UK Preceptory March 2012 Chapter Minutes

Held at the Brompton Oratory on Tuesday, 20th March, 2012, in St Michael’s Halls from 7:30 to 8:15 pm. Started after Mass and Devotions for the 40 Hours.

Present: Bros. Stephen de la Bedoyere, Preceptor; Andrew Cesana, Richard Coles, Kts; Mary, Pat O'Osullivan; Servant OL; Pierre Vallerie, Ian Gordon, Maurice Powers, Friends OL

READING: Ch. 11: On Prayer (Read by Ian Gordon)

MASTER’S DIRECTIVE 4: ACTION (Section 3 – Studies – Postponed until May)

‘ I will insist certainly on specific services rendered personally to people in trouble, avoiding big words, endless meetings and petitions that merely salve people’s consciences! What has made the immense success of the Sant’Egidio community is that its first members –Roman university students- started (and have continued) by welcoming and nourishing in person the tramps of the Trastevere… The same is true of the Templars assuring the security of pilgrims to the Holy Land. I do take part of the responsibility for not doing this in the first days of the Order … but I entered the monastery when we were only 6 or 7!’ (Dom Lafond, e-mail to the Master – 0605-2008).

We need to be fully aware that the activity of the Knights is firstly and above all a charitable one. May I then remind you of the priorities established by my predecessors and myself:

-          Promoting Life and the Family
-          Studying the real situation in our societies, based on documents of the Church’s Magisterium, like Ecclesia in Europa/America and drawing from them, for the MSM or individual nations, programme for evangelising.
-          In this process, identifying the remnants of Marxism within our societies of the New Evangelisation (c.f. my directive of 2003)
-          Study and diffusion of the Church’s social teaching
-          Study of the liturgy

Further points:

-          The promotion of Life and the Family is above all in the context of the IFCI, which will hold its first congress in the 3^rd quarter of 2012 in France, after a formative seminar in Braga in June 2010 attended by a representative of the Pontifical Council for the Family.

-          We should not forget the continued presence of Marxism in the modern mind. The fact that earlier directives of mine have neither been understood nor followed up… does not stop me from putting it forcefully forward again. A simple example would be that the theory of gender is a fruit of dialectic Marxism (thesis: machismo of the dark ages; antithesis: dictatorship of women; synthesis: a society without sexes!) How this is followed up –individually or collectively– in the MSM is matter for each of us to decide ‘whether by speech or writing or any other means’ (XVIII, 3) and according to the superior’s guidance. Nor should we neglect ‘cyber-militantism’, which produces good results, not least allowing Catholics to use this means to make their voices heard in electoral campaigns.

-          To carry our activity, we have made too little use of the Ladies and our Sisters, of our spouses, even if they do not form part of the Order, and of other members of the Familia. Let’s follow the example of our British brothers and recruit Servants of Our Lady –men and women– so that they can add to their common prayer, the possibility that they lead undertake to direction of such apostolate, so as to ‘enlarge on earth the frontiers of God’s kingdom’.

-          Bearing in mind the variety of interpretation among our nations of the word ‘action’, I offer this reflection once again by putting forward (see Annex 2) a programme of studies, and sincerely hope that you will respond to this questionnaire in preparation for the discussio, at the 2012 General Chapter.

COMMENTARY ON THE RULE:

I’m glad that we have read the chapter on Prayer. If only because the Master’s inspiring words can only be implemented through our prayer. Please study what the Master has written, and please study the chapter on prayer. May I share with you my vision for the ‘apostolic’ side of a fully functioning Preceptory? Each member will have a variety of apostolic activities, depending on his/her background, abilities, preferences and compatibilities. Our status in life and our job are fundamental to our life of Christian witness and service. So our families come first (and as a bachelor, my extended family mean a great deal to me), and our work, too. There are few jobs that do not have a dimension towards the service of others. Looking around at the present constituents of our Preceptory, each one of us is involved in work for others; teaching, overseas development, fundraising, musical culture, linguistics (c.f., Word of God) and so on… This is the nature of society. As knights, however, we contribute an extra effort and a higher standard to what we would otherwise do. However, all of us are part of an organised group that needs maintenance: so we are called to play a part: Preceptor, Treasurer, Chapter Secretary (remember how well this was done by Jeffrey), Director of Studies, Translator, IT Officer, Publicity Officer... We should obviously be generous in offering our services. Recruitment impinges on us all. We will then be ready –alone or – preferably– with others– to express our knightly charity in external ways. While we may have external activities in which we are already engaged (Andrew and the ‘Days with Mary’, for instance),  a certain priority should be given to activities that are suitable to the knightly ethos –which is why we must study the Master’s directive; OLAF or IFCI, for instance, visiting priests in retirement homes (which should involve pairs), etc. There is a chance here also of working with people outside the MSM, and attracting others to the Order! You may well say, ‘What a programme!’ I certainly did, but what did we expect when we said to God: ‘I will serve You’?

