This week we had "All people that on earth do dwell" (Old 100th) as the Entrance Hymn and "Lead us heav'nly Father, lead us" (Mannheim) during the Preparation of the Gifts. He always has to stick in lots of voluntaries between verses for the censing! The University holidays are almost over so we've got our cantors back.
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| Fr Frans Claerhout OMI (RIP) |
I spent eight years in the Free State and really enjoyed the fortnightly Mass at 20,30 on a Saturday evening with Fr Claerhout, the well-known South African artist, in Tweespruit. The Mass was usually celebrated by Fr Michel for the few of us seeking a Mass in English.
As we were the only couple who were English-speaking there was no homily, just one given to you on paper when you left. You would idly pick it up during the week and it would smack you right between the eyes, metaphorically, of course.
On special feast days the Portuguese would bring cakes and we would repair to Fr Claerhout's house for cakes and wine and good conversation. I have never had more compulsion to go to Mass as if you were late everyone would wait for you so had to let the priests know if you were not going to be there!
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| Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bloemfontein |
From Tweespruit to Bloemfontein and a cathedral like a juke box inside. There was no choice but much to my amazement our children survived it and remained Catholic really because of the kindness and holiness of the priests.
In Johannesburg there is choice and despite driving past four Catholic Churches, including the cathedral, I much prefer making the effort to go to Holy Trinity with its quality music and liturgy and its acceptance of and outreach to all.
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| St Vincent de Paul Society at Holy Trinity, Braamfontein. |
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