The first message delivered by Mary at the site of Her Earthly Throne

The shrine of Notre Dame de Sous-Terre is built on what was probably the oldest dedicated shrine to Our Blessed Lady anywhere in the world. In fact the shrine is even ‘pre-Christian’, being as it is the site of an original subterranean pagan temple from before the birth of Christ.

Before the birth of our Saviour, circa 5 B.C., the image of Our Lady of Chartres (and, according to some sources, perhaps even earlier, at around 100 B.C.), a statue of Mary seated on a throne and holding a child on her knees, was carved in a forest in the midst of the plains of La Beauce, by order of Priscus, king of the people of Chartres, the Carnuti tribe. Julius Cesar’s account “On the War of the Gauls” (De Bello Gallico) mentions that once a year all the Druids of Gaul (modern day France) would gather there, to decide disputes and hold religious celebrations. The Druids are said to have worshipped in a cave in this location, and it is said that the sculpture on the altar of their shrine was the one dedicated to the "Matri Futurae Dei Nascituri." This old tradition is supported by the discovery of druidic artefacts and religious emblems during restoration after the ravages of the Second World War. 

According to the old story, the Druids heard of Isaiah’s prophecy: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son” (Is. 7:14). They instinctively knew that this would be the one true God who would prove their old gods to be mere idols, and so they ordered a statue of this unknown virgin and child to be sculpted and placed on the altar.

This image was set up afterwards with the inscription “Virgini pariturae” — that is “The Virgin who is to bring forth” — in the same place where it is seen at the present day. There are still some surviving old references this “small black immemorial image”, which was apparently pre-Christian in both appearance and origin. The ancient statue of the Virgin Mary was famously described by the celebrated art historian Pintard in 1681:
 
“The Virgin sits on a chair, her Son sits on her knees and He gives the sign of blessing with His right hand. In His left hand He holds an orb. He is bare-headed and His hair is quite short. He wears a close-fitting robe girdled with a belt. His face, hands and feet are bare and they are of a shining grey-ebony colour. The Virgin is dressed in an antique mantle in the shape of a chasuble. Her face is oval, of perfect construction, and of the same shining black colour. Her crown is very plain, only the top being decorated with flowers and small leaves. Her chair is one foot wide with four parts hallowed out at the back and carved. The statue is twenty-nine inches tall.”

Today's Our Lady of the Under Ground, or Notre Dame Sous Terre, statue is a replica of the old Madonna, the original one having been destroyed during the chaos following the French Revolution. 

St Potentianus, second Bishop of Sens, whom the Apostle St Peter had sent into France, stopped at Chartres where he blessed this image, and dedicated the cavern as a church in the Year of Our Lord 46 AD (Sebastian Rouillard, Parthen; c. iv. n. 1). The first Christian church on the site was made of wood.
 
With its special Black Madonna, Chartres became one of the most important cathedrals of the Middle Ages, as a locus of eastern and western Christian unity.

While an earlier church was replaced in 1020 by Gothic edifice; the original crypt and underground grotto were preserved.

The enthusiasm of which Notre-Dame of Chartres became the object is attested by the "Poème des Miracles" (1210), published by Antoine Thomas, and by Jean le Marchand's poem of 1262. The consecration of the cathedral occurred in 1260, and St. Louis attended the ceremony. The stained glass windows date back to the thirteenth century, and are the finest in the world, containing 3889 figures. The upper windows were presented by St. Louis, and St. Ferdinand and Queen Blanche of Castile. The porches and windows represent in magnificent symbolism the glorification of Mary.
 
In 1322, Pope John XXII declared that Chartres was the oldest church in all of France: “Accepted that the Benevolent Virgin, mother of God, had chosen for her venerable temple, when she lived among men, the church of Chartres.”