EXHORTATION:

A structure like this can only –I repeat– be implemented by persevering personal prayer. Jesus ‘spent the night in prayer’ before choosing His apostles. Well, sleep is important for us, but we can follow the Lord in spirit in Lent and Easter!

NEWS OF THE ORDER:

1. The Master has undertaken a ‘cyber’ debate on the the question of recruitment to the MSM via IT with major superiors. No doubt we will hear more about this at the General Chapter! There seem to be young men, from Canada to Brazil via Australia  (!) interested in joining the MSM. Let’s keep them in our prayers.

INTERNATIONAL FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO INSTITUTE:  The July pilgrimage to Aylesford is a chance for us to pray for the October international IFCI Congress in France.

OLAF: A couple of Nairobi families are desperate for help with school fees, and I will address this a.s.a.p. So far, in answer to my circular letter, only one recipient has shown an interest in helping, but – for a viable future for OLAF – we really need several fully committed people.

NEWS OF THE PRECEPTORY:

1. Meeting Bishop Alan Hopes: Jean-Paul and I spent an hour with Bishop Alan on Wednesday, 14.03.12. He is a good friend of the Gauthiers, having married Jean-Paul and Kofo (in the year I was dubbed) and this rendered our exposé of the MSM quite an informal activity. Bishop Hopes took an immediate interest in our activities and appeared inspired by our desire to play a bigger role in evangelisation in this country. In particular, he felt that we couldn’t do better than make contact with ‘Catholic Voices’ who are spearheading opposition to the Government’s consultation on Gay ‘Marriage’.In reference to canonical recognition, he endorsed our intention to meet Archbishop Smith, and –himself an Anglican convert– he was glad to hear that we have already established contact with the Ordinariate. I need to formally thank him for his hospitality to us, include his intentions in our Chapter prayers, and send him Chapter summaries.

Call to prayer, which we have received on behalf of Bishop Hopes, who will attend the ’40 Days for Life’ prayer gathering in Bedford Square on Friday 30^th March between 7 and 8 pm. Our vow for Defence of the Church will at least involve us in prayer, and – if possible –attendance.

2. Deacon James Bradley, of the Ordinariate, will be ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Hopes at St Patrick’s Church, Soho, on Saturday, 21^stApril at 10:00, and he will say his first Mass at the Church of the Holy Ghost, Nightingale Square, the following Sunday at 11:00.

3. Funeral details for Servant OL Peggy Starkie: At the Little Oratory, on Tuesday, 27^th March, at 11:00, with drinks afterwards at St Joseph’s Hall (She will be interred at Kensal Green Cemetery. Any member of the Preceptory who can come will be most welcome. Mary and Stephen attended the Requiem, and Mary played ‘In Paradisum’ on the bells at the recession.

4. The date of the Crusade of Reparation (Westminster to Oratory) has been changed to Saturday, 13^th October (1:30 to 5:00). This is great, as this will enable those attending the IFCI Congress to be able to process!

5. Chapter of Saturday, 28^th April (c.f., Memorial Mass for Joe Farrelly and Rosemary Rendel (Servant OL) in Lady Chapel at Westminster Cathedral at 2:00pm. Our Chapter will open in Room 4, Cathedral Clergy House (42 Francis Street) at 11:30 and will conclude at 1:30. I suggest we bring a packed lunch. There is no fee, but we will make a donation.

6. Aylesford Pilgrimage: I have confirmed the hiring of a room at the Priory for £100 (one hires for the day) attendance at Mass at midday on Monday, 16^thJuly, followed by our Chapter from 1:00 till 3:00. We should bring a packed lunch. It would be good to invite our friends. We need to discuss transport.

7. Please sign the ‘Coalition for Marriage’ petition on: http://c4m.org.uk/

MARTIN’S NEWS: Martin most enjoyed the Foyers de Charité information day at Bayswater, which was attended by 35 people, bringing nearer the day when a Foyer of Charity will be established in this country. He hopes to attend the Memorial Mass for Rosemary at Westminster Cathedral on 28.04.12.

GEORGE’S NEWS: 

Now living in retirement in the Warrington area. George wrote to me about his involvement in the Church Healing Ministry over 30 years. Maybe he will be able to tell us more about it in due course.

ANDREW’S NEWS:

1. Mrs Cesana is back home, and glad to be, although her care package has had to be increased.
2. Forthcoming Days with Mary include Our Lady of Lourdes, Wanstead (31^st March), Holy Apostles , Pimlico (21^st April).
3. Andrew has sent a ‘Happy Retirement’ card to Fr Roger Nesbitt, PP of Folkestone, on behalf of the Preceptory. We hope to remain in touch with him… perhaps he could be a chaplain of devotion?
4. Andrew will send a notice about the MSM to the Westminster Directory, for inclusion in 2013 edition!                                      

JEAN-PAUL’S NEWS:  

1. He will be abroad after Easter till end of May  for professional reasons.       

2. He is prepared to follow up anyone interested in a vocation with the Knights: gauthier@aol.com   01304 381 788.

3. The church of St Augustine at Ramsgate has been made by the Archbishop of Southwark an official Shrine in honour of the great Benedictine missionary to the early English … very visitable!

