London, GB | Formerly of New York, Buenos Aires, Fife, and the Western Cape. | Saoránach d’Éirinn.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Boy did we have a blast last night! Bishop Rifan of Campos swung by Edinburgh on his tour of the United Kingdom (organised by Una Voce Scotland and the British Friends of Campos), and I was among a number of St Andreans lucky enough to make his aquaintance and receive the episcopal blessing.

It began with a Pontifical Low Mass at the Church of St Andrew in Ravelston, Edinburgh. The church is a wooden structure that would not look out of place in the Catskills or Adirondacks. In fact, it somewhat reminded me of the Chapel at Camp Jeanne d’Arc, where my sister spent her summers growing up. Such a setting in addition to the Mass being in the old rite slightly assuaged my permanent yearning for New York.

At the reception following the Mass, Fra Freddie Crichton-Stuart, a perennial favourite among St Andreans, introduced Dom Fernando Rifan.

His Grace then took the opportunity to say a few words, and I must confess I was somewhat surprised at how ebullient and jovial His Grace was, while maintaing an air of dignity. All too often our clerics make some attempt at comedy in vain, only to make fools of themselves and divesting their office of dignity – not so with Bishop Rifan!

A view of the reception, visitors enjoying their caviar, paté, and wine.

Maria shares a chuckle with a chant enthusiast from Aberdeen.

Jon Burke and I got a photo with Alec Tod. Alec is a St Andrews alum who is now a lawyer in Edinburgh. Classic chap, great fun.

His Grace was very keen on meeting us students, and we managed to get a photo out of him as well. From left to right: Father John Emerson (our friend in the FSSP), yours truly, “Ishmael”, Louise, Claire Dempsey, Jon Burke immediately behind His Grace, Robert O’Brien (my associate editor), Stefano Costanzo, Maria Bramble, and Abby Hesser.

I was chuffed as heck, and I know the others has a good time as well. After returning to St Andrews, we all got takeaway dinners and wine and met up at the Chaplaincy for some more good times. The whole thing was a wonderful blessing.

Published at 5:21 pm on Saturday 23 October 2004. Categories: Church Journal Latin Mass People St Andrews.
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