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.
BAPTISM OF JONATHAN IN FRANCE
Sunday 27th October 2024, our Chapter in France celebrated the baptism of Jonathan, 5 years old, already very alert for his young age. It was a domestic celebration, as we like to do in fraternal communion.
It was with great emotion that his mother Aurélia made a short speech expressing all her affection for the newly baptized. His grandmother Claudette read us an extract from Exodus (in the Old Testament).
In his homily, Bishop Serge emphasised the place that our Lord Jesus Christ could occupy in our daily life.
The event ended with the sharing of a wonderful Provençal stew, lovingly prepared by Aurélia.
It was a beautiful day full of sharing and brotherly friendship.
NEWS
It is with great pleasure that we inform you that The Society of Traditional Old Catholics is now affiliated with The United Episcopal Catholic Communion. 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.
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
Celebration of Vespers of the Assumption 2024.
1. Pilgrimage of the assembly to Calvary.
2. Gaël's mother reads a text before laying flowers where her son's ashes lie.
On August 15th and on the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption, we met in Montagnette, at the Calvary of Mas de Gratte-Semelle, to celebrate Vespers.
The rain had invited itself, but we did not let ourselves be discouraged, animated by faith.
This moving ceremony was also intended to celebrate the memory of the tragic and sudden disappearance. One year ago today, Gaël was born into Heaven.
After singing the Magnificat and praying the Rosary all the way up to Calvary where Gaël's ashes lie, we prayed. Gaël's mother read us several short texts in the middle of a particularly moved assembly.
Right Reverend Serge read the Gospel, emphasizing the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of our Lord. In every mother, Mary's faith can be manifested.
Flowers were placed and a candle at the foot of the Cross, reminding us of his ardent memory which is still present.
After the final blessing, we went back down singing an Alleluia.
We then closed the ceremony by sharing a meal prepared by several members of the family.
A big thank you to everyone for this beautiful fraternal sharing, filled with emotion and spirituality.
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.
NEWS FROM SOTOC FRANCE
Marriage of Géraldine and Stéphane
It was in the small chapel of the Domaine de la Rose d'Argence in Fourques (Gard) that Géraldine and Stéphane received the blessing from the Right Reverend Serge, Rector of the Mission Saint Hilaire d'Arles.
Love and friendship, values ​​that are increasingly neglected in our tormented society, were widely discussed during the ceremony. We could observe an active participation of the guests. The reading of the Epistle was offered by Céline and of the Universal Prayer by Alexandra. The bride and groom even insisted on writing the Married Prayer themselves, a very special oration addressed to Our Heavenly Father.
The presentation of the bouquet was offered by the bride to the Most Holy Virgin, followed by the prayer of the Ave Maria.
It was a moving ceremony.
We wish Géraldine and Stéphane much happiness and a life full of light under the gaze of Our Lord.
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.
VOCATIONS
A PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD
WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Members of the Society of Traditional Old Catholics are those who seek God by serving Christ and Community. If you have prayer requests or questions about our community, about discerning a vocation, establishing a Cell or Chapter in your area, we would love to hear from you! Please send us a message through the Contact Page.
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.
HAPPY EASTER
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.
Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Easter full of peace, hope and joy.
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.
THE BEAUTY OF THE HIGHLANDS
The Church of St Mary and St Finnan was formally dedicated by Archbishop Eyre, Administrator of the Church’s Western District, assisted by two English bishops, on 19 August 1873, in the presence of a gathering that included MacDonald of Glenaladale, whose seat was at Glenfinnan House.
The Church is situated in one of the most picturesque and historically significant areas in the Highlands; standing at the head of Loch Shiel, where Charles Edward Stuart raised his standard before the gathered clans. The church is a silent witness to a yet more ancient arrival, that of the faith of St Finnan and the Celtic saints which has echoed in each generation since an enduring testament to the living Catholic Faith of her people.
FORMER CONVENT IN WOLVERHAMPTON
This glorious Grade II Listed building, built around 1860, is in the rather splendid George Street. In the distance is St John's Church in the Square. The building in the foreground was the home of the Sisters of Mercy, with the attached Georgian building behind being Hanover House.
Just round to the right can be seen the chapel, which was apparently on the first floor serving this former convent, has more latterly been a Pentecostal church.
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.
FEAST DAY OF ST. MATTHEW
The statue of St. Matthew above the crypt altar beneath the cathedral of Salerno, Italy.
Credit: Berthold Werner/Wikimedia Commons
By Jonah McKeown
CNA Staff, Sep 21, 2023 / 04:00 am
Sept 21st marks the feast day of St. Matthew, also known as Levi, an apostle of Jesus and, according to tradition, the author of one of the four Gospels.
Surprisingly little is known for certain about Matthew’s life, even though his Gospel is so crucial for the Church. The manner of Matthew’s calling by Jesus is well known — Matthew was a Jew but worked as a tax collector for the Romans in Capernaum near the Sea of Galilee, making him a pariah among his own people. When Jesus called Matthew to follow him, Matthew gave up his presumably materialistic life as a tax collector to follow the Lord.
