Mass was celebrated at the ruins of Bayham Abbey in Kent for only the second time since the Protestant Reformation, as we reported earlier in the week.

The Norbertine canons returned to their former monastery on 11 July to mark the 900th anniversary of Pope Honorius II’s approval of the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré. In addition to Mass offered in the traditional Norbertine rite, the day included a chant workshop, historical talks, a family rosary and the veneration of the relics of St Norbert.

Organised in partnership with the Archdiocese of Southwark and English Heritage, the event drew pilgrims, young families and local visitors, many of whom stopped to learn more about the abbey’s Catholic heritage.

Bayham Abbey, founded by the Norbertines in 1208 and suppressed in 1525, was once again filled with prayer as participants reflected on the Church’s enduring witness and the renewal of the faith in England.

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(Images: © Alvaro Garcia/rcaos.org.uk / © Mansoor Iessa/rcaos.org.uk)

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