Investiture 2014

Michael Sterland, Esquire

The Grand Prior of Great Britain, His Excellency The Much Honoured Baron of Fetternear, MBE, GCLJ, GCMLJ, JP, invited all members of the noble Order, Companions, their families and guests to meet in Derbyshire on the weekend of July 25th - 26th for the Annual Investiture of new members and the granting of promotions.

Vigil of Investiture

On Friday July 25th we gathered for prayer at All Saints Church in the village of Hassop.

All Saints Church, Hassop   (Grade I Listed)

In 1816-17 Francis Eyre built a Catholic chapel next to the entrance lodge of Hassop Hall in the severest Classical Revival style, its front resembling an Etruscan temple with an impressive pillared portico, & a barrel-vaulted interior with a coved coffered ceiling. The design, by Joseph Ireland, was based on that of Inigo Jones' St Paul's Covent Garden. It has an underground passage to the Hall.

The ornate altar and reredos is said to be of French origin. In the back gallery is a recently restored chamber organ by H C Lincoln dating from the 1820's.

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Members and guests gathering before the Vigil.

The Vigil begins. Fr Simon Henry, the Chaplain General, leads us in prayer for those to be admitted and promoted.

Fr Mark Lawler, SChLJ, preached the homily.

Fr Charlton makes the promise of commitment on behalf of the postulants

Singing the Salve Regina before the statue of Our Blessed Lady

Some members and guests leaving the Church after the Vigil

Following the Vigil the Grand Prior hosted a Drinks Reception in the garden of Hassop Hall. 

Hassop Hall   (Grade II* Listed)

The recorded history of Hassop reaches back 900 years to the Domesday Book. Hetesope was the Manor and principal residence of the Foljambes who remained until the reign of Richard II(1377-1399). Hassop Hall is linked to only five families since the Domesday Book.

From 1498 Hassop was the home of the Eyre family. As Catholics they suffered a great deal throughout the reign of Elizabeth I, emerging steadfast. They were among those few noble Catholic families who did not switch sides as a temporary expedient. The Civil War in 1643 was another time of trial for the family, and Rowland Eyre turned his home into a Royalist garrison. It was the scene of several skirmishes and after the Parliamentary victory, the captured property was only redeemed at a cost of £21,000. Rowland's father had dismantled much of the old Hall and replaced it with the present one.

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Grand Officers enjoying Kir Royales!

Fr Aldo Tapparo, SChLJ

After our Kir Royales the Grand Prior hosted dinner in the Hall.

The Grand Prior thanked everyone for their hard work for the Order throughout the year.

And so to bed.....

Saturday July 26th found us in the historic market town of Bakewell in the Derbyshire Dales, well known for the local confection Bakewell Pudding.  Our Investiture took place in Bakewell Parish Church.

Ceremony of Investiture

All Saints Church, Bakewell   (Grade I Listed)

The church was founded in 920, and the churchyard has two 9th-century Saxon crosses. During restoration work, in the 1840s, many carved fragments of Saxon stonework were found in and around the porch, as well as some ancient stone coffins. Beginning in 1839, the transepts and crossing were levelled and rebuilt, and a new tower and spire were added. At the same time, the beautifully carved medieval font was moved from its position near the door to a new baptistery in the south-west corner of the church.

The stained glass throughout the church dates from the late nineteenth and early centuries, and includes the famous Henry Holiday 'Lamb of God' window in the north aisle.

More recently, in 1954 the Chapel of St Michael and St George, with its altar by Sir Ninian Comper, was moved to the north transept. The present church was started in the 12th century in Norman style; however, only the west front and part of the nave survive from that time. The remainder of the church was built between 1220 and 1240. The spire was added in 1340 but, in 1840, was completely rebuilt as it had become dangerous.

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Members and guests gathering at the Church. 

 Choral Mattins

The service of Choral Mattins was sung, according to the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, by the Octavius Chamber Choir, who are based in Blackburn, Lancashire.

The music was conducted by Mr David Scott-­Thomas, their Musical Director and the Organist was Mr Sam Hudson, the Organist and Director of Music at Blackburn Cathedral.

Ceremony of Investiture

At the end of Matins the Chancellor, Fr Mark Lawler, read out the Grand Master's Mandate for the Investiture.

Postulants

Three new members were received into the noble Order this year. Confrère Andrew McDermott was invested as a Brother of the Order and the Reverend Father William Charlton was invested as a Chaplain.

Mr Andrew McDermott, BLJ

Rev. Fr. William Charlton, ChLJ

Promotions

Four members were promoted this year. 

Consœurs Patricia Antcliff and Elizabeth Douglas were promoted to the rank of Dame. 

