Category: Liturgy

“May is the month in which the earth springs into bloom, and likewise the month of Mary brings forth countless graces” – St John Bosco The Church dedicates the month of May to the devotion of Christ’s Mother and Our Mother, Mary. At the height of springtime, we recall the various graces imparted from the […]

“A Shoot has sprung from the Stock of Jesse; a Star has risen from Jacob” – Short Response from the Brievary March 25th marked the Solemnity of the Lord’s Annunciation. The Church celebrates this day because Archangel Gabriel’s visit to the Virgin signalled the beginning of the Fullness of Time. History was never the same […]

“The Virtuous Man Will Bloom Like the Lily”. –Short Response from the Breviary March 19th marked the Solemnity of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Foster Father of Jesus, and Patron of the Universal Church. Fr Lorenzo offered the Mass for an increase of vocations, particularly to the priesthood as is typical for […]

“And a sword will pierce through your own soul also, that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.” –Luke 2:35 A traditional emphasis of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving characterises the season of Lent. Within these spiritual dimensions is a world of grace awaiting to revitalise our relationship with God. In particular, the ‘Way’ or […]

“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men…” –Matthew 6:17-18 The Church begins the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday. Not only are the foreheads of Christ’s faithful marked but time itself also receives the ash stripes signalling a period of renewal and purification […]

“”My eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all people. –Luke 2:30-31 The 2nd of February marked the Feast of the Lord’s Presentation. The seminary community gathered and processed into the chapel for evening prayer. The Rector, Canon John O’Leary, blessed the candles which were held in a procession […]

“We saw his star as it rose & have come to do the Lord homage”. – Matthew 2:2 Following the Christmas break, the Allen Hall community reunited for the first time in the 2025 New Year for the Epiphany of the Lord. Returning from their respective dioceses and families, the seminarians and staff welcomed the […]

“Prepare a way for the Lord”. – Matthew 3:3 In anticipation of switching to the New Lectionaries, the seminary community gathered for a blessing of the lectionaries. With the beginning of Advent, parishes throughout England & Wales will have implemented the new translation of Mass readings as part of the Church’s Liturgy. The blessing of […]

Seminarians in their third year of formation are typically sent into parishes as part of their discernment to the secular priesthood. Students in the Year of Pastoral Theology (YPT as we call it), receive the task of translating their experiences from seminary, pastoral placements, & God’s intervention in their lives, into their parish communities. As […]