For only the second time since the Reformation, Mass has been celebrated at Bayham Abbey in Kent, where Norbertines returned to the ruins of their former monastery to offer a traditional Norbertine Rite Mass on July 11. The Mass was offered by Fr Stephen Morrison O.Praem, who said that the Church’s historic continuity connects the faithful of today with those of the past.
The Mass was preceded by a chant workshop, historical talks and a family rosary, and concluded with the veneration of the relics of St Norbert.
Fr Morrison stated the Mass in the ruins commemorated the Order's "pre-Reformation brethren".
He said: "Celebrating the Holy Mass in the ruined sanctuary of Bayham was a reminder that out of the ruins of past tribulations, God continues to raise up new growth in the Church for His glory and for our salvation."
This year's celebration also coincided with the 900th anniversary of Pope Honorius II's approval of the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré. Bayham Abbey, founded in 1208 by the Norbertines, was suppressed by Cardinal Wolsey in 1525.
Fr Morrison noted the work currently being undertaken in the Archdiocese of Southwark in evangelisation and catechesis, praising the laity “whose organising of this lovely day, in conjunction with English Heritage, was a real blessing”. He said that the Norbertine canonry and parish of Peckham was “proud to play a role in the re-evangelisation currently taking place across our Archdiocese.”
Liz Corcoran, a diocesan volunteer for the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis and a member of the Southwark Charismatic Renewal Team, was inspired to organise Mass in the ruins in July last year. She contacted a fellow parishioner and expert in Gregorian chant to join her in organising the day, which she said helped her to learn “more about my heritage as a Catholic in England”.
“But it felt like not only a moment of formation for me and others, but also for evangelisation,” she said. “That’s exactly what materialised on the day. Centred around the Mass, it was a beautiful occasion, with lots of faithful Catholics and young families attending. But many local people and others who were just walking past came to see what was happening. So many took away our booklets, with a real thirst to know more.
“As a Charismatic Catholic, I didn’t have much experience of this type of Mass or celebration, so it has been a real joy to be involved in learning more and helping others to discover its beauty. We were so appreciative of English Heritage's warm welcome and their joy at seeing the site being used as it had been so many years ago. We hope, God willing, to have a similar event again next year.”
Image credit: Archdiocese of Southwark
