After news of a couple of moves in the UK (Cardiff Ordinariate group into St. David’s Metropolitan Cathedral and Bournemouth Mission to St. Thomas More, Iford), we have now learnt of the move which took place last weekend in Saint Augustine, Florida. The St. James community, which had been worshipping at a House of Prayer, has now moved into St. Benedict the Moor Church, which belongs to the Cathedral parish.
St. James’ pastor, Fr. Nick Marziani, wrote the following:
What a way to start a new venture!
That’s what just fairly rings and sings out of my spirit as I consider our first vigil Mass at our new location last Saturday, the Church of St. Benedict the Moor in downtown St. Augustine’s Lincolnville historic district.
Waiting for St. James parishioners were flowers, beautiful flowers and a large welcome note from St. Benedict parishioners. I got there are 3:30 p.m. expecting to set up as I did at the House of Prayer, but one of their own people was already there, the church opened and being prepared for Mass. Many thanks to Lindwood for also serving as my processional cross-bearer and acolyte, complete with suit and tie. Now this, folks, is class when it comes to doing Mass!
We were then greeted by Fr. Tom Willis, Cathedral rector and overseer of their mission church, which is St. Benedict’s. And after Mass, a lovely spread at a reception in our honor, in the rectory hosted by parishioners and cathedral members.
In short, we were made to feel like, well, brothers and sisters in Christ, which we most certainly all are. Catholic Christians together, of different backgrounds and occupations and races and modes of liturgical observance, all, however, One in Jesus Christ.
Cathy Sloan, for her part, was thrilled to have a real organ to play on, and it sounded wonderful. The hymn worship resource books at St. Ben’s have some really beautiful musical pieces for us to use at Mass, and the entire worship experience was something we’ll never forget.
This coming Saturday afternoon we will continue to worship our Eucharistic Lord at the vigil of the Sixth Sunday of Easter, 4:30 pm as always.
Fr. Nicholas A. Marziani, Jr., D.Min.
At this link you will find a video showing St. Benedict the Moor Church and explaining its history as a mission church for Black Catholics.
ORDINARIATE NEWS (from the Anglicanorum Coetibus Society) 