Traditional Rite Confirmations conferred by Bishop Peter Doyle of Northampton, Chesham Bois, Bucks on Sunday 18 November 2007

In a ringing endorsement of the recent Papal Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum, Bishop Peter Doyle of Northampton became the first Ordinary to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Traditional Latin Mass in his own Diocese. (Confirmations have been conferred annually in Westminster Diocese since 2004 by auxiliaries of the diocese). He topped it off by celebrating Solemn Pontifical Low Mass. In accordance with the Motu Proprio the ceremonies “followed the typical edition of the Roman Missal promulgated by Blessed John XXIII in 1962 and never abrogated” and the earlier form of the Roman Pontifical.

The historic occasion took place at the Parish Church of Our Lady, Chesham Bois, Bucks on Sunday 18 November 2007. Seven candidates were confirmed.

In an address to the candidates, Bishop Peter noted that some of the candidates might be nervous. “I, too, am nervous”, he said, “as this is the first time that I have conferred confirmation and celebrated Mass in the older form of the liturgy.”

“Remember,” he instructed, “that it is not you or I who is in charge – it is the Holy Spirit.” A particularly charming aspect of the ceremony was the sight of a young priest who had never celebrated the newer form of the liturgy, guiding the bishop, who had never celebrated the older form! The full congregation was touched by the courage and humility of Bishop Peter.