Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera (Little Ratzinger), Archbishop of Toledo and Primate of Spain is New Prefect of Congregation for Divine Worship.

H/t to Fr. Z and Fr. T Finigan, Fr. Z writes:- "the nickname "little Ratzinger" was born in the Roman Curia. From 1985 to 1992 Canizares played the same role in the Spanish bishops conference that Ratzinger played in the Vatican: he took care of the "doctrine of the faith" sector for the bishops conference. It was this role, together with the special friendship he had with Ratzinger, that prompted the men of the former Holy Office good-naturely to start nicknaming him that way.

tThree pilgrimages to honour the Holy Year of Saint Paul.

We have received confirmation of three pilgrimages to honour the Holy Year of Saint Paul.

The first pilgrimage will be to Dublin on Saturday, 24th January, 2009, where Mass will be celebrated in the Gregorian Rite at 11 a.m. in St. Paul's Church on Arran Quay on the banks of the River Liffey. Blessed Columba Marmion was baptised in this Church, which was home for many years to the Latin Mass in the Archdiocese of Dublin.The second pilgrimage will be to Kilcock, Co. Kildare, on Saturday, 21st March, 2009, where Mass will be celebrated in the Gregorian Rite in St. Coca's Church. Kilcock, on the bank of the Royal Canal, stands upon the site of the foundation of St. Coca, another ourstanding lady Saint of Kildare, of whom more in June about the time of her feastday.The third confirmed pilgrimage is to the village of Vicarstown, Co. Laois, on Saturday, 25th April, 2009, where Mass will be celebrated in the Gregorian Rite at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Assumption. Vicarstown lies on the banks of the Grand Canal, near the ancient monastic settlement of Clonenagh, home of St. Fintan, known as the Father of Irish Monks, and St. Aengus the Culdee, author of the Felire and co-author with Maelruain of the Martyrology of Tallaght.For forthcoming details, please see:- http://catholicheritage.blogspot.com/2008/11/holy-year-of-saint-paul.html

Some Good News Stories from the Fraternity of St. Peter in England

Given on Friday 5th December 2008, Reading.

Portsmouth Diocese:
Bishop Crispian Hollis of Portsmouth has kindly allowed for a second FSSP priest to come and live with Fr de Malleray in Reading. Fr Simon Leworthy, an Australian priest holding a British passport, has studied in Rome and served in Germany and in Australia. He is due to arrive in January.

Northampton Diocese:
Statement from Bishop’s House, Northampton, on Saturday 29 November 2008:
“Having in view the spiritual good of the faithful attached to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman rite, Bishop Peter Doyle has approved of the relocating of the Sunday Mass offered by priests from the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP) from Bedford to Flitwick where better facilities are available (e.g. car park, parish hall). Bishop Doyle thanks the priests from the FSSP for their ministry in that part of the Northampton diocese over the recent years, as well as the parish priests in Bedford and Flitwick who have welcomed this worshipping community. Lastly, Bishop Doyle assures all the faithful attending the EF Mass in Flitwick (starting on the first Sunday of Advent 2008) of his pastoral solicitude and of his prayer.”

Parish website: http://www.sacredheartflitwick.co.uk/
Postal address: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pope Close, Flitwick MK45 1JP, England
Mass time: every Sunday 5pm (exceptionally 4pm on December 14th due to previous parochial commitment)

Westminster Archdiocese:
By kind permission of the Parish Priest, Rev Mr Matthew Goddard, FSSP, to be ordained a priest on May 30th, 2009, will offer his First Solemn High Mass in St James’ church Spanish Place, London, on Whit Saturday 6th June 2009 at 11am. All are welcome to attend and give thanks to God and support this newly ordained British FSSP priest.

And also:

Christmas:
Sung Traditional Midnight Mass at midnight at St William of York church, Upper Redland Road, Reading, RG1 5JT, preceded with carols from 11.15pm onwards and followed with coffee and cakes in the hall.Rev Mr Matthew Goddard, FSSP will give the homily. You are most welcome to attend and meet with our soon to be ordained future priest on this his last stay at home until he comes back for his First Mass in June 2009.

Retreats:

Advent Retreat by Fr de Malleray, FSSP at Douai Abbey, Berks, 8-11 December: all the 15 places being now booked, please possibly apply for the next two retreats:

Vocation Retreat, 7-9 January 2009, same Retreat Master, same location: some places left;

Lent Retreat, 2-6 March 2009, same Retreat Master, same location: some places left.
All details on http://www.fssp.co.uk/. Booking with Fr de Malleray.

