Good News from Reading

I`ve been away last week and have quite a few things to catch up on but I just thought I should mention the email I had today from Fr de Malleray of the FSSP. The Fraternity recently bought a house near to the church of St William of York where they say Mass. The news is that this house has now been canonically erected. At my talk at the LMS AGM I lamented that although the FSSP is present in England it has no canonically-approved houses and so no stability. I`m delighted to say that that has changed. This means the Fraternity has a permanent, canonical presence in the dioceseof Portsmouth. And once people see that it doesn`t mean that the diocese of Portsmouth has collapsed as a result it may lead to other foundations in England, God willing. Congratulations to Fr de Malleray and the FSSP!

Fr de Malleray wrote:

Sunday 1st August 2010, St John Fisher House, Reading.

Dear Rev Fathers,

It is with great joy that I share with you an important news: the house of the Fraternity of St Peter in England, based in Reading, Portsmouth Diocese, is canonically erected as of today. It has been four years since the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter has started offering Mass here every Sunday. It is almost two years since we have moved our permanent residence to Reading. It is one and a half year since we have started leading communal life here with Fr Leworthy, FSSP. It is one year since we have had our offer accepted for the purchase of our house on Eastern Avenue.

Canonical erections of our houses worldwide are made by the Superior General of our Fraternity, Very Rev Fr John Berg. But by law, canonical erections necessary require prior consent in writing of the diocesan bishop. We are very grateful to Bishop Crispian Hollis who has granted permission for the canonical erection of St John Fisher House in his diocese (Reading). [The quotes below from the Code of Canon Law of the Church will detail for you the meaning of this step.] A precious consequence of this is the permission to have the Blessed Sacrament reserved in our oratory, where we pray the Divine Office daily. Also, there is no limit of time as to the duration of the canonical erection, by itself a permanent status.Many sympathetic clergy and faithful across the country have contributed to this good result through their material and spiritual support. Today’s Solemn High Mass will be offered at all their intentions. Deo gratias.

Can. 609 §1 A house of a religious institute is established, with the prior written consent of the diocesan Bishop, by the authority competent according to the constitutions. Can. 610 §1 In establishing religious houses, the welfare of the Church and of the institute are to be kept in mind, and care must be taken to safeguard everything that is necessary for the members to lead their religious life in accordance with the purposes and spirit proper to the institute. §2 No house is to be established unless it is prudently foreseen that the needs of the members can be suitably provided for.Can. 611 The consent of the diocesan Bishop for the establishment of a religious house carries with it the right: 1° to lead a life according to the character and purposes proper to the institute; 2° to engage in the works which are proper to the institute, in accordance with the law, and subject to any conditions attached to the consent; 3° for clerical religious institutes to have a church, subject to the provisions of can. 1215 §3, and to conduct the sacred ministries, with due observance of the law.

Very Rev Fr John Berg, FSSP will solemnly inaugurate St John Fisher House on Sunday 3rd October 2010. After the 11am Solemn High Mass (External Solemnity of Our Lady of the Rosary) at St William of York Church, the faithful are welcome to come to the house for visit and refreshments.

Clergy (diocesan, religious, seminarians) are cordially invited for a special 'Opening' day at St John Fisher House on Monday 11th October 2010 from 11am to 4pm, on the Feast of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary (please kindly let us know if you intend to attend, and if you would require accommodation the night before).

Cordially yours in Our Lord,
Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP