I owe myself to the Greeks and to the barbarians (Romans 1:14).
Paul was burdened by the feeling that he was indebted to Jesus Christ, and this feeling dominated and directed his entire conduct.
The thought that Jesus was his divine creditor inspired his whole life. Am I animated by the feeling that I owe Christ a debt for every soul who is not yet saved? My honour as a Christian is to repay my debt to Christ by saving other souls. Everything in me that has the slightest value. I owe it to the redemption wrought by Jesus Christ . Am I doing all in my power to make His redemption manifest in other lives? I can do this only if the Holy Spirit awakens in me the feeling that I am indebted to Christ.
I am not called to be a great man among men, but a slave of the Lord Jesus.
"You are not your own." Paul had given himself to Jesus Christ. He said, "I owe myself to every creature in the whole world for the gospel of Jesus; I am free only to be a complete slave of Jesus Christ."
It must be the same for everyone who calls himself a Christian. Stop praying for yourself and devote yourself to serving others. Be slaves of Jesus. This is how one can be made for others, broken bread and poured out wine.
Bishop Serge, Superior for the Chapter of France
In Christianity, integrity means living a life that is morally upright, honest, and consistent with Christian beliefs and values, both privately and publicly. It involves aligning one's actions, words, and thoughts with the teachings of the Bible and striving to reflect God's character. A person of integrity is someone who is trustworthy, sincere, and steadfast in their commitment to righteousness.
Enter through the narrow gate… for narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life… (Matthew 7:13 and 14).
If we want to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, let us remember that everything noble is difficult.
The Christian life is as arduous as it is glorious, but its difficulty does not make us tremble or shrink; it spurs us on to victory. Is the wonderful salvation of Jesus Christ so precious to us that we are willing to do anything for His reign?
God saves men by his sovereign grace, which he grants because of the Redemption accomplished by Jesus. He produces in us the will to act according to his good pleasure. But we must put this salvation into practice in our daily lives. As soon as we believe in his Redemption, we begin to obey and discover that he enables us to do so. If we fail, it is because we have not put into practice what we have received. In difficult times, we are put to the test. If we have obeyed the Spirit and put into practice, in our daily lives, what God reveals to us, we will be sustained both by the grace of God and by the habits we have acquired.
Let us thank God for entrusting us with difficult tasks. His salvation brings joy, but calls us to heroism and holiness. It reveals what we are capable of. Jesus came "to bring many sons to glory ," and God does not want to spare us anything in the raising of a son. He does not make us weak-willed beings, for the grace of God transforms men and women into the likeness of Jesus Christ, their brother. To live in daily life the noble life of a disciple of Jesus requires firm discipline. Nobility of soul demands constant effort.
Bishop Serge, Superior for the Chapter of France
WEDDING OF ANNE-VICTORIA AND TEDDY
It was under blazing sun that we met at Mas de Gratte-Semelles, near Tarascon, to celebrate the union before God of Anne-Victoria and Teddy. Love being the strongest, the heatwave raging in the country did not prevent the two newlyweds from saying "I do" in front of Bishop Serge. We experienced a celebration of both great spiritual depth and particularly intense fraternal communion. The reading of the Song of Songs and Martin Luther King's speech generated great and unfeigned emotion in the congregation.
In his homily, Bishop Serge emphasised the importance of humility, sharing, listening, harmony and hope in a couple.
We wish Anne-Victoria and Teddy much happiness and precious blessings.
ARMENIAN MINISTRIES VISIT FR THOMAS AT THE METHODIST HOUSING TRUST
On Friday 16th May 2025 Fr Thomas was visited by the Armenian Ministries at the MHT where he serves as an ecumenical Chaplain. They gave a talk during the morning service about making known the Word of God and providing physical help and assistance to the poor and needy in Armenia.
Vatican City, Apr 5, 2025 / 08:00 am
On Sunday, April 6, the fifth Sunday of Lent, St. Peter’s Basilica will display the revered “Veronica’s Veil,” a cloth that, according to tradition, was used to wipe the face of Jesus on his way to Calvary, renewing a very ancient tradition of the Catholic Church.
At 6 p.m. local time, while the litanies are being intoned, the faithful will walk through the naves of the basilica, entering through the Holy Door. From the Veronica loggia, the relic, also known as the Holy Face, will be displayed in an extraordinary liturgy.
Afterward, the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, is scheduled to celebrate a Mass with the canons participating.