Among the pilgrims who came to Chartres history mentions St. Louis who, in order to reach there, travelled seven leagues on foot; Philip the Fair; Charles the Fair; Philip of Valois; John the Good who went there three times and left his pilgrim's staff, which has become the bâton cantoral of the Chapter; Charles V who went thither twice barefooted; Louis XI; Henry III who made eighteen pilgrimages; Henry IV who was crowned there on 27 February, 1594; Louis XIV and Popes Pascal II, Innocent II, and Alexander III. There are also records of pilgrimages by several English monarchs: Matilda, Richard I and Edward III. More recent pligrims have included Napoléon III, Charles de Gaulle, Péguy and Huysmans. The object of this pilgrimage is threefold -to venerate:

• the statue of Notre-Dame-sous-Terre, inaugurated in 1857, and modelled after the old statue burned in 1793, being therefore a reproduction of the figure honoured by the Druids. Devotions are held in the Carolingian crypt which is the largest in France, and the site of the MSM's canonical erection;
• the "Vierge Noire de Notre-Dame-du Pilier" (Black Virgin) in the upper church, which the MSM are honored to carry in its procession through the streets of Chartres every August 15th during the Feast of the Assumption; and 
• the "Voile de la Vierge" (Veil of the Blessed Virgin) or "Sancta Camisa", given to Charlemagne by Constantine Porphyrogenitus and Irene, transferred about 876 by Charles the Bald from Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle) to Chartres, and raised as a standard in 911 by Gantelme, the bishop, to put to flight the Norman Rollo. In 1360 Edward III of England, and in 1591 Henry Henry IV of France, passed reverently beneath the reliquary containing this veil, which the MSM are proud to be the honor guard of every August 15th during the Feast of the Assumption. 

With its special devotions, Chartres became known the Virgin’s throne upon Earth, an earthly palace for the Queen of Heaven.

The chapel of Notre-Dame-la-Neuve Caillouville at St-Wandrille

To the right of the church ruins on the bank next to the ancient crenelated wall of St-Wandrille Monastery, still equipped with its staircase turrets, stands a chapel dedicated to Our Lady, as a result of a vow made by Abbot Dom Gabriel Gontard on August 15, 1944, after the bombing of the monastery by the Germans during WWII. The monks of the Abbey erected it with their own hands from 1952 to 1968.

Although now intramural, this chapel was rebuilt at the site of the original position of the St-Wandrille Church, at the sources of Fontenelle River, where Saint Wandrille (the Monastery's Founder and Namesake) had built it in the seventh century.
 

The nave is a very simple, covered structure. There, near a beautiful Madonna and Child statue, lies Dom Gabriel Gontard (RIP 1986), who approved the first MSM Rule in 1945 and dubbed Dom Gerard-Marie Lafond, the MSM's Founder, in 1947. The vaulted shrine is lit by stained-glass windows depicting Our Lady of the Angels, by Decorchemont, of St. Wandrille healing an aggressor at the sources of the Fontenelle, and of Dom Gontard and his monks dedicating the votive chapel to the Virgin.

The St. Benedict Medal Crucifix

The origin of the medal of St. Benedict is very ancient. It was certainly suggested by the efficacious use that the patriarch made of the sign of the cross against the assaults of the Demon narrated by St. Gregorio.

The Medal is a sacaramental containing symbols and text related to the life of St-Benedict of Nursia. It is one of the oldest and most honored medals used by Catholics and due to the belief in its power against evil is also known as the "devil-chasing medal". As early as the 11th century, it may have initially had the form of Saint Benedict's cross, and was used by pope Leo IX. The reverse side of the medal carries the "Vade Retro Santana" ("Step back, Satan") formula which has been used by Catholics to ward off evil since the 15th century.

Benedict XIV formalized the design of this medal in the 18th century. On one side it carries the image of St. Benedict holding a cross in his hand; on the other side there is a larger cross with Latin initials. Due to the fact that the cross represented here is an essential element of this medal, it is called the Medal - Crucifix of St. Benedict.

On the back there is the effigy of the Saint, holding the cross in his right hand and the Rules in his left hand; on his right there is a cup from which a serpent is escaping (a recollection of the poisoned wine which he miraculously escaped); on the left we have a crow taking away the poisoned bread.