Jesus’ calling of Matthew led some religious authorities of the Jewish community to wonder: “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” To which Jesus responded: “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
The Catholic Encyclopaedia notes, however, that no further reference is made to Matthew in the Gospels, except in the list of the Apostles, and “of Matthew’s subsequent career we have only inaccurate or legendary data.” It appears though, according to a number of other ancient sources, that he evangelized for at least a decade and a half in Asia.
Matthew’s earthly body is purported to lie in the crypt beneath the cathedral of Salerno, Italy. In the crypt, a bronze St. Matthew made by Michelangelo Naccherino in 1606 sits above the altar. The saint is shown writing the Gospel with a book resting on his left knee and a pen in his right hand. At his left side, an angel hands him an inkwell as he writes his Gospel.
Alfano I, the archbishop of Salerno from 1058–1085, completed the crypt in 1081 and placed Matthew’s body in the sepulchre. The renovation in the early 17th century was carried out by architects Domenico and his son Giulio Cesare Fontana.
According to legend, St. Matthew’s intercession helped to protect the city in 1544 from the dreaded pirate Ariadeno Barbarossa, supreme commander of the Turkish military fleet, when a storm that had been prayed for by devotees to St. Matthew in Salerno blew Barbarossa’s fleet away from the city.
Eastern Catholics and the Orthodox churches celebrate St. Matthew on November 16th, along with St. Fulvianus, a prince who is recorded in some traditions as converting from paganism after Matthew’s martyrdom.
Pope Benedict said in 2006 that “in the figure of Matthew, the Gospels present to us a true and proper paradox: those who seem to be the farthest from holiness can even become a model of the acceptance of God’s mercy and offer a glimpse of its marvellous effects in their own lives.
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.
BAPTISM
What a blessing it is when a child/adult is baptised in church, however, for some who have not entered a church for years can be a bit daunting and maybe it would put them off receiving the sacrament of baptism. There is always opportunity to receive the sacrament at home or another venue. Baptism can be offered anywhere.
ST CHAD. When in 699 Chad was appointed as Bishop in Mercia, he established his see in Lichfield. He chose for his dwelling ‘a shallow watery valley where a stream divided to form a small island. He founded a small monastery beside a well of spring water. According to Bede he prayed naked at this well, standing on a stone at the bottom of the water. He baptised converts to the Christian faith in this water.
Picture Opposite - St Chad's Well
The Well became a place of pilgrimage and in the nineteenth century it was covered in a stone structure about ten ft tall with an arched entrance and step leading down to the water.
Tradition indicates that the water in the Well had healing powers and was used for bathing. In 1949 the building was demolished and replaced by the present structure.
Acts 8:26-39
King James Version
26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
Recently, Superior General Bishop John Lycett was blessed to be asked to baptise baby Louis at his parent’s home. What a joy it was and up to 40 people attended and many said how refreshing it was to be part of such a service. Of course, celebrations carried on throughout the day. May the Lord accompany this beautiful Christian family.
ST PETER IN CHAINS, ROME
The church of St. Peter in Chains (or San Pietro in Vincoli) was originally dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. Also called the Eudoxian Basilica because it was built by order of the Empress Eudoxia, mother of Ventinian III, in 422, for the veneration of the chains which bound St. Peter. Rebuilt by Sixtus IV in 1475.
On the occasion of the Jubilee of Pius IX (1846- 1878), in 1877, the church was again restored and redecorated; in preparation for this, in 1876, the area under the high altar was excavated and a Christian sarcophagus of the fourth century was discovered with inscriptions recording that these were the relics of the seven Maccabee brothers, martyred and buried at Antioch and probably brought to Rome by Pope Vigilius (537-555).
When the chains which, according to tradition, were used to bind St Peter in the Mamertine Prison – Raphael depicted the deliverance of the saint by an angel in his famous stanze in the Vatican – were donated to Pope Leo the Great as a precious relic, St . Peter became the sole patron. During our last pilgrimage to Rome we were blessed to be able to visit San Pietro in Vincoli and adore this historic relic.
PECTORAL CROSS STOLEN
CNA Newsroom, Jun 20, 2023 / 12:30 pm by AC Wimmer
A pectoral cross bequeathed by the late Pope Benedict XVI to a parish in his native Bavaria has been stolen from the church where it was on display.
According to CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language partner news agency, unknown perpetrators broke open a display case on the wall of St. Oswald’s Church in the city of Traunstein during daylight hours Monday.
Police said cash was also stolen from the cash register of a literature stand in the church.
The value of the cross to the Catholic Church is “not quantifiable,” the police said. Authorities are asking anyone who saw anyone suspicious near St. Oswald’s on Monday or has any other information to come forward. The Traunstein district attorney’s office is leading the investigation.
Photo Left
Pope Benedict XVI bequeathed a pectoral cross to St. Oswald’s Church in the city of Traunstein in Bavaria after his retirement in 2013. The cross was stolen June 19, 2023, from the church. Credit: Bavarian Police/CNA Deutsch