Richborough Chrism Mass, 2026, at Guildford Cathedral

Huge thanks to Michael Lloyd for driving the 17-seater mini-coach, with the St Ambrose contingent, to Guildford and back. We left at 9 a.m. promptly and, having included a comfort break just beyond Winchester, arrived at about 11 a.m. Some inspected the Refectory, some the Gift Shop, others headed to the cathedral to vest or reserve seats. Most of us sat in the first two rows on the south side of the nave, with Bishop Luke's wife, daughters and PA immediately behind us. Before the service we were welcomed by the Dean, and we remembered the late Bishop of Guildford who had died of pancreatic cancer on 3rd of this month.

The service started promptly at mid-day with the Angelus from the West End and a procession to the hymn "Crown him with many crowns". The Bishop of Richborough was the Principal Concelebrant, assisted by the Suffragan Bishop of Dorking, the Dean, and many other clergy of the Richborough family including our own Fr Adrian. The first lesson was read by Alwyn Ladell and Peter Barrie was the First Intercessor. The Bishop's sermon was naturally very focussed on Holy Week with quotations from the Bible, Poetry and Literature, artistically woven into almost every phrase.

After the Intercessions, the oil of chrism, the oil of the sick and the oil of catechumens were brought in procession to the bishop who prayed over them, consecrated them to their respective uses, and he insufflated (breathed) over the chrism (which he had fragranced with balsam from Alton Abbey), representing the infusion of divine life and sanctifying power, mirroring Christ breathing on the Apostles.

The Mass continued with the Peace and the Offertory (there was no collection). The Communion was distributed from the front of the nave during which a female soloist say the Aria from Handel's Messiah, "He was despised and rejected by men of sorrows", accompanied on the organ.

At the end of the service, after the blessing, the Holy Oils were taken out in procession for distribution to the clergy. The altar party and concelebrants recessed to the hymn, "All hail the power of Jesus’ name", with prayers at the west end before the outgoing voluntary. The Dean generously provided coffee and cakes, at the west end, to all who had attended, and this was a chance to renew many acquaintances. Our minibus departed at about 2:45 p.m. and we were back before 4:30 p.m.