Dame Patricia Antcliffe, DLJ

Unfortunately, Consœur  Elizabeth Douglas took ill during the Vigil on Friday night and was unable to attend the  Investiture at which she was to be promoted to the rank of Dame. However, the Grand Prior promoted Elizabeth to the rank of Dame.

Thankfully, Dame Elizabeth in now fully recovered.

Dame Elizabeth Douglas, DLJ

Confrère William Douglas was raised to the rank of Knight. 

Chevalier William Douglas, KLJ

Order of Merit

In consideration of the works that they have done in the name of the Order of Saint Lazarus, and the support that they have given to the Grand Priory of Great Britain, two members were admitted into the Order of Merit.

The Chancellor of the Grand Priory, Fr Mark Lawler, SChLJ, was awarded the Medal of Merit. 

Rev. Fr. Mark Lawler, SChLJ, MMLJ

The Chaplain General of the Grand Priory, Fr Simon Henry, ECLJ, MMLJ,  was invested as a Grand Officer of Merit. 

Rev. Fr. Simon Henry, ECLJ, GOMLJ

The ceremony of Investiture closed with the intoning of the Suffragium and the Oratio Equitum: 

 O God, you have chosen us to be your Knights under the protection of the Most Blessed Virgin and Saint Lazarus, grant us grace to above all fulfil our filial duty to you, to be generous in charity to our neighbour, and to remain invincible until death against the enemies of the Cross. Amen.

Then the National Anthem was sung, after which the Members of the Grand Priory processed out.

Gala Lunch

 After the Investiture members and guests repaired to the splendid Hassop Hall for a Gala Lunch.

The Grand Prior welcomed our new members, congratulated those who were promoted, and urged us all to continue the good work of the Order.

Atavis et Armis

Grand Priory of Great Britain

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Chapter Meeting 2014

 The Grand Prior invited all members of the noble Order, Companions, their families and guests to meet in Liverpool on Saturday March 22nd for the General Chapter of the Grand  Priory of Great Britain.

On Friday evening we met in the heart of the City of Liverpool at the historic Bluecoat Chambers, a UNESCO world heritage site and Grade One listed building. The Grand Prior hosted a Cocktail Reception followed by a Chapter Dinner.

  

The Bluecoat Chambers

The Chapter itself took place on Saturday in the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Seaforth. 

  

Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Seaforth.

Following the Chapter Meeting  the Grand Prior hosted a Drinks Reception & Lunch.

Appointments to the Grand Priory Council

The Grand Prior of Great Britain, His Excellency the Much Honoured Baron of Fetternear, MBE, GCLJ, GCMLJ, JP, has made the following appointments to the Council of the  Grand Priory of Great Britain:
Chev. Julian Tyson-Woodcock, KLJ, makes a welcome return to the Council as Capitular. Col. Tyson-Woodcock has previously served on the Council as Marshall of the Grand Priory. 

Burns Night 2014

 

Members of the Order of St Lazarus and friends had a rare treat at the Burns' Night Supper held recently to raise funds for the work of the Order supporting those suffering from leprosy in Sri Lanka.  Our Grand Chancellor, The Grand Prior, the Much Honoured Baron of Fetternear, was the host at Farington.  After a non-traditional Bellini to welcome guests, we had the excellent traditional Scottish fare of Scotch Broth; Haggis  wi’ Bashit Neeps & Champit Tatties, followed by Clootie Dumpling. Prepared for by the Selkirk Grace, prayed by our Chancellor, Fr Mark Lawler, SChLJ,:

                                   Some hae meat and canna eat,

And some wad eat that want it,

But we hae meat and we can eat,

And sae the Lord be thankit.           

A rousing Address to the Haggis was was given by friend of the Order Mr Scott Lawler, dressed in the unusual garb of a Hibs supporter, complete with ginger hair and bonnet! (For the record, neither his own!)  While we drank to the immortal memory of Robert Burns we also raised a glass to the King oe'r the Water! 

The Chancellor and the Marshal of the Grand Priory - suitably attired for the evening.

Thanks to members and friends for a highly enjoyable evening which raised £600 for the Order's charitable work.

World Leprosy Day Sponsored Walk

Sunday January 26th - 61st World Leprosy Day

Lancashire Walkers on our Sponsored Walk last year

World Leprosy Day was created in 1954 by French journalist and philosopher Raoul Follereau “so that people affected by leprosy could be cared for like all others who are ill and so that that those in good health could be cured of their absurd and often criminal fear of this disease and those who are affected by it”.

