Msgr Keith Newton

Dear Brothers and Sisters

I am sending this out the day before the Solemnity of the Annunciation when Catholics across the whole world will, together with Pope Francis, consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate heart of Mary. In his letter to all bishops the Holy Father says:Pope Francis (Image: AP)

This Act of Consecration is meant to be a gesture of the universal Church, which in this dramatic moment lifts up to God, through his Mother and ours, the cry of pain of all those who suffer and implore an end to the violence, and to entrust the future of our human family to the Queen of Peace. I ask you to join in this Act by inviting the priests, religious and faithful to assemble in their churches and places of prayer on 25 March, so that God’s Holy People may raise a heartfelt and choral plea to Mary our Mother.

This is an important event and I hope all of you will find an opportunity to take part. The situation in Ukraine has affected us all. The devastation and suffering in some parts of Ukraine is unbelievable. Please pray earnestly for an end to this terrible conflict.

Mgr Keith

Ordination of Father Neil Scott

Thank you for all those who supported Fr Neil Scott on the day of his ordination. It was a splendid occasion and a good number of people have watched it online.

Dates for your diary

Our Chrism Mass will take place on Thursday 7 April at Our Lady of the Assumption, Warwick Street celebrated by His Excellency, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, the Apostolic Nuncio. It is an important day in the life of the Ordinariate so I hope many of you will make the effort to get there.

Risen, Ascended, Glorified: 17–19 May. A conference and celebration of faith, hosted by the Ordinariate church and congregation in Torbay with biblical reflections form Fr Michael Nazir-Ali. This is an event for both clergy and laity: all are welcome to join together for a few days to celebrate our Easter faith. The cost for food is only £30 per head but participants need to book their own bed and breakfast accommodation. Booking details and the time table can be found at https://www.ourladyofwalsingham.online/risen-ascended-glorified.

Ordinariate Pilgrimage to Walsingham: Saturday 27 August. We have changed the date of the Ordinariate pilgrimage to Walsingham to the August bank holiday weekend as we wanted to give the opportunity for people to attend the March for Life which will take place the following Saturday. Last year these two dates clashed, and I am sure that you will agree that the Ordinariate’s presence is important in this event where we witness to the value of human life. There were quite a good number of people who came to the pilgrimage to Walsingham in September last year, but not many clergy unfortunately including myself as I was isolating with covid. I hope you will try to be there this year and encourage others to make the pilgrimage.

March for Life in London: Saturday 3 September. This is something the Ordinariate should support. There will be more details nearer the time.

Catholic Voices Catholic Voices and the Word on Fire Institute are hosting a one-day conference called Sharing the Church’s Story. It will take place at the Friends House (opposite Euston Station) on Saturday 17 September, 9.00am–6.00pm and the keynote addresses will be given by Bishop Robert Barron. The vision of the conference is to bring people together in person for an experience of profound personal renewal and to be equipped for mission. Sharing the Church’s Story will be gathering up to a thousand Catholics — lay and ordained — who are passionate about the renewal of the Church in the UK. Put the date in your diary.

Yours in Christ

Mgr Keith Newton
Ordinary