Corpus Christi and our new Baldacchino!

Thanks to the generosity of one of the families in our parish we are now the proud owners of a simply splendid baldacchino. The family have very kindly presented it to the parish in memory of a much-loved family member who sadly died earlier this year.

I couldn't resist having a good look at the canopy today. It has been laid out in readiness for tomorrow's procession after our 10am Mass which is also a Mass of Thanksgiving for all our First Holy Communion children, their families and catechists.

A side view showing the beautiful embroidery.

And a close up showing the detail of the centre-piece.

The shorter side of the canopy.

And the detail of the Agnus Dei motif.

The all-important final details. Note the white gloves almost out of the picture!

Now, for Holy Mass and the procession!

Busy, busy . . . 40 Hours, Corpus Christi, Parish Helpers etc. etc.

It's wonderful to be a priest in a very active parish like St Ann's but sometimes I have to stop and ask myself just where the time has gone.

I was going to post a few photos on the blog today of recent parish events and I could hardly believe it when I saw that the last blog post was six weeks ago.  So much has happened in that time.  Here are a few snapshots of parish life at St Ann's . . . 

One of the recent highlights, if not THE highlight, must be our 40 Hours Devotion.

It was well attended and Fr Terry Martin, A&B Vocations Director, celebrated a beautiful Mass at the beginning of the 40 Hours.  He was also able to return to St Ann's and be present for the closing Benediction.

I must say it is such a blessing to be able to have the 40 Hours Devotion.  It was wonderful to see people coming and going throughout the three days - and the two nights.  We had many for Confession too.  It is all very encouraging. 

At the beginning of June, on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, we had a Procession of the Blessed Sacrament at the end of Mass and our First Holy Communion children were an important part of the procession, strewing petals before the Blessed Sacrament. The Mass itself was offered in thanksgiving for all our children, their families and catechists.  

Naturally, a splendid cake was enjoyed in the parish hall after Mass and the procession.

Today, we enjoyed a special lunch for all those who help in the parish throughout the year in so many different ways.

Thanks to our parish secretary for all the photos which give us a record to keep of parish life.

Of course there have been lots more things happening at St Ann's. We have recently had our Annual Parish Meeting and look forward to launching the Appeal for our New Hall Annexe Project; we have had social events, school events and Banstead Five events. No-one can ever say that life is dull here at St Ann's!

Corpus Christi - St Ann's Style . . .

We may not have been able to find a canopy for our procession of the Blessed Sacrament today but our improvised 'ombrellino' looks very fitting, doesn't it?

Today we celebrated the Solemnity of Corpus Christi in fitting style. It was also a Mass of thanksgiving for all our children who have made recently made their First Holy Communion.

It's interesting how the young ladies love to be in front of the camera . . .

Whereas the young gentlemen are much more reticent . . .

Naturally a little celebration was in order for them, and, as is our custom here, a delicious cake was enjoyed by all.

And here are some more photos taken this morning . . .

Corpus Christi Procession of the Blessed Sacrament - What is all about . . . ?

For any keen parish blog watchers who might have logged in to see photos taken at our own Procession of the Blessed Sacrament this morning, I thought you might like to see this video whilst you're waiting.

There are many videos of Corpus Christi processions but this one has a good explanation by the parish priest. He helps us to understand why we process with the Blessed Sacrament.

It's also encouraging to hear some of his parishioners explain their understanding of why we have such processions.

Corpus Christi and 'Going Forth' Mass . . .

Today saw great celebrations at St Ann's! We not only celebrated the Solemnity of Corpus Christi with a Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, we also celebrated the Going Forth of our new First Communicants.

Lord, our God,
in this great sacrament
we come into the presence of Jesus Christ,
your Son, born of the Virgin Mary
and crucified for our salvation.
May we who declare our faith in this
fountain of love and mercy
drink from it the water of everlasting life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Adoro te devote, latens Deitas . . .

Adoro te devote, latens Deitas . . .

"O Godhead hid, devoutly I adore thee."

This is the opening line of the hymn St Thomas Aquinas wrote for the feast of Corpus Christi.

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi dates from the thirteenth Century. First established in the diocese of Liege, Pope Urban IV instituted it in 1264 throughout the Universal Church.

On this day we thank God for His presence among us; we make reparation to Him for the offences committed against Him in the Blessed Sacrament. We will tell Him many times that we love Him.

It is a day of thanksgiving and joy because Our Lord has wanted to remain with us in order to feed us and strengthen us, so that we will never feel alone for He is indeed Panis Angelicus . . .

We intend to have a short procession here in the parish on the Feast of Corpus Christi. It would be marvellous to be able to do so with a canopy for the Blessed Sacrament. If anyone within travelling distance of Banstead knows of a canopy that we might borrow for the Feast, I would be delighted to hear from them. (Or even an ombrellino!)

Adoro te devote latens Deitas . . .

The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ dates back to the thirteenth century. It was established by Pope Urban IV in 1264.

It was faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Eucharist that led to devotion of the Blessed Eucharist outside Mass.

Our Lord and God is in the tabernacle, Jesus is truly present in the tabernacle of every Catholic church throughout the world. Jesus waits for us in this sacrament of love. We should not be sparing in the time we spend in adoration but let us come to this many times to make reparation for the offences committed against Him in our world.

Today we should pray acts of love to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and may our adoration of Him never cease.

Thank you, Lord, for remaining with us.

‘O Sacrament most Holy, O Sacrament Divine,
all praise and all thanksgiving,
be every moment thine.’