Since we started offering Mass in the Traditional Form almost 6 years ago, the Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden continues to flourish. Last year, as part of ongoing restorations, an intricate wrought iron gate was fitted to encompass the chancel, adding to the splendour of our beautiful Shrine chapel. Attendance at the Low Mass has fluctuated between 7 and 60, but is usually around 25, a mix in age, most of whom come for the Form, although some parishioners also find the time convenient. Over the years, we have had difficulty in finding servers, but are most grateful to Patrick Valente, who having been received into the Church last Easter, is now our regular altar server. Fr Stephen Willis is our only priest in the parish able to celebrate the Traditional Form, which poses a challenge when he is away, since finding a celebrant to take his place is difficult. Our most pressing need is more faithful and more priests in London who can offer Mass in the E.F.
The weekly 5:30pm Sunday Low Mass and the E.F. Masses offered on Holy Days and occasional High Masses, such as the Latin Mass Society Pilgrimages, have been celebrated at the High Altar. We are lucky that all the original furnishings of the church are intact, and the main Shrine Church has one of the largest sanctuaries in London. Our hope is to grow in number and confidence, and to contribute to the life of the parish, and if so, to have the resources to begin having a monthly Missa Cantata. In the last four years, we have established a Pueri Cantores of 15 children, who have been learning chant and who generally prefer to sing in Latin. Our hope is to build on this. In addition, the parish is fundraising to rescue an historic organ and rebuild it in the Shrine Church to replace our currently rather limited instrument.
T: 07710 472295