In the chapter on Brompton Oratory I refer to the founder Cardinal Henry Newman.
Now he is Blessed John Henry Newman and the blessing of an altar in his honour will take place at the conclusion of a Mass of thanksgiving for his Beatification on Wednesday 22 September at 6.30pm.
Mass will be in the Ordinary Form with good music. Archbishop Vincent Nichols will preside.
A splendid banner depicting Cardinal Newman hangs outside.
See page 114.
Pope Benedict has mentioned the Tyburn martyrs during his sermon at the Hyde Park prayer vigil.
Several tv commentators also pointed out that the prayer vigil was very near Tyburn where the gallows stood. Tyburn takes its name from the stream feeding The Serpentine.
The Tyburn Convent on the north side of Hyde Park recalls the martyrs and has perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
The chapel is open from 6.30am to 8.30pm daily.
The Pope’s address had a John Henry Newman theme as His Holiness looked to the next day’s beatification. Cardinal Newman knew the site of the convent in Hyde Park Place having visited when it was the home of Tractarian James Hope-Scott.
See page 196.
Sky News has produced a short film explaining the Mass which is being shown shortly before each of the three Papal Masses.
Alastair Bruce made the film at St Anselm & St Cecilia’s Church in Kingsway.
You can watch it here.
See page 24.
The Harvest Festival service at St Stephen Walbrook is on Wednesday 29 September at 1pm.
“You will see representatives of a variety of business organisations placing upon the Henry Moore altar symbols of their work” says Canon Peter Delaney.
It takes place on the Feast of St Michael and All Angels and refreshments follow.
See page 96.
There is an opportunity to experience Solemn High Mass at the lovely St Cyprian’s Clarence Gate next Wednesday 15 September when the church keeps its patronal festival.
The Sunday congregation is small but this is one of highlights of the year when numbers can be higher and give a sense of occasion.
The service, on the eve of St Cyprian’s Day, starts at 7.30pm. There are refreshments afterwards.
The nearest station is Baker Street.
See page 54
The splendid St Cuthbert’s Philbeach Gardens church in Earl’s Court is open once a week on Sundays from 10am to 2pm.
Note these just confirmed hours are slightly more convenient than those indicated in the book.
The main Sunday service is the Sung Mass at 11am.
See page 52.
Vespers is now sung at St Stephen Walbrook on the last Sunday of the month at 6.30pm.
This in an initiative supported by St Patrick’s Gospel Choir, Premier Christian Radio and the London Internet Church.
“The building, prayer, incense and the music combine to make a glorious offering of praise to the Lord and we are very excited about the opportunities this co-operative ministry can bring us all,” says Archdeacon Peter Delaney, parish priest at St Stephen.
The unusual Wren church is just behind Mansion House next to Bank Station.
On August Bank Holiday weekend Sunday 29 August there will be refreshments afterwards.
See page 192.
This year 2010 is a Holy Year at Santiago de Compostela where the body of St James the Great is to be found. A Holy Year occurs when St James’s Day falls on a Sunday.
St James’s Spanish Place is keeping its feast day next weekend but the big occasion is the vigil Mass on Saturday evening at 6pm when the celebrant will be the Archbishop of Westminster. As always the festival Mass will be followed by a reception.
St James’s scallop shell appears throughout the beautiful church and his life is told in the windows.
See pages 96-97.
One of my disappointments when writing the book was to find that the wonderful church of St Bartholomew the Great was introducing an admission charge.
However, I see that you can avoid the £4 charge by visiting during the first hour which is 8.30am to 9.30am on weekdays and 10.30am to 11.30am on Saturdays.
And if you visit in the week you will find the cafe in the cloister opens from 10am.
Better to make a contribution by buying coffee and breakfast. Even better avoid the entry charge by going to a Sunday service (11am Solemn Eucharist or 6.30pm Choral Evensong) and contribute to the collection.