Wishing you a happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception,
Fr de Malleray

Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP
Priestly Fraternity of St Peter in England
E-mail: malleray@fssp.org - http://www.fssp.org.uk/

News from Juventutem

Please see the following information from Juventutem France:-

Juventutem newsletter is back. WYD 2005 and 2008 are now completed and back, but new events are planned for next few years :

For Europe :

Next August, 18-23, 2009 : a new gathering, similar to first week in Bavaria 2005, will handle in one of the most beautiful and oldest sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that is Le Puy en Velay, in France, on the path to Santiago de Compostella. To discover this magnificent place, click here. A new English website on http://www.juventutem.com/ will be set up by the end of December. Youth for 16 – 25 years old are invited to come.

Worldwide :

Of course, answering to the invitation of Pope Benedikt XVI in Sydney, we will join WYD 2011 in Madrid.

Two major projects where all are warmly invited to come and have great time, spiritually, with a great friendship for the next coming years so as to be witnesses of the extraordinary form of the mass and the love of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Have a great time of Advent
In Domino

Juventutem team
French team will organize Juventutem Youth Meeting of Le Puy en Velay, France and invite you to come.


Juventutem France is the French Society of Foederatio Internationalis Juventutem.
http://www.juventutem.com/ – http://www.juventutem.org/

New Traditional Catholic Online Store

I received this very interesting email from the US in my inbox, I had a look and it seems like a very good initiative:-

http://latinmassliturgicals.com/

`I am the 17 year old owner of a Traditional Catholic internet store accessible at latinmassliturgicals.com. We began in the hopes of serving as a one stop resource for altar boys, priests, and laity interested in the Traditional Mass.

After looking at your website, and reading a little bit about your organization, I have been very impressed with your dedication to, and love of, our traditional faith.

As we are still a small, growing company, we would appreciate it if you would post a link to our company (latinmassliturgicals.com) on your website. Our prices are quite competitive, and we strive to provide prompt shipping and excellent customer service.

We would like to offer your members a 5% discount on any order placed before January 1st, 2009. To redeem this offer simply type “traditional catholic” in the coupon/promo code box located on the check out page of the website.'

RE: FSSP-served Sunday Mass in Northampton diocese moving from Bedford 4pm to Flitwick 5pm as of 1st Advent Sunday 2008.

Please see the following announcement from the Fraternity of St. Peter in England and Wales:-

Dear Friends,

The FSSP-served Sunday Mass in the Northampton diocese will move from Bedford 4pm to Flitwick 5pm as of 1st Advent Sunday 2008. The new parish church is 5mn from the M1 motorway, junction 12.

Motive: Unlike our previous location in Bedford, Sacred Heart church Flitwick has a hall with kitchen and a car park, which will enable us to meet after Mass (and possibly before) for social gathering and catechism according to the needs. We are also very glad that Parish Priest Canon Denis McSweeney is supportive of the traditional Mass and will kindly provide matching vestments, vessels and liturgical items for a dignified offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Acknowledgments: I would like to express our gratitude to Rt Rev Peter Doyle, Bishop of Northampton, who has kindly approved of the FSSP’s request to relocate in Flitwick its regular ministry in his diocese, as well as to Canon Denis McSweeney and his parishioners for their friendly welcome into the parish. We will not forget in our prayer the clergy and parishioners at the Polish parish in Bedford who had kindly welcomed us in our previous location.

Your support: Please kindly forward this information to whoever might be interested. All are welcome to come and attend, and offer their services for singing, serving, setting up the parish hall etc. I am looking forward to meeting you in Flitwick for the beginning of the liturgical year on Sunday 30th November at 5pm. We will begin Advent with a Sung Mass. Please bring cakes, tea and coffee.

Flitwick Mass announcements:
· due to previously scheduled parish event, the Mass on Sunday 14th December 2008 will exceptionally start at 4pm instead of 5pm
· please email me back if you would wish to attend Mass in Flitwick on Christmas day (Thursday 25th December 2008) at 5pm, as this Mass might be added only if there is sufficient interest.

Details:
· Parish website: http://www.sacredheartflitwick.co.uk/
· Postal address: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pope Close, Flitwick MK45 1JP, England
· Location: The Sacred Heart Catholic church is located on the southern outskirts of the Bedfordshire town of Flitwick on the A5120 trunk road that leads to the M1 motorway.
· Directions from the M1 motorway: Exit the motorway at junction 12 and follow the signs to Flitwick, you will now be on the A5120 trunk road. Continue on through the village of Westoning, at the Bell public house carry on over the mini roundabout. Continue on for one mile and turn right into Vicarage Hill. Pope Close is immediately on the right. There is ample parking in the church car park.

