The Latin Mass Society organized Confirmation in the Traditional Rite at St James’s Spanish Place in central London on Saturday, 12 November. Rt Rev John Sherrington, the newly-installed Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster conferred Confirmation on all 31 candidates.
Originally, Bishop Alan Hopes was intending to confer the Sacrament but he had to withdraw at the last minute, owing to ill health. Bishop Sherrington stepped in with less than 24 hours’ notice to ensure that the event went ahead as scheduled. It was the first time that Bishop Sherrington had administered Confirmations in the Traditional Rite, but he performed the ceremony seamlessly. He was assisted by Fr Andrew Southwell, the LMS National Chaplain, Fr Tim Finigan and the rector of St James’s, Fr Christopher Colven. It was an extremely successful and happy day for all concerned.
After celebrating Pontifical Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament the bishop joined candidates and their families and friends in the Parish Social Centre for a buffet lunch, and delayed his departure for another appointment to ensure he had had the opportunity of speaking to everyone.