Since its foundation the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem has cared for those suffering from leprosy. Indeed it began by welcoming knights from other Orders who had been stricken by this disease. Those suffering from leprosy, or Hanson's Disease as it is now known, have always been at the heart of the mission and prayers of the Order and the Grand Priory of Great Britain continues to help those who suffer from this disease in our present age through our partnership with SUROL.

At the Canonisation of St Damien De Veuster, the Leper Priest, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI,  said:

"Let us remember before this noble figure that it is charity which makes unity, brings it forth and makes it desirable. Following in St Paul's footsteps, St Damien prompts us to choose the good battle, not the kind that brings division but the kind that gathers people together. He invites us to open our eyes to the forms of leprosy that disfigure the humanity of our brethren and still today call for the charity of our presence as servants, beyond that of our generosity."

The Holy Father urged us all to pray and help those involved in the battle against leprosy and "other forms of leprosy that are due to lack of love because of ignorance and cowardice".

As members of a noble Order of chivalry let us all recommit ourselves to that "charity which makes unity, brings it forth and makes it desirable" and let us continue, with the help of St Lazarus and St Damien, "the good battle" "that gathers people together".

SPONSORED WALK

Once again, the Order of St Lazarus is organising a Sponsored walk for members and friends on World Leprosy Day. The walk will place in Lancashire where several members - including the Chancellor, Secretary & Chaplain General - with two dozen friends, a wheelchair,  & a dog will walk through Cuerden Valley.   If you would like to join us, or make your own walk locally, please do. Alternatively, you can sponsor our Chaplain General or any of the walkers.

All funds raised will go to SUROL, our partner charity in Sri Lanka which cares for those suffering from leprosy.

If you would like to support our fundraising efforts please contact us.

St Damien of Molokai,

pray for all those afflicted by leprosy

and for the Order of St Lazarus.

In Dulci Jubilo - Another Successful Carol Concert

The candlelit church awaits.

Thank you to the singers and organisers of our Candlelit Carol Concert which took place in the Church of St Catherine Labouré, Farington, Leyland, on Saturday evening. A full church of people had a splendid experience to prepare us for the celebration of Christmas.

Not only that, but we raised £4,315 for SUROL 

- working to rehabilitate those suffering from leprosy in Sri Lanka.  This is the Grand Priory's adopted charity, so thank you to those who so were so generous in their donations.  

The event was organised by one of our members, Chev. Anthony Dickinson, KLJ, Secretary to the Grand Prior's Council.  Several members of the Order & companions were among the throng.

Anthony also sang baritone in the Schola for the Concert.  The two sopranos were Rachael Cotton and Angela Hicks. The counter-tenor, Simon Woof and the bass, Alex Kokotaylo.   Special thanks also to David Scott-Thomas who played the organ and directed the singers.  David is, among a number of hats he wears, the organist at St John's Church, Broughton, near Preston, well known for its excellent musical tradition.

There was a great atmosphere in the church and afterwards as we indulged in the traditional fare of mince pies and mulled wine.

Only Traditional fare - of course!

A Chancellor's work is never done!

3rd Annual Advent Concert in aid of SUROL

For the last few years the Grand Priory has hosted a splendid Carol Concert in the run up to Christmas and are fortunate to be able to hold one again this year.

Our annual Advent Concert of Carols and Readings takes place at Saint Catherine’s Church, Leyland, this Saturday, arranged by Chev. Anthony Dickinson KLJ. We always have a lovely evening with excellent music and readings and a hearty celebration fired by mulled wine afterwards!


 Please come along.

Saturday 21st December 7.30pm

Community Carols

Scripture

Performed Christmas Music by the Schola

Festive Readings

Mince Pies and Mulled Wine

Entry is free but there will be a collection for the work of SUROL - a leprosy charity in Sri Lanka of which Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, is the Patron.

The Grand Master's Advent Message

Declaration of Legitimacy

In accordance with the declarations and constitutions of the Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem, and in conformity with the wishes of the Grand Master, Chaplain General and Grand Master Emeritus, the Declaration of Legitimacy has been published and shared with all members and supporters of the Order. (Click the images below to open as a pdf.)

Requiescant in Pace

The month of November provides ample opportunities to pray for the Faithful Departed, including, of course, Remembrance Sunday.  As Christians we are doing so much more than just remembering -  we are also praying for the souls of the faithful departed.

The church in quiet readiness for Mass.

Solemn Requiem Mass was offered on Saturday in the Church of St Catherine Labouré, Farington, for deceased members and friends of the Order of St Lazarus, for the War Dead and for all the Holy Souls in this month of November.

A number of members of our Grand Priory have had significant bereavements over the past months & they were included especially in our prayers.

