A Pontifical Mass at the Faldstool was celebrated at the Hearts Aflame conference at Saint Bede's College in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Wednesday 14th January (Feast of St Hilary). The celebrant was the Most Rev'd Basil Meeking, Bishop Emeritus of Christchurch and an "old boy" of Saint Bede's College. This is believed to be the first Pontifical Mass in the Extraordinary form in the South Island of New Zealand since at least the 1960's. The Mass (and two chant workshops) were organized by Latin Mass Melbourne who travelled to NZ at the kind invitation of the Hearts Aflame team. Bishop Meeking also gave an excellent talk on the Extraordinary form and Summorum Pontificum. Hearts Aflame is a 10 day summer school for young Catholics between the ages of 18 and 35. It comprises daily Mass and singing of the Office (Lauds, Vespers and Compline), lectures, and workshops.
The photograph above shews the Bishop giving the Blessing at the Pontifical Mass; Father William Define FSSP as assistant priest, Father Clement Mary FSSR (formerly the Transalpine Redemptorists) as deacon, and Father Nicholas Dillon (present on loan to the Archdiocese of Melbourne) as subdeacon.
The photograph above shews the Bishop giving the Blessing at the Pontifical Mass; Father William Define FSSP as assistant priest, Father Clement Mary FSSR (formerly the Transalpine Redemptorists) as deacon, and Father Nicholas Dillon (present on loan to the Archdiocese of Melbourne) as subdeacon.
