Latin Mass of Reparation gives strong pro-life message: “Our Lady chose to reveal herself to St Juan Diego not with Our Saviour in her arms but carrying him in her womb”.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe welcomed the Latin Mass Society for a Mass of Reparation for Abortion on Saturday 13 November. This was the fourth such Mass that the Society had organised. Some 50 people had made their way to Bedford, fewer than two years ago (last year’s Mass was held without a congregation) but understandable in the circumstances. Some of them had travelled from London and further afield; notably one lady had come from Chesterfield in Derbyshire
This was a Solemn High Mass with three priests: Monsignor Gordon Read, Chaplain to the Latin Mass Society, was the celebrant, Fr Michael Cullinan the Deacon and Fr Gabriel Diaz the Subdeacon. They wore beautiful gold vestments which are part of the collection from Christ the King Church. Dominic Bevan and a group of professional singers provided the uplifting Gregorian chant which is an integral part of a High Mass, and a team of five servers from London, Bedford and beyond assisted in the sanctuary.
In his homily, Monsignor Gordon Read asked us to look again at the Image of Our Lady, which, as usual on these occasions, had been brought to the front of the church. He reminded us of all the features which make the Image unique. He also gave a strong pro-life message: “It is no coincidence that Our Lady chose to reveal herself to St Juan Diego not with Our Saviour in her arms but rather carrying him in her womb. As Our Lady sheltered and nurtured the Saviour of the world within her womb and bore witness to him through the mystery of Guadalupe, we ask her to help us bear witness to the sanctity of all life but especially that hidden within the womb”.
The lady from Chesterfield had not only come for the Latin Mass. She had written to Canon Seamus, the Rector of the Shrine, beforehand, to ask if while in Bedford, she could purchase a Home Shrine in order to start devotion in her area. We were delighted to supply her with one and Monsignor Gordon Read was very happy to bless it after the Mass.
Shrine of the Relic Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe 