By the Rt. Rev Serge Burglé
Therefore do not worry about your livelihood (Matthew 6:25)
One warning that we need to hear repeated often is this: the worries of this world, the allure of riches and the pleasures of life constantly tend to stifle the divine seed within us.
Sometimes it's food and clothing, sometimes the money we have or lack of it, the friends we have or would like to have, difficulties of every kind. It's a rising tide that threatens to overwhelm us if the Spirit of God is not within us, a worthy, sure, and unbreakable presence.
Do not worry about your livelihood. "Be anxious about only one thing," the Lord tells us , "your standing with me."
Common sense rebels against this:
"But that's absurd," I told myself, " I have to worry about how I'll live, what I'll eat, what I'll drink."
“ No,” said Jesus , “it must not be done.”
Don't imagine for a moment that He knows nothing of your particular circumstances. He knows them better than you do, and He tells you: "First God, and then everything else."
“Each day has enough trouble of its own. What trouble is bothering you today? Could it be little elves whispering in your ear: What to do this summer? What to do in a month?”
“Do not worry about anything,” said Jesus . “True prudence is to think about what your heavenly Father gives you each day.”
FROM THE SOCIETY OF TRADITIONAL OLD CATHOLICS
By the Rt. Rev Serge Burglé
Dear brothers and sisters, dear friends
For over two thousand years, we have echoed the song of the angels who appeared in Bethlehem at the birth of the Child Jesus: “ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests! ” (Luke 7:14 ). But what meaning and significance do these praises to God and this blessings for humanity hold today? In this first quarter of the 21st century and the third millennium, what meaning and significance do they hold for us who witness the violence that continues to darken and grieve the earth? Not only violence that manifests itself as uncontrolled individual reactions, but above all, violence that is planned on a large scale and with a long-term perspective: I am referring to terrorism and war. Today, more than ever, in Bethlehem itself, where Christ was born, and in the lands of Judea, Samaria, and Galilee that formed the environment of his earthly life, terrorism and war are tearing men and women from their lives, both in the prime of life and in the elderly. Today, the same tears, the same lamentations continue to tear at hearts throughout the world . Planned and sustained violence continues to lengthen its list of innocent victims. What , then, could the praise and blessing sung by the Angels two thousand years ago—" Glory to God and peace to men "—mean? What could the good news of the Savior's birth mean, which they announced to the Shepherds of Bethlehem, and which had awakened in these poor, marginalised people a hope and enthusiasm they could not help but share? The message of the Angels of Bethlehem would have been nothing but pure deception if it had proclaimed the glory of God and the peace of mankind as spontaneous fruits of the birth of Jesus Christ. On the contrary, this message gives rise, throughout the centuries and across the earth, to boundless hope, if the promised glory and peace are received as a human and divine work, beginning with the birth of the Child of Bethlehem, taking shape with his life and actions on earth, and being confirmed century after century. This is already the message delivered by the Prophet Isaiah eight centuries earlier: " The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light… For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. " " Prince of Peace ," he will be established on justice and righteousness, and he will exercise power for the advent of peace, pursuing only the good of the people.
Saint Paul echoes the prophet in the passage from his Letter to Titus. Christ was born on earth to save us through the total gift of himself, and to bring forth from himself a new humanity, a people of children of God passionate for goodness and justice, for respect and love for every being, even the weakest and the smallest; a people of men and women who reject evil and wage war against their passions. It is this people, the children of God, whose mission is to continue and complete the magnificent work of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace. The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council reminded us of the path to follow: " It is useless to try to build peace as long as feelings of hostility, contempt, and mistrust, racial hatreds, and ideological biases separate people and set them against one another. " We clearly recognise here the sources of the violence that produces terrorism and war. The Council Fathers continued: " We must all change our hearts, considering the whole world, as well as the tasks we can all undertake together for the betterment of our humanity." "Glory to God and peace to men!" This is the program launched at Christmas: a program for the Child of Bethlehem, a program for the men and women who, throughout the centuries and in every country, will believe in him and commit themselves to taking part in his mission as Savior. Like him and in him, with the assistance of his Holy Spirit, they must build peace for humankind and for the greater glory of God. They will do this first and foremost by eradicating the causes of discord and division among people, beginning with injustice, inequality, the spirit of domination, and other selfish passions. It is the work of justice, not simply the absence of war or the balance of power; "peace is never achieved once and for all: it must be constantly built" through respect for other men and peoples, as well as their dignity, through love that manifests as fraternity and solidarity. We have set up nativity scenes in our churches and homes. Let us take the time to visit them, to pay homage to the Child of Bethlehem, with Mary his mother, Saint Joseph, and the Shepherds.
Let us embrace the lessons of his weakness and destitution. So weak and fragile, he invites us to reject violence, to cultivate respect and tenderness toward every human being, even the most vulnerable. So destitute, and venerated only by those equally destitute, he invites us not to close ourselves off, preoccupied only with our own rights and interests, consumed by the lure of gain and our domineering ambitions, but to cultivate attentiveness to the needs and expectations of others, solidarity, and brotherly love among all people and all nations. We who celebrate Christmas, from whatever country or continent we may be, let us not remain indifferent to the call of the Child of Bethlehem. Let us accept his invitation to be part of the new humanity inaugurated by his birth, to commit ourselves to the persevering building of a world of justice, love, and peace, throughout the earth, and for the greater glory of God. Amen!
+Serge Burglé, Superior of the Chapter of France.
