PRESS RELEASE FROM THE LATIN MASS SOCIETY

For Immediate Release

7 March 2007

Bishop Longley of Westminster to lead Rosary Crusade

Bishop Bernard Longley, auxiliary bishop in Westminster, will lead the annual Rosary Crusade of Reparation through the streets of Central London on Saturday 13 October. Every year over 2,000 Catholics march from Westminster Cathedral to the Brompton Oratory led by the statue of Our Lady of Fatima carried by officers of the Catholic Police Guild. She is flanked by young girls in their First Communion dresses scattering rose petals and followed by priests, Knights of Malta, crucifer and acolytes carrying tapers, leading the constant chant of the Rosary, all backed up by massed ranks of the faithful carrying a colourful profusion of banners.

The march makes its way through the packed shopping streets of Victoria and Knightsbridge with police motorcycle outriders to the Oratory where the massive church fills to overflowing. Hymns, prayers and invocations are offered to the crowned statue of Our Lady, a stirring sermon is preached and many enrolments in the Brown Scapular occur. Amongst a sea of waving white handkerchiefs Our Lady is then processed through the church and Solemn Benediction in Latin is celebrated. Finally, everyone goes home exhausted but edified.

The Crusade has its own officers but is helped by the Latin Mass Society.

John Medlin, General Manager of the LMS said, “Once again, Westminster bishops have come up trumps to put themselves at the head of one of the many signs of new life springing up in the diocese. Catholics of many interests and persuasions support the Rosary Crusade and Bishop Longley will have a very warm welcome on the day.”

Details of the Rosary Crusade are available from the LMS on 020 7404 7284.

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For further information, please contact John Medlin, General Manager, or Yvonne Windsor, LMS Office Administrator, on (T) 020 7404 7284; (F) 020 7831 5585;

E-mail: thelatinmasssociety@snmail.co.uk