Underneath we can read the words: “EX S.M. CASINO MDCCCLXXXX” (From the Holy Mount Cassino 1880). On the two sides “CRUX SANCTI PATRIS BENEDICTI” (Cross of Holy Father Benedict). Around the image: “EIUS IN OBITU NOSTRO PRAESENTIA MUNIAMUR” (May we be strengthened by his prescence in the hour of our death!).

On the front of the Medal, a Cross is represented which carries several inscription in the arms, the explanations of which follow:


C.S.P.B.: CRUX SANCTI PATRIS BENEDICTI The cross of our Holy Father Benedict
C.S.S.M.L.: CRUX SACRA SIT MIHI LUX May the Holy Cross be my light!
N.D.S.M.D.: NUNQUAM DRACO SIT MIHI DUX! May the dragon never be my guide
V.R.S.: VADE RETRO SATANA Begone Satan!
N.S.M.V.: NUNQUAM SUADE MIHI VANA! - Never tempt me with your vanities!
S.M.Q.L.: SUNT MALA QUAE LIBAS What you offer me is evil.
I.V.B.: IPSE VENEA BIBAS Drink the poison yourself!

“PAX” is written under the Cross: the motto of the Congregation of Cassino and of the entire Benedictine Order.

The three internal eulogistic rhyming couplets are part of a very ancient series dating back at least to the XIV century which is accompanied by the figure of a monk with the cross driving away temptation.

They express well the confidence which the faithful had in the defence of St. Benedict against the spiritual and material dangers the devil could procure.

Some scholars have affirmed that with the exception of the one of the Most Holy Virgin, there is no other more widely diffuse Medal than that of St. Benedict. The numerous indulgences which the Holy See has enriched it with, witness its singular prize and together contribute to making it the most dear and precious one to the Christian people.

An unconditional indulgence is accorded at the time of death to all those who wear, kiss or hold the Medal between the hands with veneration, on the following conditions: 1) they commend their souls to God 2) they confess or receive Holy Communion or if this in not possible invoke the Holy Name of Jesus with feelings of contrition, (or with the heart if one cannot speak).

A partial indulgence is accorded to all those who wear, kiss or hold the Medal between the hands with veneration.

Other indulgences have been conceded in the past to the Medal of St. Benedict.

The Medal of St. Benedict is used for all spiritual and temporal needs on condition that it is used with a faithful spirit.This medal is efficacious against epidemics, certain special illnesses and against the spells and temptations of the devil.

It has been widely diffused throughout the entire world by missionaries. This medal also obtains the conversions of sinners, above all on the point of death. The medal helps women in labour and gives God’s protection against the dangers which threaten our lives: it permits a good and Holy death.

The medal of St. Benedict is very ancient. Its popularity was born in the XI century following the miraculous healing of a youth, a certain Bruno, who then became a Benedictine monk and later Pope S. Leone IX.

Benedict is always invoked as the patron of the Good Death. One day he appeared to St. Gertrude, saying: all those who remember me with the dignity which the Lord has honoured and blessed me with, allowing me to have a glorious death, I will faithfully assist at the point of death and will oppose all of the attacks of the enemy in that decisive hour.

The soul will be protected by my presence and will remain tranquil, in spite of all of the attacks of the enemy, and happy will depart towards eternal joy.

Note: The medal-crucifix of St. Benedict must be BLESSED by a priest or by a deacon.

MSM UK Preceptory September 2012 Chapter Minutes

Saturday, 29^th September, 2012

(FEAST OF ST MICHAEL, GRANDMASTER OF THE MSM)

Brompton Oratory, London

 
ATTENDANCE:

Present: Jacques Pellabeuf, Master of the MSM; Stephen de la Bédoyère, Preceptor; Martin Blake, Andrew Cesana, Jean-Paul Gauthier, Kts.; Richard Coles, Kt. (N/A); John Walker, Sq. (N/A); Mary Remnant, Donal Foley, S.O.L.s; Pierre Vallerie, Ian Gordon, Lindy Wilshire, F.O.L.s ; Tristan and Olivier Gauthier, Familia. We welcomed the Master, travelling so soon after visiting our German brothers.

