By the Rt. Rev Serge Burglé
This 3rd Sunday of Advent is also called "Sunday of Joy" .
We see this joy in our illuminated streets. Tall Christmas trees have been erected in our squares. People stroll through the streets carrying large gift packages. All of this is beautiful. But this third Sunday invites us to take a further step in faith. It is about rejoicing in the Lord.
"Always be joyful, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances."
Here is good news that must be shared urgently: “The Lord will cause righteousness to spring up before all nations.” With him, the misfortunes that plague our world cannot have the last word. There will be no more crisis, no more violence, no more war. In God, it is Love that triumphs.
This Sunday's Gospel (Matthew 11) reveals another source of joy. It presents John the Baptist as a "witness of the light." He was not the light, but he pointed it out. He pointed out the Messiah to everyone he met: "Among you stands one whom you do not know." This good news that John the Baptist addressed to the crowds of his time is also true for us today. Jesus is present in the heart of our lives. Unfortunately, we are often distracted. And it is not with our human resources alone that we will be able to recognise him. To do so, we need the gaze of faith, a gaze enlightened and nourished by the Word of God and the sacraments.
The Lord is coming. He is mysteriously present in our midst. This third Sunday of Advent invites us to recognise him. This is more important than anything else. Our world suffers from injustice, immorality, and selfishness. It is necessary to convert in these ways. But the greatest misfortune is unbelief, the lack of faith, the failure to recognise God's presence among us. By rejecting God, we distance ourselves from the one who is the only hope in our lives.
In a few days, we will celebrate Christmas. There will be many gifts, beautifully wrapped in colourful paper. It will be an opportunity for us to bring joy to those we love. But if we stop there, it is truly a shame. To experience Christmas is to make an act of faith, to believe in Jesus who is coming and to commit ourselves to listening to his Word and following him. The most beautiful gifts in the world, the most lavish Christmas Eve celebrations, cannot truly satisfy us. It is only with the Lord that we will find true joy. There can be no truly authentic Christian life without this joy born of God's love. We cannot proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ with a sombre air.
Let us welcome this invitation to joy as a call to faith, a radiant and contagious faith. Following in the footsteps of John the Baptist, let us also be witnesses of the light, ever mindful of preparing the way for the Lord and proclaiming his love. This is what he expects of each of us. But to fulfil this mission, we come to draw from the Source of love that is within him. We nourish ourselves on the word of the Lord and on his Eucharist.
On this Sunday, we turn to you, Lord: “May your light shine through us and draw people to you. May your love flow to them through us, through our words and our daily lives .” Amen.
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.