Prayer to our Guardian Angel when we cannot go to Mass

Dear Guardian Angel, go for me to the church, there kneel down at Mass for me. 

At the Offertory, take me to God, and offer Him my service; what I am, what I have, offer as my gift.

At the Consecration, with your seraphic strength, adore my Saviour truly present, praying for those who have loved me, and for those who have offended me, and for those now deceased, that the Blood of Jesus may purify them all. 

During Holy Communion, bring to me the Body and Blood of Jesus, uniting Him with me in spirit, so that my heart may become His dwelling place.  Plead with Him that through this sacrifice, all people throughout the world be saved.

When the Mass ends, bring home to me and to every home the Lord’s blessing.  Amen.

by fsspuk

We can still be kind, we can still laugh … and we can still sing

From the FSSP Bedford blog today:

Cessation of Public Masses

In accordance with the recent letter from the Bishops of England and Wales
in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the final public Mass until further notice for our South of England apostolates (Reading, Chesham Bois and Bedford) will be offered at St William of York in Reading at 12 noon on Friday 20th March.

You are reminded that the Sunday Mass from Warrington can be viewed on LiveMass at 11 am.  See LiveMass.net.  While doing so, you could take the opportunity to make a Spiritual Communion such as the one below:

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

We shall miss the FSSP priests visiting Bedford in the coming days. You could make a point of praying for them daily by joining the Confraternity of St Peter: https://www.fssp.org/en/help-us/confraternity-of-saint-peter/.

Finally, a lovely quote from Dame Vera Lynn:

“Even if we are isolated in person, we can still be united in spirit. As the war showed us so many years ago, we are all stronger than we think and however desperate things may seem today, remember that we can still be kind, we can still laugh… and we can still sing”. 

And we can still pray.

by fsspuk

Coronavirus Update – St Rocco, pray for us!

We announce with regret that in the light of the coronavirus situation, we are unable to serve tea and coffee after the 8.30 am Mass until further notice following guidelines from the Bishops’ Conference and the decision of Christ the King parish.  It will be possible to use the toilets in the hall if required and people may wish to meet for a chat without having refreshments.

We remember in prayer those who have died as a result of coronavirus, those who are suffering and those who are ministering to them.

St Rocco, pray for us!

by fsspuk

Parents and Heroes and Saints

New Video on ‘Parents as Heroes and Saints’ by Fr de Malleray:

[Summary by Juventutem London:] On the feast of St. Anthony the Abbot, Fr De Malleray, FSSP, begins his homily by reflecting on the family. To be a parent and spouse in contemporary culture is heroic. It is a historic time for antagonism against the family and yet God loves families. He created the first family. Reflecting on the Holy Family inspires us of this truth. God decided to belong to a family. The second person of the Trinity, became the son of a woman, Our Lady, and the foster son of St. Joseph. From the beginning of our race, God expressed His will that humanity should be propagated through family. The first end of marriage is procreation and education of children. The second end of marriage is mutual support of the spouses. Parents have the glorious task of assisting God with populating heaven with new worshippers of the most Holy Trinity. This means not only to beget children but also to raise children to love God. The proof of a successful Christian education is the good example of virtue and the assistance lent by children to their parents and neighbours in need. So families are our heroes; because God wants families. But the world hates families. The world wants to take control of the family, of parents, of children. Why? Because the family as willed by God is the best school of sanctification for children and adults in the world. The world, being inimical to God, wants to control every man and every woman as if God did not exist. Family is the core cell of society. Christian families are domestic churches. Families are where children learn to lead life in common, to share, to listen, to obey, to trust, to serve, to love. Nowhere better than in the family can virtue be acquired. This in turn benefits society at large. Happy and stable families bring balanced and helpful itizens into the world. On the contrary, when families are weak or broken, then addiction, suicide, violence and crime increase. Fr then affirms a truth that soon, could be criminalised: parents are the primary educators of their children. They have this responsibility by natural right since they begot them. The state or any other institution, may assist the parents in the education of the children – but it must be the parent who decides if so. The state has no right to force “eduction” upon children against the parents’ will, especially sexual perversion classes. The state and other institutions may step in to provide for the children’ education if the parents cannot, yet always respecting natural law and divine law. Parental rights: the confiscation of the parental right by the state is the necessary bent of godless societies. This confiscation has been tried and implemented by every tyranny, but most successfully in recent times. Communism, Nazism, and now Hedonist Relativism. On the contrary, healthy families make prosperous countries.