Wishing you a good preparation for Advent,
Cordially yours in Our Lady,
Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP

P.S. 1. Reminder: a few places are still available for the Advent retreat I will preach at Douai Abbey, Berkshire, 8-11 December 2008, on “Our Lady and the Incarnation” (global price all included full board single room : £137) – contact me soon for booking.
P.S.2. December 25th in Reading: Christmas Sung Midnight Mass at MIDNIGHT, and at 11am.

Fraternity of St. Peter Retreats at Douai Abbey in England

Forthcoming FSSP retreats in England

"Please support me with your prayer, and I will be happy to do the same in the recollection of the retreat, invoking divine power on each one of you, on your families and your communities."-- Pope Benedict XVI, 25 Feb. 2007

3 retreats preached at Douai Abbey (Berks., UK)
by Fr Armand de Malleray, of the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter

1. Advent Retreat (3 nights) 8-11 December 2008

Starts Monday 8th December 2008 at 2pm –ends Thursday 11th December 2008 at 11amTheme: "Our Lady and the Incarnation"Retreat open to allCost: £137 - to cover Accommodation: single room with en-suite bathroom, full board. The Guest Master suggests a donation of £125 per person (individual discount granted on request

2. Vocation Retreat (2 nights) 7-9 January 2009

Starts Wednesday 7th January 2009 at 2pm –ends Friday 9th January 2009 at 11amTheme: "Ask the master of the harvest to send out labourers for his harvest." (Mt 9,38)Retreat for celibate men, age 16-40 Cost: £70 - to cover:1-Accommodation: single room with en-suite bathroom, full board.N.B. special reduction for students: £45 everything included.

3. Lenten Retreat (4 nights) 2-6 March 2009

Starts Monday 2nd March 2009 at 2pm –ends Friday 6th March 2009 at 11amTheme: "By his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5)Retreat open to allCost: £169 - to cover:1-Accommodation: single room with en-suite bathroom, full board. The Guest Master suggests a donation of £155 per person.

Further Info: Silent retreat (inside the premises); meals with table reading on the theme of the retreat or music; includes a one-hour conference in the morning and in the afternoon; coffee-break; walks around the Abbey; possibility of private meeting with the Retreat Master and of confession; daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman rite; other devotions possible (Rosary, meditation).Possibility of attending some of the monks prayers (Douai Abbey is a community of monks of the English Benedictine Congregation).

Location: Douai Abbey, Upper Woolhampton RG7 5TQ, Berkshire, United Kingdom (about 1 hour west from London). Website: www.douaiabbey.org.By car: Douai Abbey is situated 1 mile north of the A4 about half way between Reading and Newbury in Berkshire. The turn off the A4 is about 6 miles from M4 Junction 12.By rail: the nearest station is called MIDGHAM, but it is actually in Woolhampton village: trains from London Paddington, Reading & Newbury. A lift from and to the railway station can be arranged directly with the Guest Master (tel.: 0118 971 5399).

The building is equipped for wheel chairs.

Booking and contact: Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP, 179 Elgar Rd, Reading RG2 0DH, Berks – Tel.: 0118 987 5819 – E-mail: malleray[at]fssp.org. Website: http://www.fssp.org.uk/

N.B. Your payment will take place at the Abbey during the retreat. Deposit has already been paid. No other payment required.To make a donation to help others – especially students to attend the retreat: please use contact above (£ cheques made payable to "FSSP England" – please mention then "Retreat Sponsoring". Thank you very much).

Are you called to be a Priest?

Vocation Retreat (2 nights) 7-9 January 2009 at Douai Abbey in Berkshire

Starts Wednesday 7th January 2009 at 2pm –ends Friday 9th January 2009 at 11amTheme: "Ask the master of the harvest to send out labourers for his harvest." (Mt 9,38)Retreat for celibate men, age 16-40 [Vocations video]

Cost: £70 - to cover:1-Accommodation: single room with en-suite bathroom, full board.

N.B. special reduction for students: £45 everything included.

New Blog - http://juventutemscotland.blogspot.com/

There is very informative new blog at http://juventutemscotland.blogspot.com/

Please see the information below:-

Juventutem Scotland is the local Chapter of the Juventutem International Federation, an international Catholic network fostering the sanctification of the youths worldwide according to the Roman traditions of the Church. We wish to contribute to the sanctification of the members of Juventutem and of any youths our contemporaries.

