St George's Day
Happy (transferred) Feast of St George! According to the BBC, 'St George's Day - an occasion which not too long ago could arguably pass by almost unnoticed - is now being celebrated on a far wider scale.' However, 'a recent survey by English Heritage shows more people celebrate the anniversary of Guy Fawkes' attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament than St George's Day.' This is indeed a sad state of affairs.
The Catholic Church did its bit a few years ago when the Feast was raised to a Solemnity in England (whereas St Thomas Becket, Patron of the English Clergy, is only an optional memorial). But it seems that most English parishes do not celebrate St George with any great solemnity, especially when compared to St Patrick. I must confess that my parish did not really break the trend (mea culpa), partly because we're still catching breath after Easter. In the past we have distributed blessed red roses - though this year there was at least a blessing at the end of Mass with a first class relic of St George!
The Catholic Church did its bit a few years ago when the Feast was raised to a Solemnity in England (whereas St Thomas Becket, Patron of the English Clergy, is only an optional memorial). But it seems that most English parishes do not celebrate St George with any great solemnity, especially when compared to St Patrick. I must confess that my parish did not really break the trend (mea culpa), partly because we're still catching breath after Easter. In the past we have distributed blessed red roses - though this year there was at least a blessing at the end of Mass with a first class relic of St George!
posted by Fr Nicholas at 11:16 am
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