Some examples of what a state worthy of the name should do: Firstly, in its duty to families, the state must provide adequate housing; every family is entitled to own a house. Second: the state must facilitate the transition of the family home from one generation to the next, by not claiming inheritance tax. Thirdly, society must accept that women cannot be replaced in nurturing life and in making the home a place of peace, order, and happiness. This is essential to ordering a society towards salvation. We are bound for eternity, but family life is our best preparation for a happy eternity with God. The supreme service women in the world can give to humanity is fostering life. It has been a great success of cultural communism to persuade the Western world that housewives are a waste. To achieve this lie, the godless have used cinema, literature, sociology, and the parliaments, to powerful effect. The truth is that mothers in the homes are queens. Women raising their children are heroines. Wives investing all they energies and skills into shaping new children of God are among the greatest benefactresses of mankind. Fourth: the authority of the husband and father must be upheld and praised, as described by St. Paul. “He must love his wife as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her.” Fr then mentions a recently released film A Hidden Life, which depicts an authentically-lived Catholic manhood. Fifth: marriage must be protected by law as a permanent and exclusive bond of fidelity between a man and woman in order to raise children. Sixth: pornography, contraception, abortion, surrogacy, IVF, must be curbed and ultimately disappear as contrary to the dignity of men and women, of parents, and of society. Fr then quotes from Pope Francis on the family, highlighting its place in the Christian life.

Fr concludes points out that he has been addressing these issues from the perspective of civil society – but ultimately it is about grace and eternity. Securing a natural order benefits the supernatural order. Strong families make strong countries – and strong countries, inspired by the Catholic faith, prepare a blessed eternity with God. This is what we must all have in mind when praying before the crib and while praying for families. Indeed, individual families are cherished units of the larger family of God, that is, His Holy Church. In the “Hanc Igitur” prayer, the celebrant refers to the Church as the family of God. Fr finishes the sermon by inviting those who might be called to family to beg the Holy Family to inspire, to guide, to heal, and sanctify a;l families. This way parents will not only be heroes, but with their children, they will be saints.

by Fr AM

Only six days away – Gearing up for Lent!

There are a busy few days ahead for the Bedford Latin Mass community!

Firstly on Sunday 23 February after Mass we have our monthly Catechism session, where last time the adults learnt about why the Church ordains only men to the Sacred Priesthood. It is good to have these sort of questions clear in our minds so that we can answer any questions from family, friends and colleagues, and these sessions are an excellent way to learn how to do so. There are sessions for the under 8s and under 16s too. The sessions start at 10.30 am.

Secondly on Monday 24 February we have something new at 9.30 am – a whole hour of Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. What better way to prepare for Lent than to spend some time with our Blessed Lord?

Thirdly, of course, is Ash Wednesday itself on 26 February. We have a Low Mass at 7.30 pm with imposition of the Blessed Ashes. This is not a Holyday of Obligation, but attendance is highly recommended!

Pick up a copy of this week’s newsletter at Mass on Sunday – as well as information about what’s going on, there are some helpful hints from Fr Goddard as to how we might keep a good Lent!

by fsspuk

Sunday Bulletin 16 Feb 2020

Click here to open this bulletin as pdf.

(Memento homo quia pulvis es)

Confirmations: Archbishop McMahon O.P. will come to St Mary’s Shrine to confer the sacrament on Saturday 18^th July 2020 at 3:00pm, followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and refreshments.

