A little unseasonal, we have just received some photographs of the Requiem Mass for deceased members and friends of the Order which was celebrated in Preston this year. The Canons of the Institute of Christ the King were kind enough to welcome us to their Church of St Thomas of Canterbury and the English Martyrs, a fine church by Edward Welby Pugin.
The Chaplain General, Fr Simon Henry, was assisted by Canon Scott Tanner of the Institute and Fr Leo Daley of the Archdiocese of Liverpool and a team of altar servers drawn from the Institute parishes and St Catherine's Church, Leyland. Many thanks to all those who assisted.
Mass was a particularly beautiful experience in that the musical setting was Fauré's Requiem - performed it in its proper liturgical context, instead of hearing it as a concert piece. Fauré conducted its first outing in 1888 at La Madeleine in Paris. The wonderful singers of "Octavius" did it more than justice, along with David Scott-Thomas at the organ. Truly beautiful. Thanks to one of our most active members, Anthony Dickinson, for organising their taking part.
Grand Prior H.E. The Much Honoured Baron of Fetternear and other members taking their place in church, along with Chaplain Fr William Charlton from Middlesbrough Diocese in choir. Thanks to everyone who came along (and to lunch afterwards in the hall). It was a goodly congregation in such a large church.