Parish Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St Augustine at Ramsgate

A few days ago we set off on a rather grey morning for a pilgrimage to the Shrine of St Augustine.

I think this was a first visit for all of us although some of us knew a little of the story of this beautiful shrine in Ramsgate.

We received a warm welcome by Fr Marcus Holden, Parish Priest and Custodian of the Shrine and members of the Friends of St Augustine who looked after us very well.

On the advice of our coach driver, we had allowed plenty of time for the journey from Banstead and so arrived with time to spare and were able to have a brief look around the church before we gathered for Mass at midday.

As we entered the Shrine and were directed left into the building, the first thing that we noticed was the very colourful and unusual Stations of the Cross.

On the opposite side of this corridor we passed St Joseph's Chapel containing the Blessed Sacrament.

And close by, another beautiful chapel with this wonderful Pietà.

Mass was celebrated by Fr Marcus and it was lovely to hear the parts of the Mass sung.  Our pilgrims responded well in singing the hymns and the parts of the Mass.  It was very moving to be able to celebrate Mass in this beautiful Church built by the well-known architect Augustus Pugin.  It was also interesting to see how people easily accommodated themselves to the reception of Holy Communion, under one kind, receiving in a line horizontally in front of the altar rail, many taking advantage of the opportunity to receive kneeling at the communion rail.

And the beautiful altar frontal . . .

After Mass we  had a break for lunch and went off in separate directions, some had brought packed lunches whilst others investigated the local cafés and pubs.  Judging by the numbers at the local pub, I think many of us had opted for this - and delicious food it was too!

We watched an excellent video, produced by Fr Marcus Holden and some of his family, on the history of the Shrine and some very helpful background information on St Augustine.  We also had time to watch a short video on Pugin's home, The Grange.   Maybe we'll keep that for another parish outing . . . 

We finished our pilgrimage with a very reverent Benediction conferred by Fr Marcus.  It was wonderful to hear everyone join in the O Salutaris, Tantum Ergo and the Adoremus in Aeternum. 

We were very privileged to be able to venerate the relic of St Augustine.  I must say, full credit to Fr Marcus, it can't be easy to remain dignified whilst climbing a step-ladder and wearing a cope!  He managed it superbly.

And the relic . . . 

Just before we finished our devotions and had a tour of the church, we joined in a rousing rendition of the Salve Regina.

All in all, a marvellous day and everyone seemed to get a lot out of our visit.

Pope Francis calls for prayer and fasting for Syria and the Middle East . . .

Pope Francis calls for prayer and fasting for Syria and the Middle East . . .

   

Join us at St Ann's for a Holy Hour on Saturday 7th September from 9am, followed by the parish Mass at 10am.

The church will be open all day for private prayer as usual.

All welcome!

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!

Just a typical busy Sunday . . .

Goodness me, what a lot of things have been happening in the parish today.  It's wonderful to have such an active parish; there always seems to be something special taking place.

At the 10 O'clock Mass this morning, the second and final group of our children made their First Holy Communion.  I think they were every bit as pleased as last week's group and once more we had a wonderful, joyful celebration.

Their families and catechists have every reason to be very proud of them all.

A  few of our parishioners went off on the monthly parish ramble after the Mass and some even managed to arrive back just in time for our May Rosary and Benediction.

What a view! 

Things didn't get any quieter later on in the day either. After our 6pm Mass our newly-Confirmed met in the parish hall for a celebration social and to think about how they can build on this past year's preparation course, continue to learn more about their faith and now take a more active part in parish life.

  

That cake looks very tempting!

Not forgetting of course that today we celebrated the Solemnity of Pentecost.  The Holy Spirit certainly seems to be very active in St Ann's parish.  Thanks be to God.

Come Holy Spirit,

 fill the hearts of your faithful 

and kindle in them the fire of your love. 

Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. 

And You shall renew the face of the earth. 

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, 

didst instruct the hearts of the faithful, 

grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise 

and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Queen of the May . . .

Our Lady is looking especially beautiful this morning adorned with her May crown.  Thank you very much to our flower arrangers who did a wonderful job in creating such a fitting adornment for Our Lady.

It was particularly apt this morning as we celebrated the first of our First Holy Communions at the 10 O'clock Mass.  It was wonderful to see our children looking so happy and excited on their First Holy Communion Day.  I hope and pray that it will be a day filled with happy memories that they will look back on with great joy.  I'm sure many of us still remember well the day we made our own First Holy Communion.  It was  a beautiful family,  and parish family, celebration.  I'm looking forward to  next week's First Communions now!

Here's a photo of this week's happy children. There are more on our parish Facebook page.

And finally, a hymn to Our Lady, and for our children . . . 

Our Lady, Queen of the family, 

pray for us.

Congratulations to all our newly-Confirmed young people!

Yesterday evening represented a milestone in the lives of some of our young parishioners.

Our Confirmation candidates, who have been preparing for this day since October, were all kitted out in their 'Sunday best' as they made their way to St Joseph's Church, Epsom accompanied by their families and friends.

The youngsters were confirmed by Bishop Kieran together with other young people from our Deanery.   As you can tell by the photo, they all look very happy to have made this commitment, taking on for themselves the promises that were made on their behalf by their Godparents when they were baptised.

We look forward to their playing a more active part in parish life. 

Please keep all our young people and their families in your prayers as they continue their journey of faith.

Happy St George's Day! A Prayer for England . . .

Happy Feast Day everyone!  The flag is fluttering in the breeze outside.We had a beautiful Mass here at St Ann's this morning and we finished with the Prayer for England, just before Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

Adoration continues all day until 8pm this evening. If you're in the area why not drop in and say a prayer for England on St George's Day.

PRAYER FOR ENGLAND

O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God

and our most gentle Queen and Mother,

look down in mercy upon England thy "Dowry"

and upon us all who greatly hope and trust in thee.

By thee it was that Jesus our Saviour

and our hope was given unto the world;

and He has given thee to us that we might hope still more.

Plead for us thy children, whom thou didst receive

and accept at the foot of the cross.

O sorrowful Mother! Intercede for our separated brethren,

that with us in the one true fold

they may be united to the supreme Shepherd,

the Vicar of thy Son. Pray for us all, dear Mother,

that by faith fruitful in good works

we may all deserve to see and praise God,

together with thee, in our heavenly home. Amen.