Ely Place
Yesterday I led a small pilgrimage of parishioners to St Etheldreda's, Ely Place. As I've probably mentioned several times before, this church was founded by the Rosminian Fathers who formerly served Kingsland (my current parish). Though it was taken over by the Fathers of Charity in 1874, its Catholic history goes back much further. The church was built as a chapel for the Bishops of Ely in the late thirteenth century, making it the oldest church building used for Catholic worship in this country. After the Reformation it was also used for a time by the Spanish Ambassador and several martyrs are associated with the parish (including the monks of the nearby Charterhouse).
I celebrated a Requiem Mass for Fr Lockhart and the other priests who have served our parish, after which the legendary Fr Kit Cunningham (Rector of Ely Place) gave us an informative tour. It was also a chance to celebrate the beatification of Antonio Rosmini. If you don't know this church, situated near Holborn, then it's well worth a visit.
posted by Fr Nicholas at 12:58 pm
10 Comments:
I do hope Fr. Kit has recovered his health. I believe he broke his arm?
I used to love to go to St. Etheldreda's when I was at King's and it was just a stroll away. The 40 hours devotion there was so beautiful.
Br. Daniel Mary Jeffries OP
Father: St. Etheldreda's is wonderful. It's been many years since I've been in the City. That whole neighborhood is worth a visit.
Ottaviani - Fr Kit has recovered and seems to be thriving!
Nice picture of Fr Kit. St Etheldreda's is a beautiful church, and I'm very pleased about the beatification of Fr Rosmini.
Hello Father,
We have a small Church (St Mary's)in our parish here in Gravesend, Kent that dates back to 950AD!! It has only ever been a Catholic Church and Bishop John Fisher is thought to have said mass here on his way to the Tower of London. The sacrifice of the mass is still celebrated here ever Sunday morning.Feel free to visit us!
Surely not the oldest. St James' Priory in Bristol is in the hands of the Catholic diocese of Clifton, with Mass and Adoration throughout the day. The church is Norman!
Father,
Kingsland? Is Belloc's home by the same name nearby?
Thank you for your informative tour. I am from a city in Ohio, and have never been to your area of England. Do they keep archives on site at the church? I am a graduate student in theology; we are studying the period from 1500-1700 at this time in the school term. I am interested in the theology of the stained glass windows. They are beautiful. Thank you.
I used to go to Mass occasionally at St Etheldreda's when I worked in London.
The sense of calm from the bustle of Holborn and the stress of the office was quite conducive to reflection and prayer.
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