On Monday of Holy Week the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham gathered at the Ordinariate's central London church, Our Lady & St Gregory's, Warwick Street. The Diocese of Westminster has made it for the use of the Ordinariate from Palm Sunday. So we were pleased to gather there for our Chrism Mass with the Apostolic Nuncio and our Ordinary.
Our Lady & St Gregory's is not a large church so it was a bit of a squeeze. Mgr Newton pointed out to us that Blessed John Henry Newman mentions this church in his Apologia, in fact, he says it was the first catholic church he attended.
At the Chrism Mass priests renew their commitment as priests, and the Holy Oils used in their ministry (anointing the sick, anointing catechumens and the baptised, and anointing at confirmation & reception) are also blessed. It is a wonderful moment to be together and it was also heartening to see both the nave and gallery full of our faithful and supporters. Many of the clergy had travelled to London especially for this Mass and were returning to a busy week of pastoral and liturgical work.His Eminence, Archbishop Menini, paid special tribute to us all for the sacrifices we had made in order to be fully united with the One Holy and Apostolic Catholic Church.
More photos here.