But what exactly is this relic, and why has it attracted more and more people for centuries? The relic is referenced in the sixth station of the Way of the Cross, where a woman named Veronica wipes the face of Jesus with a cloth as he carries the cross to Calvary. According to tradition, this cloth bears the true image of Christ’s face.
The woman who wiped Jesus’ face is commonly known as Veronica, derived from the Latin “vera icona,” meaning “true icon.” It is believed that Christ’s image was imprinted on the veil on his way to the cross. The cloth itself is also named Veronica.
Along with a relic of the cross and the relic of the lance of St. Longinus, the Veil of Veronica occupies a place of great importance within St. Peter’s Basilica. According to tradition, Longinus was the soldier who pierced Christ’s side.
The cloth, linen, or veil of Veronica (or simply Veronica) is normally kept in a chapel that lies behind a balcony above a colossal statue of the saint by Francesco Mochi situated in an alcove that is part of one of the piers supporting the dome.
Although the account of Veronica does not appear in the Gospels, she was later associated with the woman with a haemorrhage who was cured by Jesus. The apocryphal book of the Acts of Pilate (sixth century) also speaks of a woman, known as Veronica, who wiped Christ’s face with a veil as he made his way to Calvary.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
MEETING IN LICHFIELD, STAFFORDSHIRE
On Saturday 5th April a vocation meeting was held at the Guild Hall, Lichfield, Staffordshire where Antonio Flint was welcomed as an Ordinand. Antonio will start his ministry formation leading to subdeacon, deacon and priest. During this meeting Reverend Canon Glyn Shipton was presented with his Letter of Good Standing from the United Episcopal Catholic Communion.
Photo Left: Canon Glyn receiving his Letter of Good Standing
Left to Right: Canon Glyn. Fr Thomas. Fr Graham and Ordinand Antonio
Left to Right: Canon Glyn. Archbishop John. Fr Graham and Ordinand Antonio
FIRST MASS FOR THE SOCIETY OF TRADITIONAL OLD CATHOLICS AT THE GUILD HALL
Mass was celebrated at the Guild Hall in Lichfield on Sunday 16th February 2025. The Tridentine Mass was said according to Archbishop Arnold Harris Mathews translation of the Latin Rite to the vernacular.
The Guild Room was a perfect venue for this historic event. It has been supported by clergy, laity and funeral directors.
The first Guildhall was erected on this site about 1387, when Richard II granted ordinances to the Guild of St Mary and St John the Baptist, which had already been in existence for many years. Traces of the early Guildhall can still be seen in the courtyard at the rear of the building, but there have been many additions and alterations to the building over the years. Image below.
CELL ESTABLISHED IN THE PHILIPPINES
It is with great pleasure that we inform you that The Society of Traditional Old Catholics has now established a Cell in the Philippines. Reverend Fr Robert B Cabanog was received into membership. This fraternal affiliation will allow us to support each other in a project aimed at advancing the Gospel on our continents.
May the Lord bless us in this endeavour.
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
The last thirteen years or so, Archbishop John Lycett has led a Service of Remembrance at Pype Hayes United Reformed Church in Birmingham. This year Reverend Canon Glyn Shipton joined him. Two services at 1.00pm and 3.30pm. Both services were well attended, names of dearly departed were read out and there was a candle lighting ceremony which was very moving. Refreshments were served in the Church Hall.
MEETING AT THE GUILD HALL
A meeting was held at the Guild Hall in Lichfield, Staffordshire where Fr Thomas, Fr Martin and Fr Graham received their letter of Good Standing from the United Episcopal Catholic Communion.
Photo opposite, left to right: Fr Thomas Reece, Fr Martin Draycott and Fr Graham Bayley.
RECOMMENDED READING
Available from Amazon or direct contact with
The Carmelite Sisters of the Holy Face of Jesus https://carmelitesholyface.com/
‘Beyond the Veil’ is a series of deep reflections on the Holy Face Devotion as it appears in the light of Sacred Scripture. Nineteen chapters explore various aspects of this most necessary Devotion and are replete with considerations and suggestions on how to practice it in present day society.
Devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus is but little known and still less is it deeply understood – yet it is a devotion which has been designated by Our Lord and Our Lady as the Divine remedy for Communism and for all the evils afflicting our present-day society. This book has been written especially for Catholics of any and every state in life, but others who are interested in Christianity may benefit from reading it too. The language is simple and clear. The train of thought is easy to follow and the book is likely to be readily understood by the average reader. At the same time there is sufficient depth to make it appealing for priests, religious and anyone who has an interest in the spiritual life.
