Our windows – 1

Saint Mary’s Heaton Norris is graced by some fine stained-glass windows.  Up above the altar at the east end is one that depicts the Calvary scene of Our Lord’s crucifixion and death.  This window is original to the church, which opened in 1897.  God, of course, is everywhere (as the answer to question 21 of … [Read more…]

Good Friday

The Good Friday Liturgy of Our Lord’s Passion begins at about three o’clock in the afternoon – because that’s the ninth hour of the day by ancient reckoning, the hour of Our Lord’s death (see Matthew 27, 46-50). The Liturgy consists of three parts: readings & general intercessions, veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.  … [Read more…]

Maundy Thursday

Today is Maundy Thursday, with its evening Mass.  This Mass has two themes: the first is Our Blessed Lord’s institution of the Holy Eucharist, on the evening before he was handed over to be crucified to redeem us; the other theme is “how perfect Our Lord’s love was”.  The first theme is reflected in the … [Read more…]

Pastoral Letter by Bishop Egan

Here is a pastoral letter published recently by Bishop Egan of Portsmouth. 29th March 2020 Bishop Philip writes… I want to offer a few reflections on our situation. I address these thoughts to all of you in our Diocese of Portsmouth, clergy, religious and laity, along with my prayers for you and for speedy resolution … [Read more…]

‘For the duration’

I’ve opened this site as a way of keeping you in touch with Saint Mary’s ‘for the duration’ of the Coronavirus lockdown – when all our churches have to remain closed. Saint Mary’s may not be open, but all the services are still taking place. Early each morning I’ve been offering Holy Mass, as usual. … [Read more…]