Holborn to the Dorsodouro

Goodbye St Albans

Not a direct route, to go by way of Lymington. But Fr Howard Levett was getting a bit overwhelmed with packing cases, so decided to take a breather in deepest Hampshire. He is, you may know leaving St Alban's Holborn to take up a post later this year as Anglican Chaplain in Venice. Besides, he is a very good guest to entertain during the New Forest Show. So today we forgot about disposing of the accumulation of fifteen years and set off once more into the Forest.

Hampshire Downs sheep ready for judging

It was particularly busy today, the middle of the three days of the show. We caught up with old favourites, like the New Forest Plonkers, but also saw some of the dozens of horses (it was the New Forest Champion Pony which was winner of the native pony class - most satisfactory) and we watched the judging of some of the beef cattle, and of the sheep.

It is a great place for people-watching; the lady judges were all heavily hatted, and I have not seen so many bowlers since the City took to open-necked shirts. We were happily displaying our tattoos among the lower classes, watching ferret racing and steam engines. All very jolly. I think there may have to be a little trip back from Venice next summer, so that Fr Howard can get his fix of ancient England.

Plonker-watching

Very wet, Venice.

Fr Hunwicke's Reproach

Subdeacon in midflight for photo call after Mass

Fr Hunwicke has posted a little reproach in his blog. I have tried to comment there, but I think he must have it ring-fenced to prevent bishops from answering him. So I must try here.

First, he says how dangerous it is to ask bishops for permission. Quite right. Unless you find the right bishop.

Then, he suggests that his liturgy alone is in proper Tudor English. But that is just how it is at Saint Michael's Croydon - not simply Tudor, but positively half-timbered and wainscotted, straight from the Book of Common Worhip - Holy Eucharist Rite I Roman Canon (Old English Translation).

I have to confess, though, that my sermon was in the vernacular. I am sure Fr Hunwicke glides happily among Thees and Thous, Wast and Dost and Shouldst. As a mere historian and no classicist I dare not venture into those waters.

But I am greatly flattered that the Master should note my blog, if only in order to reproach me.

Croydon and the Ordinariate

St Michael's in its Island

Croydon has changed. My mother came from nearby South Norwood, and I knew it half a century ago. Now the charming little town hall tower, which once dominated the town, is lost in a maze of tower blocks. St Michael's, the Anglo-Catholic presence by West Broydon station, is all but submerged in buses and trams and shiny glass monoliths. Yet the faith is still taught there, and today I stood in for Bishop John of Fulham and confirmed seven candidates there.

Charles Henman's Town Hall,[above]

lost in the modern maze.

Trams try to obliterate St Michael's


Fr Donald Minchew has as amazing ministry, and it is his efforts which have enabled the parish to develop the hall into a lovely restaurant and meeting place. They have built a small block of apartments to the west of the church, and the carparking spaces produce a healthy income for the parish. There is a good musical tradition (today the choir was meant to be on holiday, but came to support the Confirmation candidates, and sang wonderfully - that's what I mean by a good musical tradition!). The liturgy is thought by many to be rather old-fashioned; which in these days of the great Benedict XVI means that it is in the very forefront of liturgical renewal. There were three sacred ministers (not laymen dressed up) and the Canon was one approved by Rome; from the Book of Divine Worship. We faced the high altar at the top of a flight of steps, which enabled the sacred action to be seen from the entire church. The language was very BCP, and people come from far and near because, as one person said to me afterwards, it is a holy celebration.

What will happen to this great traditon? Fr Donald Minchew, the Parish Priest, has said he will stay until he is forced out by age or illness. It is a brave and commendable attitude. But is it realistic? He will certainly be succeeded by someone who supports women in the priesthood and episcopate, indeed it might be a woman priest who follows him as Vicar. Very hard, of course, to leave such a lovely place. But better, perhaps, to lead at least some of that congregation into the promised land of Anglicanorum Coetibus? Who knows, perhaps a new bishop of Southwark will want to show how generous he is, and will let St Michael with St James go to the Ordinariate? And if he does not, will he really want to be known as the bishop who turned a once vibrant church into a museum; or a block of flats?

Victoria enthroned in the Narthex Window

Buildings matter. I am deeply attached to the work of that fine high Victorian architect John Loughborough Pearson who built St Michael with St James'. I learned the faith in the Sunday School at St John's, Upper Norwood. That church now has had a lady incumbent, and for me is no more than the shell of a church. It is hard to let go; but we must, if there is to be a future for us and our grandchildren.


I hope the Church of England, or at least some of its diocesan bishops, will be ashamed at what the Synod has done, and will allow us to continue using some of our great churches. Already they offer hospitality, even in cathedrals, to Lutherans and Methodists and Orthodox. Would it be so unthinkable to allow similar hospitality to us, Catholics of an Anglican Use?


But for me, even if it means saying farewell to every church bulding I have ever loved (and there are many) it will still be a great relief to be able to say, without equivocation, 'I am a catholic Christian'. That is what I always thought I was; it is what I hope to become again, in communion with bishops who also believe and teach the faith once delivered to the Saints.


A future for our grandchildren?

Brighton addendum

Fr Beau ensured sobriety at the party

Not a good day for photos, but here are a few more to add to the recent Brighton story. We went to a 14th birthday party on Saturday evening (a week ago now) and here are a few photos from the event. Sadly one camera went missing (and I had forgotten to take mine) but you will get an idea of the event from what we have rescued here.... none still of Fr Beau's fractured ankle.

[Above] Dad pictured concocting a potion; grandad behind his shoulder.




Birthday boy before he misplaced his aunt's camera, among other servers at his party.