Thank you to the ad hoc group of singers who sang the chant of the Mass and created such a prayerful atmosphere. Offering Mass with any of the traditional chant is so dependent on the services of those willing and able to provide music. In this the Grand Priory of Great Britain is admirably blessed by the talents and skill of Chevalier Anthony Dickinson KLJ.

There were many members of the Grand Priory present in their mantles, including our Chaplain General, the Grand Secretary, & Grand Treasurer of the Order.  The Sacred Ministers were all Chaplains of Order; Fr Thomas Wood ChLJ, Fr Damian McCaughan ChLJ, and Fr Mark Lawler SChLJ.  Particular thanks to Canon Amaury Montjean (from St Peter and Paul's, New Brighton) for acting as the MC and to the other servers.

 

Solemn Requiem Mass for deceased members of the Order of St Lazarus

Solemn Requiem Mass

Saturday November 9th 12 noon

St Catherine's Church, Farington, Leyland

November is the month of the Holy Souls, when we remember before the Lord all those of our family, friends and benefactors who have gone before us to their eternal reward.

The holy sacrifice of the Mass will be offered at 12 noon this Saturday, November 9th, for all deceased members of the Order, their families and friends, and all those countless benefactors who have supported the Order over the centuries. May the Lord grant them eternal rest in His heavenly Kingdom.

Members of the Grand Priory, family & friends are invited to attend holy Mass which will be followed by a buffet lunch to which all are also invited.

Pie Iesu Domine, dona eis requiem. Amen.

Animae omnium fidelium defunctorum per Dei misericordiam 
requiescant in pace. Amen.

"Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."

Today's Gospel for Holy Mass in the usus antiquior relates the healing of ten lepers by Our Lord. A wonderful reminder to all members of the noble Order that the Lord is indeed "our unseen Captain" in our works of mercy. Let us remember to pray for all those affected by leprosy today.

GOSPEL Luke 17:11-19

In illo témpore: Dum iret Jesus in Jerúsalem, transíbat per médiam Samaríam et Galilǽam. Et cum ingrederétur quoddam castéllum, occurrérunt ei decem viri leprósi qui stetérunt a longe: et levavérunt vocem, dicéntes: Jesu præcéptor, miserére nostri. Quos ut vidit, dixit: Ite, osténdite vos sacerdótibus. Et factum est, dum irent, mundáti sunt. Unus autem ex illis, ut vidit quia mundátus est, regréssus est, cum magna voce magníficans Deum, et cécidit in fáciem ante pedes ejus, grátias agens: et hic erat Samaritánus. Respóndens autem Jesus, dixit: Nonne decem mundáti sunt? et novem ubi sunt? Non est invéntus qui redíret et daret glóriam Deo, nisi hic alienígena. Et ait illi: Surge, vade; quia fides tua te salvum fecit.  

At that time, as Jesus was going to Jerusalem, he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain town, there met him ten men that were lepers, who stood afar off. And lifted up their voice, saying: "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." Whom when he saw, he said: "Go, show yourselves to the priests." 

And it came to pass, as they went, they were made clean. And one of them, when he saw that he was made clean, went back, with a loud voice glorifying God. And he fell on his face before his feet, giving thanks. And this was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering, said: "Were not ten made clean? And where are the nine? There is no one found to return and give glory to God, but this stranger?"And he said to him: "Arise, go thy way; for thy faith hath made thee whole."

Raoul Follereau

Raoul Follereau

1903 - 1977

Today, Saturday August 17th, marks the 110th birthday of late Frenchman Raoul Follereau, an extraordinary man who dedicated his life to helping the sick, but especially those diagnosed with leprosy.  

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Raoul Follereau, born in 1903 in Nevers, France, was a journalist, philosopher, lawyer and writer. On his travels to North Africa he came face to face with leprosy and leprosy patients. The leprosy patients were not only poverty-stricken, frightened and ill, but also people that had been made outcasts from their own society. Meeting with the leprosy patients in this way was an experience which marked Raoul Follereau, so much so that from then on, he became the spokesperson for all leprosy patients worldwide. 

In 1954 Raoul Follereau founded the first World Leprosy Day. Since then, this day has been commemorated every last Sunday in January, in more than 150 countries. 

In 1966, his initiative resulted in the setting up of ELEP (European federation for the associations working against leprosy). Later on, it became international and came to be known as ILEP, a federation of major anti leprosy organizations).

In 1975, he submitted the text of the Universal Declaration of the Rights of the Leprosy Affected Persons to United Nations. Follereau died in Paris in 1977 on December 6, but his work lives on through organizations all over the world which call themselves ‘Friends’ of Raoul Follereau. 

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To find out more about this remarkable man see the website of the Friends of Raoul Follereau.