Apologies: Peter Sibley, S.O.L., Mrs Miranda Villiers, Miss Catherine Pearson, Hugh Richards, William Jolliffe, Archbishop Nichols, Archbishop Smith, Pat O'Sullivan, Deacon Robert Hughes, Kathleen Murphy.

Those who came specifically for Donal's Talk were Mr and Mrs Bingham-Daly, Hugh Richards, Ron Trevett, and James Tomlin.

READING FROM THE RULE:

Chap. XIII, Sec. 2, on devotion to the Angels, by John Walker.

COMMENTARY BY THE PRECEPTOR:

This is ‘our’ time of year… I am not historian enough to know the precise connection between St Michael and Chivalry… I am on stronger ground about St Michael and mountains (Mont St-Michel, St Michael’s Mount, Glastonbury Tor) and indeed his connection with the retail trade (Marks & Spencer)! But as Supreme Commander of God’s hosts, it is fitting that he should be our Grand Master. I just want to flesh out (if one can use that expression in reference to angels), the very rich section just read by John; The joy of Angels at the creation of matter, Yahweh who listened to Ezechias’ prayer seated on the cherubim, God the Father contemplated by the guardian angels of those little ones whom Our Lord exhorts not to despise or scandalise, Protectors of nations, Jesus Himself comforted in Gethsemane… And finally those angels to whom the Church has given a feast of their own, next Tuesday, who watch over us 24/7, and whose principal job is to direct our prayer to Him who is continually adored by His angels and saints, and here below, by sinners like you and me. Knights we may be, but before God, children.

PRECEPTOR’S EXHORTATION:

We should become familiar with the Chaplet of St Michael, and ask our own Guardian to nudge the Guardians of those to whom we are trying to do a bit of good.

APPROVAL OF THE JULY AND AUGUST 2012 MINUTES:

The chapter minutes were summarised by Ian Gordon, and met with general approval. Chev. Gauthier added to this summary that a new Preceptoral rule had been discussed and agreed in the July 2012 Chapter, under which all members of the Preceptory’s Familia over the age of 80 would henceforth be dispensed from paying dues.

NEWS OF THE ORDER:

Reflecting upon the upcoming reception of Ian Gordon in the UK Preceptory, the Master indicated that Bro. Felipe Amorim of Portugal was to be dubbed in August but that he could unfortunately not come to Chartres for financial reasons. Bro. Luis Carlos Joaquim of Brazil is soon to become a Squire. Noting the French and German Priories’ challenges in recruiting new members and contrasting this with our recent success in Portugal and overseas (i.e., in Canada, the US, Brazil, Australia…), he nevertheless was pleased to inform us that he expected that the French Priory would receive 2 new Brothers-at-Arms next year and that there were currently 2 young Brothers-at-arms in Germany. Jean-Marie Mascarenas, a 49-year old Indo-French industrialist, descendant of the discoverer of Mauritius and Réunion, is now a postulant in the Order.

The Master also indicated that there were offers to buy both the du Moustier usufruct land (by the du Moustier family) and the Commandery itself, by the “Fatima Project” Charity –which would help to resolve the Magisterium’s financial challenges.

Finally, recalling the recent death of Mgr. Kuehn, former bishop of Chartres and Primate of the Order for 13 years, the Master concluded by reminding us of his passing. He informed us that Mgr. Kuehn attended Chapters General when invited, was our teacher and, in the time of Master Dubois, defended us in the context of the Touvier affair. May he Rest in Peace.

INTERNATIONAL FAMILIARIS CONSORTIO INSTITUTE (IFCI):

The Master stated that his priority for the Order is the Family. He reminded us that the 2^nd IFCI International Congress will take place on October 12^th-14^th, in Paris. He informed us that 3 bishops intend to attend and that 2 more may also. Journalists from the Catholic press, as well as leading theologians on the family, will also be in attendance. All the members of the British Preceptory were likewise warmly invited. Chev. Gauthier indicated he has and English programme that he can share with those interested in the event.

OUR LADY’s AFRICAN FUND (OLAF):

OLAF funds are at around £300, and we have received three requests amounting to £2,500. Oliver House School in Kenya is sponsoring an ‘eat all your lunch’ activity on behalf of grain purchase at St Martin’s School.