MARY’S NEWS: 

1. Recommends reading: ‘Pushkin is not the Pope’s cat: He lives at the Birmingham Oratory. ‘Pushkin the Pontifical Puss: Tails of an Oratory Cat’ by Fr Anton Guzial, Cong Orat. Well worth obtaining, and published by St Paul’s.

2. As part of the Schola Gregoriana (Cambridge) Mary will participate in a recital of  ‘Music in  the Middle Ages in honour of Our Lady from the Abbeys of Las Huelgas and Fontrevaux’ to be performed at the Temple Church (London) at 6:30 pm on Monday, 16^th April at £10.

PAT’S NEWS:

1. He and Pierre attended the ESBVM AGM at Allen Hall.

2. He was accompanied today by Maurice Power, a friend of his (whom we have met before) who appears keen to know more about the Knights

IAN’S NEWS: 
1. He and Maureen attended the ACW Day of Prayer and Reflection recently.
2. He has been organising the petition on Marriage (for link see above) in his parish, as well as Lenten hunger lunches.
3. He was impressed by the recent TV series ‘Catholics’

FEASTS and ANNIVERSARIES: 

Monday, 26^th March: (trans.) Feast of the Annunciation (Feast of the true devotion)
HOLY WEEK & EASTER TRIDUUM
Monday, 23^rd April: St George, Protector of the Realm and Patron of Chivalry
Thurs.26^th April: Our Lady of Counsel ; Friday, 27^th April: Our Lady of Montserrat
Saturday 28^th April: St Louis-Marie Patron of the MSM, and St Gianna Molla, Patron of IFCI
20 to 27^th April:  NOVENA in honour of St Louis-Marie for vocations to the MSM.  See text accompanying.

PRAYER INT.s:

1. Dead: We think of all those who have died recently: Peggie Starkie, Maria Coates
2. Sick: Joyce Palmer, Friend OL; John and Audrey Powell; Anthony Crowley
3. For continual prayers: Fiorella Nash (Friend OL), pregnant; Nicholas Lane; Mgr. Miles (Ret’d);
4. Permanently on our Prayer List: Pope Benedict and his intentions, vocations to the MSM and IFCI, OLAF and the children we are supporting; Foyers de Charité movement; Days with Mary; Friends of the Holy Family; Confraternity of St James; Carmelite Nuns in Finland and Nairobi; Society of Pewe; WAF; ESBVM; Billings family Life Centre; Fathers and Parishes of the Oratory and St Mary Magdalen’s; Elderly and sick clergy whom we visit; Vocations to the priesthood, religious life and marriage; Bishop Paul Hendricks and his intentions; Bishop Moth and his intentions; Mgr Newton and the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham; Bishop Echeverria and the Prelature of Opus Dei; Bishop Alan Hopes and his intentions

CHAPTER OF FAULTS

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

UK Preceptory Feburary 2012 Chapter Minutes

News: Servant of Our Lady Peggy Starkie has just died: more at March Chapter.

PRESENT: Stephen de la Bédoyère, Kt, Preceptor; Andrew Cesana, Kt; Mary, Servant O.L; Pierre, Ian, William Magner, Friends O.L; APOLOGIES:  Richard Coles, Kt (n/a);

READING: Ch. VII: Penitence by Andre Cesana, Kt.

MASTER’S DIRECTIVES: February: Being ‘Church’:

‘I hope that above all you will make every effort for the Order to remain on the path which has been its own since its foundation: that of total fidelity to the Church through its being attached to her living Tradition.’ (e-mail from Dom Lafond to the Master, 23.02.09)

Such clear words point us to being very conscious of our membership of the Church, and for this purpose we should make ourselves known to our bishops. It is precisely this that I have asked of our American recruits and what I also ask of each preceptor: to go and see his diocesan bishop, to explain to him our calling, our aims and our way of working. I would say that it is very clear to me that he will want to make use of our limited abilities for his episcopal purposes. The canonical recognition of the MSM at Chartres is valid for the whole Church. Where you may think that, in order to show our integral membership of the Church, we need to seek recognition for our constituent associations – e.g. the Associacio Familias of Braga - as associations of the faithful, please seek my advice first.

COMMENTARY

First – since Lent begins tomorrow, please try and read this chapter on your own in a meditative way. Referring to the Master’s first directive (January), Lent reminds us that our prayer should be modelled on that of the Suffering CHRIST. Our tiny acts of self-denial are an earnest of our intention to serve Our Lord and Our Lady better. Have you noticed that, in inhouse documents, we hardly ever refer to The One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church as anything but The Church. There is no other. The Master’s remarks are especially relevant in the English-speaking world, where protestant Christianity has sought to minimise the mediation of the community of the faithful and salvation is a fundamentally individual reality. Our salvation, as we know, is based on our membership in the Church, the Mystical Body. Frank Sheed in ‘Theology and Sanity’ has reminded us that the means of salvation (and for the conversion of the world) are the same for all: the work of our Redemption by Jesus Christ. We of course have to respond. But how can we? Only via the ‘blood transfusions’ provided by the Communion of Saints (c.f. The Apostles’ Creed). Our preceptory has entered a period in which we are precisely approaching our bishops, and I am grateful to bro. Jean-Paul for his encouragement and participation in this activity (see below). An enduring memory of mine goes back to when I was teaching in Kenya in 1988. A couple of friends and I were driving for a day trip to Meru, on the slopes of Mount Kenya. We passed the catholic church on the edge of the diocesan city of Embu and decided to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. As we emerged from the building, we saw a tall and distinguished gentleman in clerical grey and a clerical collar coming to the porch. One of my friends -a priest– nudged me, ‘We are in the presence of a successor to the apostles’, he said quietly. I found myself greeting Mgr. John Njue, bishop of Embu, now Cardinal Archbishop of Nairobi, successor of the Apostles. What a thought!

EXHORTATION:  please make use of the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) this Lent.

NEWS OF THE ORDER:
Please pray for Frederic Grenier, a Canadian who is considering asking admission to the MSM as a bro. at arms, and for our Brazilian bro.at arms and postulants.

INTERNATIONAL FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO INSTITUTE:

1. The preceptor attended an excellent ‘family life’ training day at Southwark Cathedral on Saturday, 11^th February, for catechists in the 4 S.E. dioceses. He attended a couple of interesting workshops, and there were over 100 participants. He met Bishop Hine briefly and heard Archbishop Smith outline plans for the Church’s response to the U.K. Gov’t resolution to legislate homosexual marriage before 2015. This will very soon be a very important struggle in U.K. and the vast majority of Christians (and Moslems) will be at one with us in this matter.
2. You may wish to attend the SPUC Conference on 20^th March entitled ‘Abortion or Maternal Health’ (in developing countries). In which our Friend Fiorella Nash will be speaking. See Preceptor for details.

NEWS OF THE PRECEPTORY:

1. Chapter dates: please let me know if you are satisfied with the dates for 2012. There are occasions when we are simply unable to attend Chapters, but we try to make them few and far between1

2. Please study the Chapter procedure notes carefully. Writing your news briefly helps the Chapter secretary and ensures that we finish promptly: some of us attend from quite far outside London, so we try not to extend the length of Chapter unnecessarily.
3. Jean-Paul and I will meet +Hopes on Wednesday, 14^th March in the afternoon. Please keep this important meeting in your prayers. We are arranging to meet +Archb. Smith of Southwark, and auxiliary +Hine (responsible for S.E. Kent and for Family Life in the diocese).
4. Please let me know your possibilities for attending the General Chapter in August.
Our Lady’s African Fund (OLAF):
Ochieng family in Nairobi; we have sent £200 , but we need to raise two further amounts of £400 to complete payment of school fees for them and for another family.

Members News:

STEPHEN’S NEWS: A second hand computer which I had been given turned out to have functional problems that I couldn’t properly handle, so I have invested in a new computer. I am still finding it very difficult to use. I shall be on holiday in Barcelona from 2^nd to 9^th April. As usual I will try to visit the Church of Our Lady La Merced to pray for the MSM.

MARTIN’S NEWS: Martin has reminded us of the ‘Foyer’ Day at St Mary of the Angels Church in Bayswater on Saturday, 17^th March, with Mgr. Barltrop. It begins with Mass at 10:30, and ends at 4:00pm. More details from Martin (01491413 083). He is very grateful to those who have already paid their sub.s.

ANDREW’S NEWS:
1. Mrs Cesana is getting better fast, and should be back home shortly.
2. The next days with Mary are: 10^th March: Farm Street and 17^th March: Newbury Park.
3. Andrew will put an insert about the MSM in 2013 Westminster Directory.
4. On behalf of the Preceptory, Andrew attended a Mass said at the Sacred Heart Church, Sittingbourne, for the repose of the soul of Dom Niggl, O.S.B. on 17^th February.

RICHARD’S NEWS: He remains in the West Country, sorting out his mother’s estate.

JEAN-PAUL’S NEWS

1. As I write this summary, J-P is visiting Kuwait (professional reasons)
2. We await further news from/about our Australian friend David Sainty about joining the MSM (Prayers, please!)
3. J-P is prepared to follow up anyone who is interested in a vocation with the Knights: just e-mail or telephone him( gauthierjp@ad.com ; 01304 381 788).

MARY’S NEWS

1. Mary has been involved with a cantata by John Read called ‘Pilgrimage’, which has been sung by his parish choir and that of the C.S.J.
2. She has also been involved with the Schola Gregoriana in Cambridge preparing a concert for the Temple Church in London in April in honour of Our Lady of mediaeval monastic Marian music.

IAN’S NEWS

1. Ian visited the Islamic exhibition at the BM centred on the Kaaba and the Hajj at Mecca, which he found very interesting .
2. After the Chapter, he and the Preceptor discussed the MSM over a pleasant dinner. Ian wants to continue his involvement with us.

JOHN WRIGLEY’S NEWS: In a letter enclosing John’s annual sub., he tells us that Fr Roger Nesbitt, pp for many years of Folkestone, and a good friend of many people of the MSM, will be retiring after Easter. He will be succeeded as pp by Fr Stephen Bould, of the Ordinariate. Maybe Andrew could send him a card on behalf of the Preceptory, wishing him a happy retirement on behalf of the MSM.

PIERRE’S NEWS:

1. He is monitoring China’s opening to the West.
2. His linguistic studies include Xtn Arabic, Hindi vocabulary, Aramaic and Semitic;                        3. He reminded us of Tibetan New Year, about now.

WILLIAM’S NEWS:

1. William is a fellow resident of Du Cane Court from S.W. Ireland, with Oratorian connections.
2. We welcomed him as a Friend of the MSM  in January, 2011, but this is his first Chapter. WELCOME!

HORARIUM:

No change till April Chapter                                                                   

FEASTS and ANNIVERSARIES:

-          Thursday, 1^st March, St David of Wales
-          Monday 19^th March. St Joseph, husband of Our Lady, Patron of the Church, ‘the first knight to serve the Queen of Heaven’ (RULE, ch. XVII). Please make every effort to attend Mass on that day, according to our Rule

PRAYER INT.s:

1.Dead: We think of all those who have died recently: Peggy Starkie
2. Sick:
- Mrs Cesana
- Stratford Caldecott   (We are praying via Bl John-Paul II for his recovery from Cancer)    
3. For continual prayers: Nicholas Lane
4. Permanently on our Prayer List: Pope Benedict and his intentions, vocations to the MSM and IFCI, OLAF and the children we are supporting, Foyer de Charité movement, days with Mary, Friends of the Holy family, Confraternity of St James, Carmelite nuns in Finland and Nairobi, Society of Pewe, WAF, ESBVM, Billings family Life Centre, Fathers and Parishes of the Oratory and St Mary Magdalen’s, elderly and sick clergy whom we visit, vocations to the priesthood, religious life and marriage; Bishop Paul Hendricks and his intentions; Bishop Moth and his intentions; Mgr. Newton and the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham worldwide: Bishop Echeverria and the Prelature of Opus Dei;

A.O.B

1. The dates proposed in the January Chapter were accepted by all present. If you need a further list, please be in touch with Stephen.
2. St George’s day Mediaeval Banquet, Saturday, 21^st April, 7:00 pm at Westminster Cathedral Hall, in support of Amer Jysti Trust for blind children in India. See preceptor for details.
3. For details of Peggy’s Funeral, contact Preceptor: 0208 675 6218

Concluding prayers: + Compline (S.M.E.P.) and ‘Inviolata’
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UK Preceptory January 2012 Minutes

Chapter held at the London Oratory at 1:00 pm in Parlour 6, 28^th January, 2012, being present the Preceptor, Stephen de la Bedoyere, Martin Blake, Jean-Paul Gauthier, Kts; Mary R., Pat. O’Sullivan, Peter Sibley, Servants O.L.; Pierre Vallerie, Ian Gordon, Frs. O.L. Apologies:  Andrew Cesana, Kt; Richard Coles, Kt ( N/A )

We begin this Chapter recalling the recent death of Mrs Margaret Coles, Richard’s mother. Resquiescat in Pace. During the course of this Chapter, we will renew our consecration to Our Lady according to St Louis-Marie, and Chapter dates will be proposed for 2012. Jean-Paul sent me a list of items that he felt needed an airing, if only briefly: OLAF, IFCI, evangelisation via the Preceptory and recruitment to the MSM. Thanking him for this, I have tried to insert these items at suitable points of the meeting.

Reading: ch. XI: Prayer: read by  Martin Blake, Kt.

COMMENTARY:  I have subdivided the Master’s Directives for this August’s General Chapter in such a way that we can study them Chapter by Chapter till June. Particularly since the return of our Founder to the Father (X/10), the Master emphasises perseverance in the areas of prayer, study and action, that respond to the aims of the M.S.M. and translate into the three vows of our Profession: Conversion of Life, Fidelity to the M.S.M. and Defence of the Church:

Today: Prayer

February: Being ‘Church’
March: Action in the MSM
April:: IFCI
May: OLAF
June: the New Evangelisation, FSB

After the relevant text, I will make one or two points, and suggest that others present do the same, before the exhortation:

Introductory comments: Since 2003, I have been inviting you to pray and get others to pray for the MSM, its development and its fidelity to the aims set out in our Rule. Our conversion of life and our fidelity to the Church are better assured with spiritual guidance from priests and religious who understand both us and our vocation. Mainly, in most countries, we’ve not tried to recruit chaplains and spiritual supporters/ prayer friends. Neither should we turn our backs on possibilities offered by permanent deacons, especially in the countries of the new evangelisation.

Additionally, our progress in conversion is greatly helped by our regular Chapter of Faults. It is salutary and humbling to know that our brothers in chivalry face the same struggle as ourselves. Ch.XI Section 1 reminds us of our duty to make mental prayer each day, with great freedom of approach. May I include 3 quotations from great saints describing this activity: St Teresa of Avila:  ‘Prayer is nothing but a conversation with Someone whom we know loves us.’ St Josemaria Escriva: ‘To pray is to talk to God…about Him, about yourself: joys, sorrows, successes and failures, noble ambitions, daily worries …weaknesses!: and acts of thanksgiving and  petitions: and love and reparation.’ St Augustine: ‘And I talked with You as friends talk, my Glory and my Riches and my Salvation, my Lord God.’ (‘Confessions’)

EXHORTATION: Let’s never, please, fail to make that daily appointment with the Lord! Everything else in our life in the Militia depends on it!

MINUTES OF 15 November 2011: read and accepted

NEWS OF THE ORDER: Please bear in mind the following points:

1.                             The triennial General Chapter of the Militia will take place at Assumptiontide in August, and observants have the obligation to attend if possible; of course, Servants O.L. and Friends are very welcome. The Feast of the Assumption at Chartres Cathedral is unforgettable. The seminar for brothers-at-arms will take place BEFORE the General Chapter (Stephen suggests a walking pilgrimage from the Commandery to the Shrine of Ste Anne at La Fontaine Simon, to pray for the Militia, the seminar and the family Congress in October).

2.                             Observants, too, have the duty to make an annual retreat in a recollected environment each year. Many different types of retreat are on offer from highly structured ones to spending time on one’s own in a monastery. Please do not neglect this obligation.

- Martin made the point that the concept of ‘monastic’ retreat as specified in the Rule does not in fact exclude other settings (e.g. Foyers of Charity). Changes have been made in the Rule such as this which were apparently awaiting the approval of Dom Lafond till his death. Stephen will ask the Master what are the plans to incorporate the amendsments (e.g., abolition of the status of sergeant at arms and location of retreats).  Using the example of the Master, it may be, for those with a young family or an aged parent, difficult always to make a full annual retreat.

3.                             Germany: There will be a prioral election in June or September.

4.                             Portugal: concentration on the expansion of the MSM to Brazil, as we have one Brazilian bro.-at-arms, and are hoping for more.

5.                             The functioning of preceptories, priories and the MSM itself depends largely on our subscriptions, which became due on 1^st January. Martin is our treasurer. Martin suggested that the sub. for Servants O.L. should be raised to £10. It should always be borne in mind that any subscription to the MSM is voluntary, and that no-one should be penalised because of lack of money. For our outgoings, larger donations are always welcome (see Finances). Cheques made out to ‘Knights of Our Lady’, please, and sent to him: 28, War Memorial Place, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, RE9 1EP.

NEWS OF THE PRECEPTORY:

1.                   Preceptor’s meeting with Mgr, Newton, Ordinary of Our Lady of Walsingham, Friday, 2^nd December, 2011, at Bishops’ Conference offices in Westminster; Stephen writes:

I was kindly received by Mgr. Keith Newton, who gave me an hour of his time. Jean-Paul would have liked to be present, but was abroad on this occasion. A onetime Anglican missionary in Malawi, he comes originally from Liverpool, married after ordination as an Anglican priest and has children. He has an affable manner and an open face, and allowed me to speak a lot about the Knights and to give him some of our literature, and did not attempt to talk much about the Ordinariate, in spite of what we know to be its development issues (see A.O.B. below). My thrust was to suggest that members of the Ordinariate might well be interested in the MSM, maybe as a contact, maybe as a commitment. He agreed in principle to a presentation of the MSM to an Ordinariate congregation in S.E. Kent by Jean-Paul, which could be the pattern for the future. I suggested that we might well find a committed chaplain from the Ordinariate. Here are my next step decisions:

a.  To include the Ordinary and his intentions in the prayers of the Preceptory; and to send Chapter Summaries and MSM literature to Mgr Newton as and when.
b. To discuss with the Preceptory how to support the dire financial needs of the Ordinariate clergy regularly.
c. To promote contact between the Preceptory and the Ordinariate.
d. To have a ‘linkman’ from the Preceptory for Ordinariate contact.
1b: Ian questioned the wisdom of prioritising the Ordinariate above the Latin Rite in terms of our own evangelisation. The Preceptor mentioned a number of meetings with the mainstream hierarchy: +Hendricks (which has already taken place); +Hopes (on 12^th March); Arch+ Smith and +Hines (in course of arrangement). We are also in touch with +Moth of the Forces.

2.                   VOCATIONS: Apart from per apostolic/Charitable activity, whether separate from the MSM or in combination with others within, each preceptoral member should be involved in some way in the maintenance and development of the Preceptory: we need people involved in publicity, in translating from French, in liaising with the pro-life movement, in talking with per friends about us, and so on. Please ensure that you are playing a full part in our life. Meanwhile, we have a prospective novices, who need praying for: two or three married professionals and their spouses, young ‘singles’ with time to dedicate to the MSM, bishops (possible prelates of the MSM?), an Australian and his family.

INTERNATIONAL FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO INSTITUTE:

1.       International Congress in Paris 5-7, October; KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Our friend from Braga, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Family, Mgr. Simon. The Preceptor said that as soon as informational publicity is forwarded to us we can do an English-language leaflet and a distribution list (which would contain the names of pro-Family and pro-Life friends, such as Fiorella Nash).

2.       Mgr. Simon at Braga lamented to the English delegation that we are the one country where the Pontifical Council’s work for the Family finds it impossible to penetrate. Work for us?

3.       We need to set up a structure for the G.B.branch of IFCI. Perhaps this could be discussed in April.

Our Lady's African Fund (OLAF):

1. Please pray that the future of the Fund be assured by the collaboration of some very committed operatives (It requires a minimum of a couple of hours a week or equivalent). In February, Stephen will circulate requests among possible collaborators, and report back at the May Chapter. He is most grateful to Jean-Paul for offering his services to raise funds among the young people of the parish that the Gauthiers attend.

2. The Fund needs about £1000 soon, as Mr George Ochieng is hoping to keep two of his 6 children for a year in fee-paying schools (St Anne’s Boarding and Catholic Parochial, Nairobi), and Bernard Wanjala, our teacher friend with 3 children, tells us his own postgraduate degree in (Christian) Philosophy will cost £5/600 I fees It is cheaper to send all at once, but as least a couple of hundred now. The Fund currently has £150.).

STEPHEN’S NEWS: Harry Gibson, in Durham, has had various visits to hospital. He is always delighted to hear from the Preceptory, and I believe that we benefit from his prayers. Stephen himself hopes to attend the RIP Mass for late Dom Niggl with Andrew in Sittingbourne on 17^th February at 10:00. Do let him know if you can be present.

MARTIN’S NEWS: Now settled in Henley-on-Thames:

1. Continues in regular contact with Tim Tindal-Robertson, of the World Apostolate of Fatima, and fully recommends Tim’s studies of Fatima and the Church.
2.  Martin hopes to organise a trip to Fatima from Henley later this year.
3.  A Foyer retreat led by Mgr Keith Barltrop is taking place during the last week of January in Brentwood.
4.  Our friend and spiritual supporter, Stratford Caldecott, continues to be very ill. We think of his family, too.

ANDREW’S NEWS: His mother has recently had major surgery on her shoulder, and hip. Andrew tells us that she will leave hospital shortly for home, and that, medically, things seem to be better! The ‘Days with Mary’ (DwM) timetable has kicked off, with Kingsland last w/e and Heston next w/e. Could Andrew get in touch with the Westminster directory for 2013 with a snippet about the MSM?

JEAN-PAUL’S NEWS: Has travelled abroad for professional reasons;

1.                   Now has residential status in U.K.
2.                   Now officially a member of the Preceptory of Great Britain. WELCOME!
2. a.         Has approached p.p. re a presentation of the MSM in his Parish (also to the ‘Ordinariate’ group in the Parish).
3.                   The Preceptor expressed his gratitude for Jean-Paul’s efforts.
4.           Has done a lot of work translating MSM documents for the use of the Preceptory, and has started a Blog for the Preceptory: http://militiasanctaemaria.blogspot.com

MARY’S NEWS:

1. She rejoices to have received a letter per pro Holy Father, to thank her for writing him the information about the preparation for his visit to U.K. organised by her for her friends.

2. She visited the recent John Ryan Exhibition in Rye. He was the distinguished catholic cartoonist who died recently.
3.  Mary’s health continues to improve nicely

BENET’S NEWS: He sends his greetings to all. He has just completed theological study, is now ‘lector’ in the Downside community, and looks forward to ordination fairly soon. Prayers, please!

PAT’S NEWS: He has attended the ESBVM Council Meeting, and feels happy to liaise between us and the Marian organisation; he has attended a CRUX Cell meeting.

PETER’S NEWS: He continues to soldier on with the Preceptory Archives.

PIERRE’S NEWS: None specific on this occasion
THE GORDONS’ NEWS: Ian strongly recommends a visit to the Royal Illuminated Manuscripts Exhibition. He brought us up to date with the Society of Our Lady of Ransom, which is having some organisational problems.
RICHARD’S NEWS At the family home, due to the death of his mother.

FINANCES:

1) Subscriptions for 2012 are due now. If anyone has problems about being able to pay, please speak with Martin (Treasurer) or Stephen (Preceptor)

2) We normally give an annual donation to the Oratory for the use of St Michael’s and Parlour 6. For 2011, we gave £60; and an annual donation of £30 to Zoe’s Place – the ‘Life’ Liverpool Baby Hospice.

3) I strongly suggest that we give a donation to the Ordinariate for clergy welfare, although hoping that as many MSM members as possible will also give their own donation. In view of growing possible relations with the Ordinariate, such a donation could become annual or for the use of a possible committed chaplain.

HORARIUM: from Sunday, 5^th Feb.:

Kn.1: Donal, Andrew, Pat O’Sullivan

Kn.2: Stephen, Richard
Kn.3: Jean-Paul and Kofo
Would Ian (and Maureen) like to join the Horarium?

FEASTS and ANNIVERSARIES: 

2^ND Feb.: Candlemas

11^th Feb.:  Our Lady of Lourdes (World day of prayer for the sick)
21^st Feb:   St Pancake
22^nd Feb.: ASH WEDNESDAY
Are there any Preceptory birthdays in February?

MASS intentions:  03.01.12 –  Raymond Thirionet   RIP

04.01.12 – Rosemary Rendel       RIP
03.02.12 – Mrs Coles                   RIP
17.02.12 – Dom Niggl                  RIP
24.04.12 - Rosemary and Joe Farrelly RIP. Westminster Cathedral: Lady Chapel, By Fr. William McLoughlin. Mary on bells!

PRAYER INT.s:

1.             Dead: We think of all those who have died recently( as mentioned in this summary )

2.                   Sick: Mrs Cesana
3.                   Mary’s convalescence
4.                   Stratford Caldecott
5.                   Joyce Palmer (Friend of Our Lady )
6.                   Anthony Crowley
7.                   For continual prayers:
- Her Majesty the Queen, who enters the Diamond Jubilee Year of her accession to the throne in February.                                          - Nicholas Lane, and his housing difficulties;
-                      Bishop Davies of Shrewsbury and his intentions
-                      Guild of Our Lady of Ransom
-               Permanently on our Prayer List: Pope Benedict and his intentions, vocations to the MSM and IFCI, OLAF and the children we are supporting; Foyer de Charité movement, days with Mary, Friends of the Holy Family, Confraternity of St James, Carmelite nuns in Finland and Nairobi, Society of Pewe, WAF, ESBVM, Billings family Life Centre, fathers and Parishes of the Oratory and St Mary Magdalen’s, elderly and sick clergy whom we visit, vocations to the priesthood, religious life and marriage; Bishop Hendricks and his intentions; Mgr Newton and the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, Bishop Echeverria and the Prelature of Opus Dei.

A.O.B

1.             Possible dates for 2012 Chapters: quarterlies in April, June, September and January, 2013; monthlies, 3^rd Tuesday, starting Tue, 21^st February, in St. Michael’s, 6:45 to 8:15pm. Triennial General Chapter at Montireau in August. In principle, Chapters are obligatory for observants in the London area; people living further away should try to make quarterlies, at least. Observants are required to attend the triennial General Chapter, if possible. Of course, Servants O.L. are Friends are always welcome to attend all Chapters.

2.             SPUC conference on March 20^th 2012

Concluding prayers Montfortian Consecration; Vespers, Inviolata

Proposed Dates for Chapters in 2012.

Tuesday, 21^st Feb. Oratory St Michael’s 6:45 – 8:00
Tuesday, 20^th Mar.       “               “                  “
Saturday 28^th April    Westminster Cathedral , 12:00- 2:00 or 3:00 – 5:00
Tuesday, 15^th May  Oratory St Michael’s 6:45 – 8:00
Tuesday, 19^th June          “                “                “
Monday 16^th July or during preceding Sunday: Aylesford Priory Kent (Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Mt Carmel)
TRIENNIAL GENERAL CHAPTER c. 15^TH August ASSUMPTION (dates to be announced)
Saturday 29^th Sept. ST MICHAEL GRAND MASTER. Oratory (Parlour 6), 1:00 to 4:30 ANNUAL OPEN DAY
Saturday, 6^th Oct Westminster to Oratory ANNUAL CRUSADE OF REPARATION: 1:30 – 5:30
Tue 20^th Nov. Oratory. St Michael’s 6:45 – 8:00pm
Saturday 8^th December: Oratory Solemn Mass of the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (time to be announced) Please attend in person or by intention.
Saturday, 26^th Jan 2013 Oratory Parlour 6 (Montfortian Consecration) 1:00 – 3:30pm