Quite a number of Bellocians enjoyed a splendid day in Sussex, recently, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the writer's death. The day started with a High Mass at the parish church of Our Lady of Consolation. Father John Emerson, who is the superior of the Fraternity of Saint Peter in Scotland, preached a stirring sermon the likes of which is rarely heard today. The chief celebrant was Father Matthew Goddard, who is the son of the Rector of the church (which has a very interesting history). Following the Mass we had an absolution at the graveside.
We then had a picnic and were treated to a small talk by the veteran Bellocian Blaise Compton (Hilaire Belloc - A man 'stuffed with vision'). We hope to publish Blaise's talk on this Blog in due course.
From thence back to the graveside for some Bellocian verse followed closely by Benediction. In the evening we migrated to The George and Dragon near Shipley Village. The Inn is very close to Belloc's old house, 'Kingsland', and it was one of his 'locals'. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the clergy who participated, the servers and singers, our speaker and, last but not least, my co-organiser. Our next event will probably be in September and the theme will be: in search of The Four Men. Watch this space.
Gorgeous!
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