NEWS OF THE PRECEPTORY: 

1.       The statue of OL of Walsingham presiding over the day’s proceedings. The Preceptor reminded those in attendance that the next proposed Preceptoral pilgrimage, in July2013, was likely to be to Walsingham. Several other members of the French Priory and Canadian Magisterial Delegation sent the Preceptory their wishes on her Feast Day.

2.       Details of the Preceptory’s new governance structure will be circulated to all Observants [This was done on September 30th].

3.       Preceptor de la Bédoyère and Chev. Gauthier will arrange visits to the Archbishops of Southwark and of Westminster, and Chev. Cesana may accompany Chev. Gauthier to visit Bishop Hine, Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark responsible for the family.

4.       All members who are not attending the IFCI Congress in Paris are asked to attend the annual Crusade of Reparation on Saturday, 13th October.

5.       The Carmelite Nuns of Nairobi have included vocations to the MSM in their annual novena to both Ste Theresas.

6.       Interest has been revived among us for visiting priests in retirement homes, and hopefully these will restart soon.

7.       Thurs 11th October marks the start of the Year of Faith. The Preceptor suggests the members read the “Porta Fidei” Motu Propriu in this Year of Faith, as is being done in the French Priory

Statement by the Preceptor:

I was appointed Preceptor of Great Britain by Master Dubois in the ‘90s, in succession of the founder of our Preceptory, Martin Blake. Next year I shall be 70, and in the last couple of years my health has caught up with my age! I now need continual medication and checks to reduce the risks of having a stroke. A large amount of more complex activities contribute to increasing stress and fatigue, and I have been strongly and reliably advised to cut down on what I am doing. I have an easier programme at school and have minimised what I do in my parish. Therefore, with the agreement with the Master, and having discussed the matter with Jean-Paul, I have decided to resign the Preceptory in his favour. While I remain Master’s Delegate, Jean-Paul will be running the practicalities of the Preceptory. I believe that we all appreciate his youth and dynamism, and I ask each one to give him their prayers and support. Within the MSM, it has been a privilege to be Preceptor.

I am asking Jean-Paul to prioritise issues that are of importance to the Preceptory and prepare a timetable for their study. I have tried to summarise what appears to me to be priorities for the future:

1. To seek new and younger vocations, otherwise we do not have a future in GB -It means a great deal to all of us that our friend Ian Gordon has asked to be admitted to the MSM as Bro. at Arms;

2. To find a really committed chaplain who, whatever his activities, can give sufficient time to us;

3. To develop our personal generosity in favour of the Knights; and

4. Constant and confident prayer... Jesus said: ‘One thing only is necessary; PRAYER’.

STEPHEN’S NEWS:

·         His cataract operation at the end of August appears to have been a success, although there are some complications.

·         The Providence Alliance for Catholic Teachers (PACT), the educational association that employs him, is starting two Catholic independent secondary schools next September in S.W. London. Prayers, please.

MARTIN’S NEWS:

·         In the context of today’s reading and the upcoming Feast Day of Michaelmas, as well as the upcoming Feast of Bl. John Henry Newman on Tue 9th October, Martin mentioned John Henry Newman’s “The dream of Gerontes” on Elgar’s piece as a particularly inspiring read on angels.

·         He indicated that Chev. Jean-Maurice Clercq sent him and others within the Preceptory readings for the recent Feast of Our Lady of Walsingham.

·         Martin also mentioned that he read a good article on Fr. Thwaites, S.J., who started the Days with Mary, who has recently passed and whose funeral some observants attended.

ANDREW’S NEWS:

·         The Days with Mary, that Andrew supports through his music ministry, are “going from strength to strength”. The last one was in Folkestone, home of Chev. John Wrigley (Resquiat In Pace) and of Fr. Nesbitt (a Spiritual Supporter, recently retired). When in Folkestone, Andrew had a mass said for Chev. Wrigley, RIP.

·         Chev. Cesana mentioned that Fr. Stephen Bund, of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, is replacing Fr. Nesbitt.

