150th Anniversary of Monastic Life at Belmont

Mass on the 150th Anniversary of Dedication
Presided by Archbishop Vincent Nichols
4th September 2010

The climax of a year of celebration for the Belmont Community, Parishioners and friends came with a celebration of Mass in the Abbey Church presided over by the Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols, who graced the community with his presence just two weeks before the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Britain.

Br Stanislaus Sliwka helped the Congregation prepare for the celebration by playing pieces by William Mathias, Jean Langlais, Cesar Franck and J.S. Bach on the magnificently restored organ. Its new pipework that speak out to the nave of the church add real solemnity to these great celebrations.

Around the Church the original consecration crosses were lit and decorated by wreaths of flowers prepared by Br Bernard. The anniversary of the Dedication is always a major solemnity: the Church building is a reminder that the congregation are the 'living stones' with Christ as the Cornerstone. And so the Congregation sang: "Christ is made the sure foundation and the precious corner-stone as the long procession made its entrance from the West Door. Then the monks sang the Gregorian Chant: Terribilis est locus iste: "How awe-inspiring this place is! This is nothing less than the abode of God, and this is the gate of heaven."

Above: Archbishop Vincent Nichols and right, Bishop Tom Burns of Menevia. For nearly fifty years the Church served as the Cathedral for the Diocese of Newport and Menevia.

The Kyrie and Gloria were sung in Latin and then the Archbishop prayed that 'our worship always be sincere' and that we may find the Father's 'saving love in this church.' This was followed in the first reading by the moving prayer of King Solomon: "Day and night let your eyes watch over this house, over this place of which you have said "My name shall be there" (1 Kings 8). Psalm 83 was sung "How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, God of Hosts." The Gospel recalled the words of St Peter at Caesarea Philippi: 'You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church" (Matthew 16)
There was a wonderful mixture of music at the celebration. The Creed was sung in Latin and then at the Presentation of the gifts the fine hymn Lord Enthroned in Heavenly Splendour was sung by all. The Parish Choir sung the motet by W.A. Mozart, with words attributed to Pope Innocent VI - Ave Verum Corpus Natum.
Joining with the Archbishop in the Eucharistic Prayer were the Abbot Primate, Notker Wolf who had come from Rome to represent the Benedictine Confederation. Monsignor Robert Readon represented the Archdiocese of Cardiff as its Administrator while a new Archbishop was awaited. Bishop Tom Burns represented the Diocese of Menevia, while Abbot Richard Yeo as Abbot President represented the English Benedictine Congregation which had built Belmont to be a Common Novitiate and House of Studies.
Holy Communion was accompanied with the Latin chant, Dominus Mea: "My house will be called a house of prayer" as well as familiar Communion Hymns O Bread of Heaven, Soul of My Saviour and Guide me, O thou great Redeemer."