Illumination from Fr Hunwicke

Continuing the theme of my previous post about learning more about the development of the liturgy I see from his blog that the ever erudite Fr Hunwicke has been casting light on a familiar prayer from Compline, and pointing out that it may have originated or, at least, been used at another time of day. His post can be read at Lighten our darkness ...

It occurs to me that the suggested origin of the prayer does indeed make sense at dawn in terms of temporal conditions, and as a prayer concerned with the whole of one's life is eminently suitable at any time, asking God to disperse the darkness that surrounds and menaces us on life's journey.

Fr Hunwicke's reflections upon Archbishop Lefebvre

On his Mutual Enrichment blog my friend Fr Hunwicke has been posting his reflections upon key passages in Archbishop Lefebvre's book They have Uncrowned Him following on from his reading of the Archbishop's reasons for his rejection of so much of what the Second Vatican Council did, or what was done in its name in subsequent years.

His first four posts can be read at "They have uncrowned Him" (1) which is an introduction,"They have uncrowned Him" (2) False Religions?. which is also rather general in its concerns, "They have uncrowned Him" (3) which begins a more detailed approach to the issues of freedom of religion, and

"They have uncrowned Him" (4) which considers further aspects of this question. The most recent is on the key question for many SSPX members and sympathizers, the interpretation and indeed purpose of Dignitatis humanae, and it can be read at "They have uncrowned Him" (5).

In these pieces Fr Hunwicke is not going Lefebvrist and neither is he attacking the Archbishop. What he is seeking to do is understand what Archbishop Marcel said - and why he said it - and seeking to show that there is perhaps more common ground with others than is often thought, or that the Conciliar statements allow of a breadth of interpretation that can be seen as enabling co-existence in communion. As always, a useful and helpful series from Fr John.

The Sign of Peace

Fr Hunwicke had an interesting post the other day about the position of the Sign of Peace in the Mass and the dating of that useage in the Roman Rite which can be read at  Where should the PAX come?

Quite apart from the intrinsic liturgical and historical interest of what he says in that particular piece it is also good to have Fr John back on line and helping one to think about what goes on at the altar in the light of the Church's history and tradition.

Mass for the feast of Bl.John Henry Newman

Yesterday evening I attended the Solemn Mass to mark the feast of Bl. John Henry Newman at the Oxford Oratory. The principal intention was for the cause of the Cardinal's canonization.

Bl. John Henry Newman

Portrait by Sir John Everett Millais, 1881

Image:westerhamcatholic.com

In his sermon the Provost, Fr Daniel, who was the celebrant of the Mass, spoke of Newman as the man of faith and of reason and drew out the significance of that for this current Year of Faith.

At the conclusion for the recessional hymn we sang a new Latin composition by Fr John Hunwicke in honour of Bl. John Henry, and which skillfully combines traditional structure and style with apposite references to Newman's life and legacy. The hymn was commissioned by the Birmingham Oratory and the text can be read here.

Afterwards, and to continue the celebration, I went off for supper with a fellow Orielensis at which we toasted Newman and his works.

Fr Hunwicke's first Mass for the Ordinariate

Earlier this evening I attended the first Mass Fr Hunwicke celebrated for the Oxford Ordinariate Group at the church of Holy Rood. As for his Ordination one again  friends had travelled a considerable distance to show their support. His homily was a fine example of  his skills as a scholarly preacher, combining theological and historical erudition with a leaven of humour as he explored and expounded the tradition of devotion to the Precious Blood on the eve of the month dedicated to it, and, indeed, onthe Vigil in the pre-1970 Calendar of the Feast of the Precious Blood.

As on Wednesday I gave thanks for Fr John's Ordination and for the many gifts he brings to the life of the Catholic Church, and I look forward to seeing them bear fruit in the local group and in the wider community of the Church.