The city of Norwich is all set to witness a unique and spiritually enriching event, as the Cathedral of St John the Baptist hosts a special day dedicated to the beauty and richness of Latin liturgy and Gregorian chant on Saturday, 10 May. This event, organized in collaboration with the Association for Latin Liturgy, has been warmly endorsed by Bishop Peter Collins and Fr Alan Hodgson, Dean of the Cathedral. The day promises to be an incredible opportunity for people to rediscover the sacred in their liturgical life, with a focus on the power of sung prayer in the Mass. For those who have always been fascinated by the beauty of Latin liturgy, this event is a chance to delve deeper into its significance and explore its role in drawing hearts to the mystery of God.
The event will kick off with a welcome and coffee at 10 am, followed by a practical introduction to chant led by Fr Guy Nichols, a noted scholar and compiler of the acclaimed Graduale Parvum. The Graduale Parvum is a valuable resource that allows all members of the faithful to actively participate in the liturgy through traditional chant, regardless of their musical background. Fr Guy will be joined by David Grealy, the Cathedral’s Director of Music, who will provide organ accompaniment and support for musicians wishing to explore chant further. This session promises to be an accessible and inspiring introduction to chant, making it an excellent opportunity for those who are new to Latin liturgy to learn and grow. As the morning progresses, Bishop Peter Collins will celebrate a fully sung Latin Mass in the Ordinary Form, with clergy concelebrating. This will be a profound opportunity to experience how Latin and chant together elevate the spiritual depth of the liturgy, fostering a deeper sense of reverence and prayerful engagement.
The afternoon will feature a thought-provoking talk by Fr Peter Wygnanski, the Bishop’s Private Secretary and University Chaplain, titled “Seeing Liturgical Reforms through the Eyes of Generation Z: A Yearning for the Sacred.” Drawing on recent experiences at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, Fr Peter will explore how younger Catholics are expressing a desire for beauty, stillness, and the transcendent in worship, often in ways that may surprise older generations. This talk promises to be a fascinating insight into the minds of younger Catholics and their perception of liturgy. As the day progresses, resources and support materials from the Association for Latin Liturgy will be on display in the Narthex, offering practical tools for anyone interested in bringing this vision of sacred liturgy into their own parish. Mgr Bruce Harbert, a former member of the ICEL translation team for the current Roman Missal, also hopes to be in attendance to speak on the theological and pastoral significance of Latin in the liturgy.
One of the highlights of the day will be Vespers and Benediction at 3:30 pm in the Cathedral, concluding the event in fittingly prayerful and solemn fashion. This will be a beautiful way to end the day, with participants coming together to pray and reflect on the beauty of Latin liturgy. Throughout the day, there will be opportunities for participants to engage with the speakers, ask questions, and share their own experiences and insights. The event promises to be a day of inspiration and formation for all who seek to rediscover the richness of the Church’s liturgical tradition and its role in drawing hearts to the mystery of God. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Latin liturgy or just curious about its significance, this event is sure to be an enriching and unforgettable experience.
The use of Latin in the liturgy is a topic of great interest and debate, with some arguing that it is a language that is no longer relevant in modern times. However, as Mgr Bruce Harbert and others will affirm, Latin – precisely because it is not used in everyday conversation – helps mark out the Mass as something wholly set apart for God. The use of Latin in the liturgy serves as a reminder of the transcendent and sacred nature of the Mass, and its ability to elevate our prayers and worship to a higher plane. In an age where the secular and the sacred are often blurred, the use of Latin in the liturgy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our spiritual heritage and traditions.
The event is open to all, and lunch is available with prior booking online. For full details and to register, please visit the Association for Latin Liturgy website. This promises to be a day of inspiration and formation for all who seek to rediscover the richness of the Church’s liturgical tradition and its role in drawing hearts to the mystery of God. As the Cathedral of St John the Baptist prepares to host this special day, it is clear that this event will be a unique and enriching experience for all who attend. With its focus on the beauty and richness of Latin liturgy and Gregorian chant, this event is sure to be an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impact on all who participate. Whether you are a Catholic or simply someone who is interested in learning more about the significance of Latin liturgy, this event is sure to be an enriching and inspiring experience that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the sacred and transcendent nature of the Mass.
