On 7 July there will be a CATHOLIC Mass in the (stolen) Canterbury Cathedral in honor of the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of St. Thomas Beckett.
My correspondent alerted me about this along with his comment:
There’s a place to register on the website. It’s so that the cathedral authorities would then decide if the Catholics could be relegated to a side altar (as this usually gets). But it’d be good to show Catholic power by turning up in numbers.
Here’s the link to register:
https://stthomasofcanterbury.com/portfolio-items/translation-of-st-thomas-2025/
From the press release:
WHAT: On 7th July, every year, the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury Cathedral
kindly allow the Catholic Parish of St Thomas of Canterbury to celebrate Mass in honour of St Thomas Becket. This Catholic Mass happens only once a year.
WHY: To mark the Feast of the Translation (transfer) of the relics of St Thomas Becket.
WHO: This year, the Jubilee Year of Hope, for the first time, the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia has kindly accepted the invitation to be the main celebrant at the Feast of the Translation Mass in the presence of dignitaries of Church and State, including the Vatican St Peter’s cricket team, and the ordinary people of God.
The Feast of the Translation Mass will conclude with the blessing of St Thomas Becket’s relics.
The music for the Mass will be directed by Nigel Short and Tenebrae, the internationally acclaimed English choir https://www.tenebrae-choir.com/about/tenebrae
All pilgrims are invited to a reception of English ‘champagne’ and chocolates after Mass.
There are of course many reasons to attend this Mass if one can. But not least among them is the fact that Tenebrae and Nigel Short will offer the music of the Mass to God on this occasion. They are world class in singing Catholic polyphony – none better. Their singing will be a special source of grace.
I plan to attend this mass. Anyone else?
David: yes! Tenebrae sang in my local church (blessed with a glorious acoustic) back about 12 or so years ago. Oh… wow!
When Christmas comes around again, this is well worth considering to add to one’s collection:
https://www.tenebrae-choir.com/recordings/in-winters-house