The common aspiration as Juventutem members is to draw our sanctification from the traditional liturgy and spirituality of Holy Mother Church. To which end we require the support of prayer, friendship and learning. This is borne out in three spiritual commitments that anchor each member's day and week:1. recite daily for the sanctification of youths the extract from Psalm 42 «Judica Me », (“Judge me O Lord” - full text under Spirituality) or say a prayer of your choosing (Hail Mary or Our Father for instance);2. enter into a church or oratory once a week to adore Our Lord really present in the tabernacle;3. once a year or more: attend Holy Mass in the 1962 Roman rite; go to Confession; on behalf of Juventutem, partake in some faith activity (Holy Hour, doctrinal talk, pro-life initiative, charitable action, excursion, etc).On a practical level Juventutem members meet regularly either for informal activities, or for attending Holy Mass, group prayer (for example Rosary vigils), Gregorian Chant, pilgrimages, retreats, etc. A number of these are list in the sidebar to the right. We plan to have regular meetings including an informal meal, a talk by a local Priest, Holy Mass or Holy Hour, with the immediate aim being to organise a group to participate in the Chartres pilgrimage in May 2009 (for more information, see here).

Juventutem International Federation was founded in 2006 with Juventutem Scotland founded in 2008. An independent non-political youth structure loyal to Roman Catholic authorities, the Juventutem International Federation draws inspiration from the International Una Voce Federation, as well as from various other Catholic institutions.Joining Juventutem costs nothing; all you need to do is forward this form (PDF) to the local Chapter leader (contact details coming soon).Please note that whilst members of Juventutem are normally aged 16 to 36 years, those older than 36, married, or in consecrated life, are invited to join as associate members.

Mass Times at St. Gregory's Cheltenham

Fr. Tom Smith asked me to advertise the following information re: Masses at St. Gregory's in Cheltenham:-

Low Mass in the Extraordinary form will be celebrated on Thursday October 23rd 2008 at 6pm

On 30th October 2008 there will be no 6pm Extraordinary Mass due to a prior engagement

Low Masses (Extraordinary form) should continue to be celebrated after the 30th October until Christmas 2008.

Please tell anyone who might be interested in coming along - everyone is welcome

Aid to the Church in Need - Sung Latin Mass (1962 Missal) on the evening of Thursday 20th November.

Please note the following on:-

6:30pm Thursday, 20th November
The Little Oratory
Brompton Road
London
SW7 2RP

Aid to the Church in Need will remember all our departed benefactors with a Sung Latin Mass (1962 Missal) on the evening of Thursday 20th November.

The Mass will be celebrated by Father Martin Edwards, ACN UK ’s Ecclesiastical Assistant, at The Little Oratory on Brompton Road .

All are welcome to join us at this Memorial Mass.
For details of our forthcoming events, please visit http://www.acnuk.org/

http://www.youngcatholicadults.co.uk Returns

The main Young Catholic Adults website is back up and running!!

www.youngcatholicadults.co.uk Website Down

The http://www.youngcatholicadults.co.uk/ website is currently down, hopefully it should be up and running in 48 hours or so - apologies everyone!

Some of the Forgotten Catholic Martyrs of Britain

Some more forgotten Blessed Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales between 1584 and 1679

There are English, Scottish, Welsh, and Irishmen and women here:-

-- [Religious order priests:]
----- Bl. Arthur Bell of Temple Broughton (English, Franciscan, died at age 53 in 1643)
----- Bl. Thomas Bullaker of Chichester (English, Franciscan, died at about age 40 in 1642)
----- Bl. Roger Filcock of Sandwich (English, Jesuit, died at about age 30 in 1600)
----- Bl. Henry Heath of Peterborough (English, Franciscan,died at about age 44 in 1643)
----- Bl. Charles Meehan (Irish, Franciscan shipwrecked on Welsh coast, died at about age 39 in 1679)
----- Bl. Robert Middleton of Yorkshire (English, Jesuit, died at about age 31 in 1601)
----- Bl. Robert Nutter of Burnley Lanes (English, Dominican, d.1600)
----- Bl. John Woodcock of Leyland (English, Franciscan, died at age
43 in 1646)