THE FAITHFUL COMPANIONS OF MARY (The Most Holy Theotokos)
At All Saints Church in Beeby, Leicestershire, Sister Breanna made her Associate Vows (Novice) as a member of The Faithful Companions of Mary. What a blessed day had by all. Members of the Society of Traditional Old Catholics travelled from a distance to be present for this very special Mass. Please remember Sister Breanna in your prayers.
Photo opposite
Left to right: Archbishop John Lycett. Sister Breanna. Fr Thomas - Parish Priest and Cell Leader.
Above: All Saints Church exterior and interior
Saturday 29th November 2025
Archbishop John attended the 'From Darkness to Light' service at Lichfield Anglican Cathedral.
A service of music, readings and procession with the Great 'O' Antiphons of Advent.
Remembrance Sunday at the National Memorial Arboretum UK 9th November 2025
Archbishop John attended the National Memorial Arboretum
Below. Archbishop John pictured in the Memorial Chapel before the National Service at the main Memorial.
In the afternoon there was a service held around the National Miners Memorial
RECOGNITION FOR MINERS
Winston Churchill, Britain's War-Time Prime Minister is
quoted as saying that “the Miners would be able to stand
as equals with the fighter pilots, the merchant seamen &
the soldiers for recognition of their efforts during
wartime.”
Records compiled by the British Labour Statistics Historical Abstract (1971) when the numbers of fatalities are taken into account over specified periods of time. It is never easy to confidently and accurately state Industrial Death Statistics during war-time due to reporting restrictions in place to maintain morale. However, the following statistics should be considered when mentioning War Effort and Recognition.
DATE RANGE DEATHS IN COAL MINING UK
1910-1914 - 7,288
1915-1919 - 6,499
1935-1939 - 4,151
1940-1944 - 4,063
1945-1949 - 2,639
TOTAL 24,610
Saturday 25th October 2025
THE BLESSING OF MARRIAGE OF SIMON AND TRACY
Every blessing for the future life together of Simon and Tracy.
Archbishop John, Fr Graham and family gather for the Sacrament of Holy Marriage.
Almighty God, giver of life and love, bless Simon and Tracy. Grant them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counsellor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy.
And so knit their wills together in your will, and their spirits in your Spirit, that they may live together in love and peace all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
UNVEILING AND BLESSING OF THE WINDING WHEEL AND MEMORIAL WALL
Sunday 26th October 2025
Archbishop John and Fr Graham assisted in the unveiling and blessing of the Winding Wheel that has been positioned in front of the Memorial Wall.
The main coal mine in Rugeley was Lea Hall Colliery, which opened in 1960 and closed in 1991. It was notable for being the first mine planned and sunk by the National Coal Board and was a key part of the "first joint venture in Britain" with the adjacent Rugeley A Power Station, which took its coal directly by conveyor belt. Before Lea Hall, smaller private mines like Brereton Colliery also existed in the area.
Coal mining has a deep historical impact on communities, shaping their culture, infrastructure, and identity, while the decline of the industry has left many former mining areas with lasting challenges like unemployment, poor health, and a sense of neglect. Recent reports highlight the ongoing issues in these communities, such as lower-than-average life expectancy, lack of sustainable jobs, and political disenchantment, often compounded by the legacy of environmental and social injustices associated with the industry.
Lea Hall Colliery alongside the Power Station was the backbone of this local community and after both industries closed it had a profound effect on this community. However, memorials like these keep the spirit of coal mining alive and never forgotten.
Fr Thomas visits St George's Serbian Orthodox Church in Leicester
Fr Thomas was walking through Leicester and finally got to go inside St. George's Serbian Orthodox Church in the city centre. It's hardly ever open. How beautiful!
If we are not active as part of a whole, working toward a higher goal, we will deteriorate inwardly and outwardly. Only if our hearts are in a task greater than ourselves will we thrive in earthly matters too. Society will deteriorate, physically and spiritually, unless each of its members has a task to fulfill for the sake of the common good and for creation - for God.
From the book: NOW IS ETERNITY
FR THOMAS LEADS A MINI PILGRIMAGE TO MOUNT ST BERNARD'S ABBEY
Fr Thomas Reece who is an Ecumenical Chaplain for the Methodist Housing Trust led a Mini Pilgrimage to Mount St Bernard's Abbey (picture opposite). All who attended thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Mount St Bernard's Abbey is a Roman Catholic monastery belonging to the Trappist Order, near Coalville, Leicestershire, England. Founded in 1835 in the parish of Whitwick and now in Charley. The Abbey was the first permanent monastery to be founded in England since the Reformation and is the sole Trappist house in England. The monks brew the only Trappist beer in Britain.
(Picture of the Abbey Chapel opposite)
The Faithful Companions of Mary (the Most Holy Theotokos) founded in 2025
A dispersed community of religious sisters whose charism is to assist the Blessed Virgin Mary in her apostolic mission of bringing souls to Christ, offering a unique path to religious life, combining traditional values with a focus on service, prayer, conforming to the Canons, the Rule, Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy of the Society of Traditional Old Catholics.
We are an uncloistered and dispersed Religious Order of women, single, celibate or married, living in their own homes. Established by the Society of Traditional Old Catholics.
If you feel you are being called to this unique ministry, please contact us: info@thesocietyoftraditionaloldcatholics.com
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.
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.
Photo Opposite:
Canon Glyn Shipton receiving his Letter of Good Standing from the United Episcopal Catholic Communion (Worldwide)
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.