Nothing to forgive - if there were then would give absolution immediately. Feel the loss of Ceolfrid too. Chrism mass well attended. Good month in Australia. Thanks for looking after Fr Tony Roberts. Glad Stephen is appointed and bedding in well.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Beccles
25 Archive Record results for Beccles
Nashdom: appeals for support by the Abbot to Archbishop Cardinale, then himself, were refused for reasons given. Though the request might go to the Abbot of Bec next - this is an awkward situation but the appeal which brackets us with Canterbury or York for a widely circulated appeal may be misconstrued - leave it to your judgment.
Gillingham Church: Fr Little of Beccles has written about Gillingham Church (which John Todhunter is in charge of). There is an issue relating to its maintenance and ownership which is highlighted by the new Charities Act. The title deeds are missing - can only find one letter about the cemetery dated 19 July 1929 [see related descriptions link]. Bishop had stopped the holding of the Blessed sacrament at the Chapel and the parish priest offering mass there - quite unauthorised. Now Fr Little doubts the wisdom of offering Sunday Mass. If this stops then what becomes of the Chapel? Need to discuss - in August will be in Norfolk and will see Fr Little and John [Todhunter] then.
Confirms that the schedule stands as arranged except for rescheduling 10am Mass to 10.30am. Bishop will lunch with Todhunter and will be bringing chrism, etc., etc..
Bishop's OfficeFr John Smith confirms the Bishop will: preach at 8am mass at Gillingham; 10am Confirmation Mass at Beccles will be said in English; preach at the 6.30pm; visits of 10 minutes each i the afternoon; cup of tea at the convent; visit to St Mary's Home. All about best use of the Bishop's time without making it seemed rushed.
p.s "... noted your request for a medal for Reginald Jones"
Did not have the stamina to get to Norwich for a mass after 3 masses in Beccles. Forgive weakness and ineptitude. Why is Mass so trying - having to concentrate!
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Apologising for missing Maundy Thursday Mass - Ceolfrid's death and others in Beccles with a number possibly dying - makes it difficult to leave Beccles just yet. However, will be with the Bishop in Newmarket in May. Don't need propping up nor a good "propper". Fr Tony Roberts seems to be a dying man.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Presbytery bedroom accommodation not ready to receive the bishop. Mr Bunbury happy to look after the Bishop at his house. Arrange for Mass at the convent - the nuns will be delighted. Fr Mason will be sending some of his parishioners for confirmation.
Campbell, Henry Martin Dom OSBGlad to accommodate another candidate for the ordination. A room made ready for the Bishop - sleep might be disturbed by a nightingale, recently returned. Options for a sermon - 10.30am or 6.30pm mass.
manuscript annotation: "Answered. 10.30 very well. No sermon, but you may read notices, Ep. & Gosp. at usual place. Will fall in with any arrangements for lunch; but give me a cup of tea & toast immediately after Mass. It more convenient to stay at St Benet's Ap. 26/26."
Cannot find "George Vanlelle" in registers.
Fr Squirrell's advice - 4 priests enough for an ordination; unless Bishop requires sung Mass - then seven. Usually low Mass in this diocese.
manuscript annotation: "Arrange for Squirrell to come as MC as soon as I have fixed a date; in June I expect sometime Jan 25/26"
Suggested programme for visitation on 5 May: mass at Gillingham, breakfast with the nuns, confirmation mass in Beccles, meeting parishioners, Convent for lunch, rest, visit sick, tea, music group meeting, mass, supper in Children's home. Very welcome to stay Sunday night. "I look forward so much to your coming, It is often rather lonely here after the hustle and bustle of Downside."
Fr Tom Murray inspected the Parish this afternoon.
Thanks for the permission for the Exposition; request permission of the Pius X concession regarding Solemn Votive Mass.
(see image) reverse page - Latin extract of "Urbis et Orbs" dated 14 August 1903
Room at Gillingham acceptable. Upgrading to a parochial church until Beccles is opened? H Sec will have to permit it to be opened as an oratory. Fr Ford is to be the first incumbent at Beccles. Things to be done:
- as Kenyons not to be permanently at Gillingham until 1890, manage as best we can
- Fr Ford to "beg" for £700 to complete house
- Supply for Fr Guy to mix begging with vacation
- Fr Ford to be in residence from start of Lent 1890
Provincial sanctions all these arrangements[?] - has commission Fr Guy to build the house as Fr Ford is fund raising.
"St Benet's Priory" foundation stone [brick] to be laid on 21st and ready for occupation in January 1890.
Mr Kenyon has given £500 towards the house plus £100 per annum for the priest of Beccles provided Mass is said at Gillingham two days a week. Fr Ford then in good position to start free from debt.
Servite Sisters of Beccles have asked him to be their Confessor-Extraordinary following Fr Vermuelen's departure. Permission to say mass at Dunwich (on St Felix, March 8) for himself or Fr Davidson. Bitter weather - much sickness and want.
manuscript annotation: "Yes to both, this letter is I fear too late, but can have any Mass [illegible], Sent faculty for confessor-extraordinary for Beccles nuns Mch 7/29"
Requestion faculties for bination [2 masses said same day by same priest] and for visiting priest, to say first Mass on Sunday and hear confessions.
manuscript annotation: "Sent faculties, good till Sep 7 1932. Also for extraordinary to Beccles nuns and for duplicating. Give me names of Priests who usually come to visit you. I will give faculties, others chance visitors you need apply for Sept 30/30"
Ruling on a mixed marriage issue - groom cannot sign to bring up the children in the Catholic faith. What are the Bishop's views on girls serving Mass? (Apparently Fr Little at Beccles allows it). Include a copy of a church history [not present] written by Fr Sloan; also has a letter by Fr Howarth about Canon Mason's last hours - but last page missing.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)30 November 1989 is 100 years since the first mass at Beccles since the reformation. Abbot happy if the Bishop wishes to preside.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Reminder for 30 November 1989 being 100 years since the first mass at Beccles since the reformation. Perhaps a few kind words about the work of Downside in the parish?
Feeling better and now able to start visiting again. Been re-reading Tyrrell's autobiography and life - what a tragedy, his inability to distinguish faith from belief.
Provides a full timetable for the visit and discusses a number of the elderly and sick who would greatly appreciate a visit from the Bishop. To do all that is required and meet the people concerned Fr Watkin suggests some of Monday too.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Just announced that the Beccles Bridge is to be closed for repairs on the weekend of 21st November. Hence advises the need to divert via Bungay (an extra 11 miles), reschedule 10am Mass to 10.30am, and potentially cancel the meal with Mr Todhunter at Gillingham Hall.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Further matters re visitation:
10 am Mass - used to singing all the Mass and incense, etc. but will cut back on singing and extinguish the thurible
John Todhunter - a great talker - of Gillingham Hall has invited the Bishop to lunch warns the Bishop may not be able to keep to the timetable.
Bishop to have supper at St Benet's?