JEAN-PAUL’S NEWS:

·         Realising a long-standing dream, in July, Jean-Paul went to Assisi, Rome and Monte Cassino with Tristan (one of his sisters was getting married in Assisi). In Rome, they went to St-Peter’s, the 4 Basilicas, Pantheon, Coliseum, Castel Sant’Angelo, the Scala Santa, Santa Crocce, San Onofrio, San Silvestro in Capite, and the Tre Fontana Abbey.

·         Has been corresponding with an American postulant –whom he sees as a S.o.L. (our first in the US should it happen). The postulant, Frederick Dannaway, asks for our prayers for his community and for his engagement.

·         Exchanged with Chev. Yan René about a Mise-en-Page for a bilingual Office, with the Latin already typed in, prepared for the German Priory. Has also found a Douay-Rheims/Latin-Vulgate online translation of the psalms, from which much of the English could be cut and pasted in.

·         Did some IFCI publicity (mailing list of 240, securing tracts from French Priory, translation of programme into English), at the same time as for the Open Day.

·         Did and sent in some initial work on the Magisterial Committee working on the Canonical update of the Rule.

·         Fed the Blog; The blog has now had something like 3,300 visits, about 1/3 from the US, 1/3 from the UK, 1/3 from elsewhere. The main search words are “Militia Sanctae Marie” and “Knights of Our Lady”, followed BNM, Rosary Crusade, Newton, IFCI… and now ‘Personal Oratories’. This is interesting, because it tells us that our associations with the Rosary Crusade and the Ordinariate have appeal and should be reinforced. There are now also 7 people following the Blog regularly, 4 of which are outside the MSM.

·         Corresponded with Fr. Edouard Gallez. He is looking for a publishing in English for a book on the origins of Islam. Donal?

·         Corresponded with Fr. Glandfield of the Archdiocese of Southwark –Tentative plan to meet with Archb. Peter Smith in October agreed.

·         Wrote to Fr. Christopher Lindlar of the Ordinariate, in Mongeham Kent, regarding a possible presentation of the MSM.

·         Prepared July and August chapter minutes, sent around Sainty reception photos, and sent the Magisterium some information on copyrighting our Arms.

·         Signed the Rimsha Masih petition sent round by Chev. Carlos Aguilar, Provincial of Portugal. Learned about the use of an online petitions tool, should we require one.

·         Translated and digitised the SoL Reception and Rite of Conclusion of Receptions.

·         Has also done some MSM LinkedIn posts. There are now 13 LinkedIn followers of the MSM site.

·         Thanked Preceptory for their receptiveness and responsiveness to him, which greatly allayed his fears regarding becoming Preceptor.

MARY’s NEWS:

·         Went to both Wisques and St-Wandrille Abbeys in July, for the Feast of St-Wandrille, as well as to commemorate her father’s research work on Jumièges. Her father’s birthday’s was the same as St-Wandrille’s…

·         Attended a special mass for the Feast of St-James in July, at which the Nuncio was present, as was Abbot Dom Cuthbert Brogan, of St-Michael’s Abbey in Farnborough.

·         Played her medieval Chime-Bells (including Christus Vincit, Beata Viscera and Danielis Prophetia) for the symbolic minute when all bells were meant to be rung in the UK, for the opening of the Olympics, but heard no others.

·         Attended service, presided by Archb. Nichols, for the Feast of Our Lady of Dolours, at the Servite Church in Fulham, London, named in her honour.

·         Attended the recent AGM of the Association of Catholic Women (ACW) at the Oratory, also attended by Fr. Julian Large (Provost) and Fr. Rupert McHardy of the Oratory, along with Ian and Maureen Gordon of the MSM. The ACW Chairlady was informed of S.O.L. Donal Foley’s talk by Ian Gordon. Stephen recalled that she has asked him for a story on the MSM for the ACW Newsletter.

PETER’s NEWS:

Has been and continues to be seriously ill, physically and mentally; however his interior peace is revived.

DONAL’s NEWS:

Has been doing Fatima presentations all year, including in Littlemore (Bl. John Henry Newman’s Church in Oxford). Fr. Nicholas Schofield (former Anglican, now Archivist for the Archdiocese of Westminster) in Uxbridge and others have been quite supportive, including of the way in which Donal leads the Rosary. The Preceptor asked for donations for the WAF and Donal’s Talk. [Donal subsequently reported that donations were generous]

JOHN’s NEWS:

·         Went to Fr. Thwaites’ funeral and learned that, as he died, he smiled and reached his arms out.

·         Indicated his readiness to resume active status as a Squire –which, according to the Master, would only require that he renew his vows during a forthcoming Chapter

FRIENDS’ NEWS:

Ian Gordon:

·         Attended the Chapter General in Montireau in August with Maureen and felt that it was a very spiritual and enlightening occasion, giving him a much better understanding of the MSM.

·         After the Chapter General, Maureen and he set off for Lourdes for their annual ‘stage’.

·         Went to Cambridge University Catholic Association annual Mass and reception for Cambridge Catholic graduates.

·         Ian is the Secretary and a Trustee for the ‘British Jesuit Alumni’ Charity. On the feast of St Ignatius, they held an Annual Mass and Reception at the Farm Street Church. In the crowd, he managed to find F.O.L. Pierre Vallerie, who is also a Jesuit alumnus. Progress is being made with regard to an international conference which they will be hosting in Heythrop College next autumn.

·         As part of their Hospital Chaplaincy, Ian and Maureen currently visit about 30 Catholics at the 'Epsom and St Helier University Hospital' each week. They are, however, aware that there are other Catholics whom they cannot find due to data protection legislation. They are negotiating to have a notice board put up at the hospital to advertise their Chaplaincy. Progress is slow as they negotiate with the hospital and the Anglican chaplains

·         Ian and Maureen are Ambassadors for Missio (a Catholic missions support charity) and have been invited to a reception and dinner to meet Cardinal Turkson (Prefect of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace) and Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor at Middle Temple. As the tickets cost £125 each, they are however unlikely to attend

Lindy Wiltshire:

·         Says Rosary together with other women on Tuesday nights.

·         Going to Church at St-Joanne-of-Arc in Farnham.

Roger Burton:

·         Doing RCIA Parish work.

·         Still an Oblate, now of Chilworth Abbey, nearer to his home that was St-Augustine’s in Ramsgate. The Preceptor recommends it highly for retreats.

Joyce Palmer:

Now our only Anglican, Joyce will hopefully be able to enter a rest-home and settle there. Prayers, please.

FINANCES:

1.       Statement by Treasurer: There were about £350 in the MSM Bank Account, before today’s expenses and donations to Donal, the Master, and Fr. Doyle.

2.       Today’s outgoings:

a.       S.O.L. Donal Foley: £25 for expenses;

b.      Fr. Patrick Doyle: £30 donation for St Wilfrid's Fund for Oratory Students.

c.       The Master: £80 for his journey (He has paid something like €120).

3.       Jean-Paul also collected the following:

a.       €20 from Ian Gordon, for an Office and Tie –To be remitted to the Magisterium.

b.      £4 from the Preceptor, for two MSM badges.

4.       Offices can be purchased from Chev. Gauthier for €10 each, by anyone who may require one

5.       The Magisterial Delegate and new Preceptor agreed, following Chapter, that copies of the account statements should be sent to one or both of them regularly

6.       The Magisterial Delegate further indicated that OLAF has its own, separate, bank account

HORARIUM:

From tomorrow:

·         Knt. 1: Andrew Cesana/Patrick O’Sullivan/Ian Gordon

·         Knt. 2: Stephen de la Bédoyère/Richard Coles

·         Knt. 3: Gauthiers/Donal Foley

FEASTS AND ANNIVERSARIES:

·         Mon. 1^st October: Olivier Gauthier’s Birthday

·         Tues. 2^nd October at 7:30pm: Fiorella Nash will be speaking on maternal Mortality and Abortion at 24 Smith Terrace SW3, London

·         Sun. 7^th October: Our Lady of the Rosary

·         Tue 9^th October: Bl. John Henry Newman

·         Thurs. 11^th October: Start of the Year of Faith

·         Sat. 13^th October: Rosary Crusade of Reparation March

·         Sat. 20^th October, 3:00-4:15pm, Westminster Cathedral: Two Cathedrals Pilgrimage This pilgrimage is in honour of Bl. John Henry Newman between Westminster and Southwark Cathedrals. The Preceptor will verify with Canon Tuckwell if observants attending can be in uniform.