-- [Diocesan priests:]
----- Bl. John Adams of Martinstavn(English, died at about age 43 in 1586)
----- Bl. Thomas Atkinson of East Riding (English, d. 1616)
----- Bl. Edward Bamber of The Moor (English,died at age 46 in 1646)
----- Bl. George Beesley of Goosnarck Hill(English, died at about age 28 in 1591)
----- Bl. Edward Burden of Durham(English, died at about age 48 in 1588)
----- Bl. Roger Cadwallador of Stretton Sugwas[alias Rogers] (English, died at about age 44 in 1610)
----- Bl. Alexander Crow of South Douffield (English, died at age 36)
----- Bl. William Davies of Caernavonshire (Welsh, d. 1593)
----- Bl. Robert Dibdale of Worcestershire (English, died at about age 28 in 1586)
----- Bl. George Douglas (Scottish, d. 1587)
----- Bl. Robert Drury of Egerley (English,died at about age 39 in 1607)
----- Bl. Edmund Duke of Kent (English, d. 1590)
----- Bl. John Fingley of Barnley [also known as Finglow] (English,d. 1586)
----- Bl. Matthew Flathers of Weston (English, died at about age 48 in 1608)
----- Bl. Nicolas Garlick (English, died at about age 33 in 1588)
----- Bl. John Hambley of Oxford (English, died at about age 27 in 1587)
----- Bl. George Haydock of Cottam Hall (English, died at about age 27 in 1584)
----- Bl. Richard Hill of Yorkshire (English, d. 1590)
----- Bl. John Hogg of Ugthorphe (English, d. 1590)
----- Bl. Richard Holiday of Yorkshire (English, d. 1590)
----- Bl. Thomas Hunt of Norfolk [alias Benstead] (English, died at about age 26 in 1600)
----- Bl. Thurstan Hunt of Carlton Hall (English, died at about age 46 in 1601)
----- Bl. Francis Ingleby (English, d. 1586)
----- Bl. Joseph Lambton of Yorkshire (English,died at about age 24 in 1592)
----- Bl. John Lowe of London (English, died at about age 33 in 1586)
----- Bl. Robert Ludlam of Radborne (English, died at about age 37 in 1588)
----- Bl. George Nichols of Oxford (English, died at about age 39 in 1589)
----- Bl. Edward Osbaldeston of Lancashire(English, d. 1594)
----- Bl. Anthony Page of Harrow (English, died at about age 28 in 1593)
----- Bl. Thomas Palaser of Elerton [also known as Palasor and Pallicer] (English, died at about age 30 in 1600)
----- Bl. Thomas Pilcher of Battle [also known as Pilchard] (English, died at about age 30 in 1587) ----- Bl. Thomas Pormont (English, died at about age 22 [seminarian?]in 1592)
----- Bl. Nicolas Postgate of Kirkdale (English, died at about age 79 in 1679)
----- Bl. Christopher Robinson of Woodside (English, d.1598)
----- Bl. Stephen Rowsham of Oxfordshire (English, died at about age 35 in 1587)
----- Bl. John Sandys of Chester (English, d. 1586)
----- Bl. Montford Scott of Suffolk (English, died at about age 41 in 1591)
----- Bl. Richard Sergeant of Gloucester [alias Lee or Long] (English, d.1586)
----- Bl. Richard Simpson of Wells (English, died at about age 35 in 1588)
----- Bl. Peter Snow of Ripon (English, d. 1598)
----- Bl. William Southerne of Ketton (English, died at about age 39 in 1618)
----- Bl. William Spenser of Gisburn (English, died at about age 34 in 1589)
----- Bl. Thomas Sprott of Skelsmergh (English, died at about age 29 in 1600)
----- Bl. John Sugar of Wambourne (English, died at about age 46 in 1604)
----- Bl. Robert Sutton of Burton (English, died at about age 43 in 1588)
----- Bl. Edmund Sykes of Leeds (English, d. 1587)
----- Bl. Hugh Taylor of Durham (English, died at about age 25 in 1585)
----- Bl. William Thomson of Blackburn (English, died at about age 26 in 1586)
----- Bl. Robert Thorpe of Yorkshire (English, d. 1591)
----- Bl. John Thules of Upholland (English, died at about age 48 in 1616)
----- Bl. Edward Thwing of Hurst (English, died at about age 35 in 1600)
----- Bl. Christopher Wharton of Middleton (English, died at age 60 in 1600)
----- Bl. Nicholas Wheeler of Leominster [alias Woodfen] (English, died at about age 36 in 1586)
----- Bl. Thomas Whitaker of Burnley (English, died at about age 35 in 1646)
----- Bl. Richard Yaxley of Boston (English, died at about age 19[seminarian?] in 1589)