Candidates from within and from without the Liverpool Archdiocese are invited to contact Fr Whisenant as soon as possible: henrywhiz@hotmail.com.

Thank you to the ladies and clergy who worked hard to prepare accommodation for our Annual FSSP Clergy Gathering at St Mary’s last 3-5 Feb. It was a great joy to see all altars and most choir stalls used for holy Mass and prayer daily.

By Sunday 23^rd Feb, bring from your homes last year’s blessed palms to burn to provide the ashes for Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday 26^th February. Day of FAST and ABSTINENCE for every able Catholic. Come to holy Mass and receive the blessed ashes: a powerful sacramental to begin our preparation to the redemptive Passion of Our Lord.

Dowry Magazine, Winter edition, is available on line and soon in print. Please share around you this special issue on Anti-Christian persecutions. Link here https://fssp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2020-02-03-Dowry-44-FINAL-online.pdf.

The re-dedication of England by our bishops as Our Lady’s dowry will take place at 12noon on Sunday, 29^th March, 2020. St Mary’s will host special events on that day.

Thanksgiving Mass for converts on Sat 21^st March, 12:10pm. We invite all adults received into the Church or baptised at St Mary’s over the past 4 years to join us with their families and friends on this occasion. Refreshments will follow.

Congratulations to our parishioner Martin Turner and his fiancée Georgie Burrows, who will be united in Holy Matrimony by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon in Liverpool Cathedral on 28^th February at 12:30. We assure them of our prayer.

2 vacancies at Charles Forbes Court on Mersey Street, over the fence from St Mary’s. Contact Donna Cowell 07799438993

Educational Initiative Regina Caeli Academy – coming soon to the North of England!

www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/regina-caeli-uk-29170853539

Our new Priory buildings give hope for increased educational opportunities at St Mary’s. A meeting here will be announced soon for all those interested (please suggest dates.)

SPUC Youth conference, Friday 28^th Feb – Sun 1^st March 2020. Willows Training Centre, Great North Road, Wyboston Bedfordshire MK44 3AL. £115 by 31/12 or £135, with one of the FSSP UK priests offering holy Mass each day. Contact us urgently for sponsorship.

Successful monthly Young Adults Group trek in the Delamere Forest last Saturday. Further event: 14^th March; 18^th April; 16^th May. Also, Juventutem Summer Weekend near London 3-5 July 2020.

Also, CHARTRES Pilgrimage: 30^th May-1^st June 2020.

40 Days for Life, MANCHESTER: Help save lives this Lent by praying for an end to abortion in our community. 40 Days for Life – 40 Days of prayer, fasting and public outreach for an end to abortion runs from 26th February – 5th April in Manchester. Launch meeting will be held on Sunday 23^rd February at 7.30pm at St. Kentigern’s Social Club, Hart Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 7BB. Please come along to learn more. Web www.40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/manchester-2/ Tel 07810 791032.

Mass Intentions:

(Other intentions were applied over the past 2 weeks at private Masses. Please ask Fr Whisenant for details.)

by Fr AM

Dowry Mag Winter 2020 now online

Click here to open it as pdf.

Special issue on Anti-Christian persecution

 In this issue:       

Editorial: Persecution and Resurrection

For Your Diaries

England is Our Lady’s Dowry

Our ¼ Billion Persecuted Fellow Christians

They Did Nothing But Pray

Our Lady’s Reconquista

Taking Oaths to Ungodly Leaders

Meditative Film ‘A Hidden Life’

On Pilgrimage to Italy

Concerning Art, Music and Man (Part 1)

Support Our Apostolate

by Fr AM

Sung Mass for the Feast of the Purification

 There will be a Sung Mass for the Feast of the Purification of Our Lady at 8.30 am on Sunday 2 February.  The adult schola and the children’s choir will both be singing seasonal music.  Unfortunately due to time constraints, it will not be possible to have a procession and blessing of candles this year.