·         24^th October: Visit to the Statue of Our Lady of Dublin by Hervé Boisson and Stephen in 2006

·         31^st October: Dom Lafond, R.I.P.

·         Thurs. 1^st November: All Saints Day

·         Fri 2^nd November: All Souls Day

·         Tues. 20^th November: Monthly Chapter at St Michael’s Scout Hall 6:45- 8:15pm

PRAYER INTENTIONS:

·         Dead: We think of all those who have died recently, and in particular Mgr. Kuehn and Fr. Thwaites, S.J.

·         Sick: Peter Sibley; Mrs. Cesana; Pat O’Sullivan, who has just had a stent put in for his heart, and has developed an infection; F.O.L. Stratford Caldecott, who is very sick with Cancer, and will properly not recover -Stratford is currently undergoing chemotherapy for his advanced prostate cancer, but a tumour has been recently developing in his spine, making walking and sitting very painful. The Caldecotts ask us to join them in a novena, asking for the intercession of Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin, the parents of St Thérèse of Lisieux

·         For continual prayers: Members of the MSM experiencing financial difficulties, Joyce Palmer, Nicholas Lane, Archbishops Smith’s and Nichols’ intentions

·         Special Prayers: Frederick Dannaway and the Catholic Community of Delaware; the Preceptory in this time of transition, as well as Chev. Gauthier for the proper fulfillment of his new charge within the Preceptory; PACT’s new schools in SW London

·         Permanently on our Prayer List: Pope Benedict XVI and his intentions; Vocations to the MSM and IFCI; OLAF and the children we are supporting; Foyer de Charité movement; Days with Mary; Friends of the Holy Family; Confraternity of St James; Carmelite Nuns in Finland and Nairobi; Society of Pewe; World Apostolate of Fatima (WAF); Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary (ESBVM); Billings Family Life Centre; Fathers and Parishes of the Oratory and St Mary Magdalen’s; Elderly and sick clergy whom we visit; Vocations to the priesthood, religious life and marriage; Bishop Paul Hendricks and his intentions; Mgr. Newton and the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham; Bishop Echeverria and the Prelature of Opus Dei; Bishop Alan Hopes and his intentions.

CONCLUDING PRAYERS:

·         Prayer to Our Lady of Chivalry

·         Chaplet of St Michael

·         ‘Non Nobis Domine’ -Sung

Chapter was concluded at 3:00pm in order to receive guests who had come to attend the MSM Annual Michaelmas Open Day Talk for 2012.

ANNUAL MICHAELMAS “OPEN DAY” EVENTS

Open Day Talk

From 3:05pm onward, the MSM Annual Michaelmas Open Day Talk for 2012 was given by S.O.L. Donal Foley, on the topic of “From Heaven to Earth: Marian Movements in the Twentieth Century”. Those who could not attend may find the Talk at the following link: http://militiasanctaemariae.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/marian-movements-in-twentieth-century.html   

Liturgical Ceremonies

The Open Day Talk was concluded at 4:05pm in order to give capitulants time to repair to St-Wilfrid’s Chapel in the Oratory for the following ceremonies: 

·         Reception of Ian Gordon as Brother-at-Arms

·         Blessing of a Rosary and MSM Badge for American Servant-of-Our-Lady Postulant Frederick Dannaway

·         Investiture as Preceptor of Great Britain of Chev. Jean-Paul Gauthier

·         Reception Concluding Ritual

Vespers

Once all receptions were conducted, at 4:50pm, the Observantia of the Order returned to the Chapter Room in order to say Vespers. Vespers were concluded at 5:30pm.