'Beyond the Veil' was compiled by a member of the Carmelites of the Holy Face - a small Community of religious women who follow the Primitive Rule of St. Albert (Carmelite Rule). They are fully committed to holy Tradition and the unchanging Magisterium of the Catholic Church. A brief description of their way of life can be found in the appendix at the the end of this book.
ST MARY'S ABBEY IS TO BE RESTORED
Archbishop John and Fr Graham welcomed the Benedictines of Mary into their new home at Colwich Abbey. We have been praying for the Abbey since the closure and was put up for sale in 2020. The Sisters support the local church, clergy and community through their consecrated life of prayer. The Sisters are Roman Catholic and the Society of Traditional Old Catholics always offers the hand of friendship and support. There is a need of support, especially through raising money for the purchase of the Convent and repairs and updating. Please log into their website: www.benedictinesofmary.org
BISHOP SERGE OFFICIATES THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE IN FRANCE
The marriage of Jennifer and Ludovic.
We met at the Bergerie du Mas de Payan in Saint-Martin-de-Crau Bouches-du-Rhône) to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage between Jennifer and Ludovic. Despite the pouring rain, we found refuge under a marquee. The ceremony took place with joy and good humour. “Rainy marriage, happy marriage” says an old French saying. This pretty Christian family is well known to the Saint Hilaire Mission. Indeed, the Rt. Rev. Serge had already baptized, a few years ago, their two children Nolan and Anaé, as well as Jennifer who entered the Christian life on the same day as Anaé. After the emotional speeches of certain relatives and the reading of the Gospel, the Celebrant underlined the presence of the Lord in the evolution of the life of their family.
We wish them many blessings.
ORATORY
An Oratory is a structure other than a parish church, set aside for prayer and the celebration of Mass. It is for all intents and purposes another word for what is commonly called a Chapel. The Society of Traditional Old Catholics have revitalised the use of Oratories for the Tridentine Mass and private devotions in the United Kingdom and overseas.
ARCHBISHOP JOHN & FR GRAHAM CELEBRATE AT THE ORATORY OF ST JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA
Most members of the Society of Traditional Old Catholics pay special homage of respect and love to the Holy Face of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Mass of the Holy Face of Jesus was celebrated at the Oratory of St Joseph of Arimathea.
It has been announced that the feast of the Holy Face of Jesus is to be the day before Ash Wednesday (Shrove Tuesday) so that this devotion could be practiced in the Church.
WHAT A BLESSED DAY
What a blessed day had by all during the baptism of Zane.
Photo opposite: Archbishop John with parents Matt and Amy.
Opposite: Group photo after the baptism of Zane.
TYBURN CONVENT LONDON
Before the pandemic we were blessed to organise a pilgrimage to visit the Crypt of the Martyrs at Tyburn Convent in London. Sixteen pilgrims joined us, we visited Archbishop Mathew's grave in South Mimms, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral. Tyburn Convent is a centre of devotion to the Catholic martyrs of the Reformation.
Guided tours of the Crypt of the Martyrs may be arranged at 10.30am, 3.30pm and 5.30pm every day. Groups should phone to make arrangements for visits. Services may take place in conjunction with visits. There is no charge but donations are welcome. The Chapel is open to the public for quiet prayer and eucharistic adoration from 6.30am to 8.30pm. There are facilities for private retreats.
Please contact the Convent for more information.
On the first Sunday of the month there is a monastic afternoon from 2.00pm - 5.00pm which explains the history of the Tyburn community. All are welcome to attend. There is no charge.
REMEMBERING ARCHBISHOP ARNOLD HARRIS MATHEW
Picture Opposite:
Archbishop John and Fr Graham lead the Litany around Archbishop Mathew's Grave, South Mimms.
COFFEE MORNING IN AID OF A LOCAL HOSPICE
Jennings Funeral Directors in Wolverhampton held a Coffee Morning in aid of Compton Hospice, Wolverhampton. Archbishop John and Bishop Les attended. A special thanks must go to the funeral directors and volunteers who helped organise and run this very successful coffee morning.
Picture opposite: Archbishop John Lycett, Reverend Matt Hird a local Anglican priest with funeral directors and local crematorium staff.