Do join us for this beautiful Mass in honour of Our Lady.

by fsspuk

Re-dedication of England to Our Lady

THE ACT OF ENTRUSTMENT OF ENGLAND TO MARY

Let us prepare with our bishops for this major spiritual event scheduled for Sunday 29th March 2020, 12noon.

Official website: https://www.behold2020.com/

[Full Marian schedule at St Mary’s Shrine Warrington WA1 2NS]

Based on Prayer of Erasmus 1532, Dedication of England to the Mother of God 1893, Prayer for England, Cardinal Griffin’s Act of Consecration 1948, Act of Consecration St John Paul 1982

PRAYER
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our most gentle Queen and Mother, look down in mercy upon England thy “Dowry” and upon us all who greatly hope and trust in thee.

Response

We your faithful people assembled here offer you this country in which we live. Once it was yours, all its children were your children and you were honoured throughout England as its Protectress and its Queen. Again do we consecrate it as your Dowry, and entrust it to your maternal care.

Prayer

By thee it was that Jesus our Saviour and our hope was given unto the world; and He has given thee to us that we might hope still more.

Response

To you we entrust the Church, which invokes you as Mother. On earth you preceded her in the pilgrimage of faith. Comfort her in her difficulties and trials. Make her always the sign and instrument of intimate union with God and of the unity of the whole human race. To you, Mother of the human family, and of the nations, we confidently entrust the whole of humanity with its hopes and fears. Let it not lack the light of true wisdom. Guide it to seek freedom and justice for all. Direct its steps in the ways of peace. Enable all to meet Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Prayer

Plead for us thy children, whom thou didst receive and accept at the foot of the Cross, O sorrowful Mother.

Response

Pray, O Holy Mother of God, for the conversion of heart of the people of England, restoration of the sick, consolation for the troubled, repentance of sinners, peace to the departed. Queen of Peace, pray for us and give to the world the peace for which all peoples are longing, peace in the truth, justice and charity of Christ. Give peace to the nations and to the souls of all, that in peace, the Kingdom of God may prevail.

Prayer

Intercede for our separated brethren, that with us in the one true fold they may be united to the supreme Shepherd, the Vicar of thy Son.
ResponseMay your prayers bring back this country to the fullness of its ancient faith. May your intercession lead us to a closer union with your divine Son. We offer you all the people of this land, especially those who know you so little or not at all. May all in our country know Christ, the light of the world and its only Saviour.

Prayer

Pray for us all, dear Mother, that by faith fruitful in good works we may all deserve to see and praise God, together with thee, in our heavenly home.

Response

May we who follow your Son, be fruitful in the good work of building a culture of life in our world, where all human life is treasured and the gift of God’s creation is respected and cared for, so that all may share the fruits of God’s generous love.

V: Pray for us O Holy Mother of God.R: That we may be made worthy of the Promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and our most gentle Queen and Mother, look down in mercy upon England, thy Dowry, and upon us all who greatly hope and trust in thee.
By thee it was that Jesus, our Saviour and our hope, was given unto the world; and he has given thee to us that we might hope still more. Plead for us thy children, whom thou didst receive and accept at the foot of the cross, O sorrowful Mother.
Intercede for our separated brethren, that with us in the one true fold, they may be united to the Chief Shepherd, the Vicar of thy Son.
Pray for us all, dear Mother, that by faith, fruitful in good works, we may all deserve to see and praise God, together with thee in our heavenly home. Amen.

by Fr AM

FSSP Summer Camp for boys

Dates: 10th to 15th August.

Residential summer camp for boys aged 10 to 17. Based at Savio House, Ingersley Road, Bollington, Macclesfield

The Camp will involve scheduled activities including Holy Mass, prayer and catechetical talks, sports / hiking /games, quizzes, preparing and acting in a drama production and excursions by bus to local places of interest.

Full price £220. Subsidised: £100.

For more information and booking forms contact Fr Phipps: sphipps@fssp.org

by Fr PD