Once again, many good things have been happening on the Devon Latin Mass scene, such as at St Edward the Confessor, Plymouth, where they await the coming baptism of a new baby, and the formation of a young adult’s group. I managed to attend Mass at St Edward’s on Sunday, 3 March, and was pleased to discover that immediately after Mass; Fr Anthony had arranged a Holy Hour with Benediction. We have to thank Fr Pillari for working hard to ensure that the ‘Latin Mass Mission’ at St Edward’s continues to thrive, whilst also continuing with his normal duties at Lanherne Covent in Cornwall (I might just add that although it is out of my area, Fr Anthony celebrates a daily usus antiquior at Lanherne throughout the year).
During January we were saddened to learn that Mr Stephen Lowry died on the Feast of the Epiphany after a long illness. Stephen, a barrister by profession until his retirement, had been a member of the Latin Mass Society since the early days, and was a valued member of the choir at our Traditional Rite Latin Mass celebrations in the Exeter area until failing health prevented this. Stephen’s Old Rite Sung Requiem Mass took place at Blessed Sacrament in Exeter on Thursday 24 January, with Fr Thomas Reagan OSB as celebrant, and with the Abbot Administrator of Buckfast Abbey, the Rt Rev. David Charlesworth sitting in choir. The MC travelled down from the Birmingham area especially, and was assisted on the sanctuary by myself and by Joseph Jones and John Tristram. Tegwyn Harris was organist, with Stephen Bemrose, Michael Crawford, Timothy Tindal-Robertson and Mary Coghill in the choir. Stephen is survived by his wife Mary and family, so do please keep them all in your prayers. There have been recent changes at St Mary’s Abbey, Buckfast, where we were disappointed to learn that both the Abbot Administrator, the Rt Rev. David Charlesworth OSB, and Fr. Thomas Reagan OSB left for pastures new. However, in this instance Devon’s loss is Staffordshire’s gain, where Fr Thomas has taken up the position of chaplain at Oulton Abbey (Benedictine nuns) where he will continue celebrating the usus antiquior along with his other duties. We thank them both for their continual support of the Old Rite at the Abbey in the past, and wish them well for the future. Unfortunately, though, at the time of writing, this means that the future of the Traditional Rite Mass at the Abbey is in doubt, as I have been as yet unable to obtain confirmation of any future usus antiquior celebrations there. However, as this situation could change at any moment, please get in touch with me for the latest information/details. The last Traditional Rite Latin Mass at Buckfast was a Low Mass celebrated by Fr Guy de Gaynesford on Ember Day, Wednesday 13 March, and was much appreciated by all present.
At Blessed Sacrament in Exeter, the monthly Latin Mass has been made possible by Mgr Adrian Toffolo and by Fr Peter Coxe, both of whom have kindly agreed to celebrate Mass for us on different dates. Fr Peter, especially, has agreed to become a regular celebrant at Blessed Sacrament during the coming year. This Blessed Sacrament venue can attract a sizeable congregation for the usus antiquior, so it was with much disappointment that we had to cancel April’s third Sunday of the month Mass as it fell on Easter Sunday - a very busy time for our clergy - when we could not get a celebrant. However, we have to thank our priests for doing everything that they can in order to accommodate our needs for now and in the future. Apart from his celebrating the last Latin Mass for us at Buckfast Abbey in March, we are pleased to report that Fr Guy de Gaynesford still continues to serve our spiritual needs on the fourth Sunday of every month at St Cyprian’s, Ugbrooke House, Chudleigh, the home of Lord and Lady Clifford. It was pleasing to have Mr John Tristram assist me in serving the Sung Mass at this venue, and once again to have the benefit of Dr Andrew Beards and Michael Crawford leading the Latin chants, without whom we could not have had a Sung Mass. We heartily thank Fr Guy, the Clifford family, and all concerned in giving up time and energy in order that we could have a usus antiquior at this truly beautiful and historic venue. Please note, however, that as I reported in the previous issue of the Mass of Ages magazine, there will be no Traditional Rite Latin Mass at St Cyprian’s on the fourth Sunday in May due to circumstances beyond our control. The Hon. Alexander Clifford did offer us an alternative date but it proved to be unworkable, so, as always, check the Mass Listings or contact me before travelling any distance.
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