Wednesday 30 July 2008

The International Mass

Six months previously he was an unsuspecting parish priest in Hammersmith; now Bishop Campbell waits in the sacristy before celebrating Mass for up to 20,000 people in the Underground Basilica at Lourdes.

Bishop Campbell was joined by a few other bishops and about 200 priests for the Mass, which is celebrated each Wednesday and Sunday in the summer months. A variety of languages are used, with some of the most significant parts of the Mass sung or spoken in the Church's language, Latin. Large screens make it easier for people to see, and also provide written translations of some of the readings and prayers.

It was a proud moment for many on the pilgrimage to see our Bishop presiding over such a gathering of the international Church. It has indeed been an eventful few months in his life!