The organist librarian

Took Liz to station - her first day at Heythrop on Pastoral Mission course. Bruce took us to Heathrow. In the excitement forgot to pack Ciaran's quilt, nightlight and portable cot! He was watching Thomas DVD. He slept in car after we had popped into Battersea Park library. He ran to Louise when she came through and she was in tears. Had a fabulous time and bought loads of things. Dropped off at Gunnersbury Park despite traffic and got tube to Victoria. Acolyte at Blessed sacrament procession from Westminster cathedral to St George's cathedral Southwark. A glorious day. The rosary gang were there in force and occasionally sang Ave maria and eventually O sacrament divine. Benediction at the cathedral with Bishop Alan Hopes. Greeted by Fr John O'Toole and the MC about serving next Sunday at Catenian mass. Cathedral was full so reckon about a 1000 there! It reminded me of the Via crucis in Jerusalem - some indifference and some respect. Rebecca borrowed Liz's cassock and to...

A good day at the library and caught up with my work. Liz was cantor at vespers and we were joined by several seminarians including Ed. We were acolytes at the Ordination Mass at 6 p.m. There were around 60 priests present and loads of servers and it was a great occasion. Ed and Kingsley both coped well. It was a pity that Philip who serves with us on Saturdays did not get more to do but he was communion torch (although I gather there were not enough torches!) I made sure he got a first blessing. We had our blessing together. We gave Ed a cross we bought in Wurzburg cathedral shop. Most unusual it has bread and wine on it. The music was great - MacMillan and Bingham sung by the special choir. The service lasted form 6 p.m. to 7.50 p.m. a long time for the Cardinal. Fr Ed is going to Chiswick and Fr Kingsley to the cathedral. There was a lovely reception in the hall. Excellent food and loads to drink although I had consumed a lot of the Precious Blood so I stayed on the orange juice! Su...