-- [Laymen:]----- Bl. Thomas Belson of Oxfordshire (English, died at about age 24)
----- Bl. Robert Bickerdike of Lowhale (English, d. 1586)
----- Bl. Alexander Blake (English, d.1590)
----- Bl. Marmaduke Bowes of Angram (English, d. 1585)
----- Bl. John Bretton of Bretton (English, died at about age 69 in 1598)
----- Bl. William Carter (English, d. 1584)
----- Bl. George Errington of Herst(English, died at about age 42)
----- Bl. Richard Flower of Anglesey(Welsh, d. 1588)
----- Bl. William Gibson of Ripon (English, d.1596)
----- Bl. Ralph Grimston of Yorkshire (English, d. 1598)
----- Bl. Robert Grissold of Rowington (English, d. 1604)
----- Bl. Robert Hardesty (English, d. 1589)
----- Bl. Nicolas Horner of Grantley (English, d.1590)
----- Bl. William Knight of South Douffield (English, died at about age 24 in 1596)
----- Bl. William Lampley (English, d. 1588)
----- Bl. John Norton of Yorkshire (English, d. 1600)
----- Bl. William Pike of Dorsetshire (English, d. 1591)
----- Bl. Humphrey Pritchard of Galles [also known as H. Richard] (Welsh, d. 1589)
----- Bl. John Talbot of Thornton-le-Street (English, d. 1600)
----- Bl. Thomas Watkinson of Yorkshire (English, d. 1591)
----- Bl. Henry Webley of Gloucester (English,died at about age 30 in 1588)
----- Bl. Roger Wrenno of Chorley [also known as Roger Warren] (English, died at about age 40 in 1616)

Blessed John Sugar and Blessed Robert Grissold - Forgotten Heroes

If we think that things are bad in the Church at the moment, with Priests (and even Bishops) openly disobeying the will of the Holy Father etc. then just spare a thought for our spiritual forefathers. Their problems were nigh on insurmountable, but they displayed a courage and strength of faith that would put us to shame. Two such forgotten heros are Blessed John Sugar and Blessed Robert Grissold.

Blessed Robert Grissold (or Greswold) came from a village called Rowington, which is approximately 2 miles from Baddesley Clinton, which is a small village in Warwickshire.

The Grissold’s were devout Catholics in a troubled time, because in the early 1600’s in England, it was against the law for anyone to attend Mass. Instead they were forced to attend vernacular communion services, introduced by Archbishop Cramner (a few years earlier), which were very different to the Traditional Latin Masses that Catholics were used to. For a start the service was entirely in English, the pastor faced the congregation, any references the Mass as a sacrifice had been banished and there were vernacular hymns sung throughout the ceremony to emphasise the communal sense of the service. Stained glass windows and images had either been destroyed or whitewashed over; and Communion was offered under both kinds, inline with the Hussite and Protestant belief , which maintained that Communion under both kinds was necessary for salvation.

In 1603 the authorities were searching for Priests, who because of the impossible legal situation, led double lives, often taking on alias names and hiding for hours in secret hiding places (constructed in houses) called Priest holes.

On Sunday, 8th July, Robert Grissold was found on a road near Baddesley Clinton House, a place notorious for ‘popery’, with Father John Sugar – it is quite possible that Fr. Sugar had just come back from celebrating Mass. Both Fr. Sugar and Robert Grissold were arrested and then imprisoned in Warwick Gaol for one a year.

On 13th July 1604 John Sugar was convicted of being a Catholic Priest and was condemned to be hung drawn and quartered, which was the punishment for being a Priest in England at that time. Robert Grissold was told that he would be freed if he would recant and attend the communion services of the Established Church , at one point an exasperated Justice shouted at him ‘Grissold, Grissold, go to Church or else thou shalt be hanged’. He refused to accept this and was found guilty of being in the company of and of assisting a Catholic Priest. Being a layman he was sentenced to be hung.

On 16th July 1604 both men were taken to a place called Gallows Hill - to their execution. Both prayed in Latin before courageously meeting their death in the most horrific manner . Blessed John Sugar was hung first and then Blessed John Grissold who told the multitude (who had come to watch the execution) ‘Bear witness, good people, that I die here not for theft, nor for felony, but for my conscience.’ Fr. Sugar’s head and quarters were hung on the gates of Warwick, while Blessed Robert Grissold was buried beneath the gallows.

Blessed John Sugar was 42 years old and Robert Grissold was just 29 years of age. They were beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1987.