For the first time since the reforms, an Easter Triduum in the region was celebrated in the Extraordinary Form at the Birmingham Oratory. Summorum Pontificum does not apply to the Triduum, but it took place with the blessing of the Archbishop. Ash Wednesday, the Feast of St Joseph, and the Annunciation all had a High Mass at the Oratory and a Low Mass at St Mary-on-the-Hill in Wednesbury, with several other ad-hoc Low Masses celebrated at the latter in addition to the regular third Sunday Low Mass. I am pleased to say the discontinued first Friday Mass at St Augustine’s in Solihull has been replaced in the same deanery at Sacred Heart and All Souls in Acocks Green, which moved its short-lived fourth Friday Mass to a more traditional monthly date. There was a very good turnout for the High Mass celebrated on the Feast of the Chair of St Peter in Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Wolverhampton, with another High Mass celebrated on Easter Friday. The second Wednesday Mass at Maryvale in February was said for the repose of a soul whose friends and colleagues turned out in large numbers, leading to a record attendance. Despite being from the charismatic tradition, they naturally (without being told) took communion kneeling and on the tongue, showing that the Mass of Ages has an appeal beyond stereotypical supporters. Confirmation in the Extraordinary Form will take place at the Birmingham Oratory at 7pm on Monday 15th July, to be administered by Bishop McGough. Please contact parishpriest@birminghamoratory.org.uk before the end of May if you would like to register yourself or your child for confirmation.
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