fr Goddard as the priest in charge of the Chaplaincy Masses at Christ the King goddard AT fssp.org.
With Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP and Fr Gerard Quirke, and up to 40 young adults 18-35.
Sign up for our weekend away at Stonyhurst this July by emailing us at juventutemldn@gmail.com.
Hurry up: booking deadline Thur 14th July!
Spend the weekend with us in a beautiful setting, take the opportunity to get away from London and enjoy the stunning grounds, time with friends and Mass and devotions in the beautiful chapel.
Spaces are limited so email now to apply for a place!
A reminder that today members of the Confraternity of St Peter can gain a plenary indulgence (under the usual conditions). If you would like to join the Confraternity, please contact Fr Phipps.
Let us pray for our sovereign pontiff.
Here is a sermon Fr Phipps gave in 2018 for this feast:
