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 1st 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, 2nd
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 12th 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 17th
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 occasionTHE 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, 5th Feb.:
Kn.1: Donal, Andrew, Pat O’Sullivan
Kn.2: Stephen, RichardKn.3: Jean-Paul and Kofo
Would Ian (and Maureen) like to join the Horarium?
FEASTS and ANNIVERSARIES:
2ND Feb.: Candlemas
11th Feb.:
Our Lady of Lourdes (World day of prayer for the sick)21st Feb: St Pancake
22nd Feb.: ASH WEDNESDAY
Are there any Preceptory birthdays in February?
MASS intentions:
03.01.12 – Raymond Thirionet RIP
04.01.12 – Rosemary Rendel RIP03.02.12 – 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 Cesana3. 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, 3rd Tuesday, starting Tue, 21st
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 20th 2012
Concluding prayers Montfortian Consecration; Vespers,
Inviolata
Proposed Dates for Chapters in 2012.
Tuesday, 21st Feb. Oratory St Michael’s
6:45 – 8:00Tuesday, 20th Mar. “ “ “
Saturday 28th April Westminster Cathedral , 12:00- 2:00 or 3:00 – 5:00
Tuesday, 15th May Oratory St Michael’s 6:45 – 8:00
Tuesday, 19th June “ “ “
Monday 16th July or during preceding Sunday: Aylesford Priory Kent (Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Mt Carmel)
TRIENNIAL GENERAL CHAPTER c. 15TH August ASSUMPTION (dates to be announced)
Saturday 29th Sept. ST MICHAEL GRAND MASTER. Oratory (Parlour 6), 1:00 to 4:30 ANNUAL OPEN DAY
Saturday, 6th Oct Westminster to Oratory ANNUAL CRUSADE OF REPARATION: 1:30 – 5:30
Tue 20th Nov. Oratory. St Michael’s 6:45 – 8:00pm
Saturday 8th December: Oratory Solemn Mass of the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (time to be announced) Please attend in person or by intention.
Saturday, 26th Jan 2013 Oratory Parlour 6 (Montfortian Consecration) 1:00 – 3:30pm
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