The First Monthly Mass in the Extraordinary Form provided by the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin took place this afternoon a little after 1 p.m. in the Church of Our Lady (Cill Mhuire), Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Following intensive publicity in print and radio media by the Diocesan Communications Office, a congregation of almost 60 was in attendance. That congregation of almost 60 included the Most Reverend Bishop James Moriarty of Kildare and Leighlin, as well as Fr. Brendan Gerard, FSSP, resident in Rome, who was celebrant and who preached a short homily, together with Mr. John Heather, from Dublin.
Following intensive publicity in print and radio media by the Diocesan Communications Office, a congregation of almost 60 was in attendance. That congregation of almost 60 included the Most Reverend Bishop James Moriarty of Kildare and Leighlin, as well as Fr. Brendan Gerard, FSSP, resident in Rome, who was celebrant and who preached a short homily, together with Mr. John Heather, from Dublin.
Also in the congregation were Mr. Kieron Wood of the Sunday Business Post, together with his family, from Dublin, and Mr. David McEllin, former Chairman of both the Latin Mass Society of Ireland and Ecclesia Dei - Ireland, also from Dublin. The music was provided by the Lassus Scholars from Dublin.
Bishop Moriarty welcomed the many people who had come from Dublin for this Mass but noted that it cannot be expected that they will attending Mass in Kildare in the future.
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5 comments:
Poor attendance for a first Mass. The usual experience is that numbers are good the first time, but then drop off. However, well done to all involved.
Could that have been something to do with the "from Dublin" factor? Where was St. Conleth's in all this? Even Ecclesia Day - Out had an imput.
It can be admitted that this wasn't the start we would have hoped for. However, the coetus fidelium continenter/stabiliter that was the basis for the provision (i.e., us) had no input into the preparations or planning.
In point of fact, the first solid news that we received (from the Sunday Newsletter) was reported immediately on this blog last weekend. This is not meant as critisicm, merely the reality.
The most recent Mass that our Association organised, in rural Emo, attracted 65, of whom no more than a dozen were from Dublin. It was a local event organised for everybody. Participation of every legitimage kind was a high priority and the sermon was full of sound spiritual insight.
Every Mass is an immeasurable blessing but the fruits of some are more evident than others.
I enjoyed the Mass, but presume it was an oversight that the celebrant omitted to read the Epistle and Gospel in English - especially in the presence of the diocesan Bishop. He also seemed to have no maniple, for some reason. And perhaps somebody could supply Bishop Moriarty with a Missal for the Extraordinary Use for future occasions. Great singing, BTW!
I thank God Bishop Moriarty has opened his heart on this matter at a time when many Catholic Bishops have their hearts closed. It is a start that will bear much fruit in time. Pray for your Bishop and priests. They are under terrible strain. Pray that more Irish Bishops will follow this Bishops lead.
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