Historic Welsh Mass
On the 30th of March a truly historic moment took place at the Church of St. James, Spanish Place, W1. The Votive Mass of St David, was in Thanksgiving for the contribution of Welsh culture and the Welsh language to the universal Church, and was the first time in London that a mass had been performed entirely in the Welsh Language.
The event was the brainchild of Anthony Weaver who worked tirelessly to organise all aspects of the evening, enlistinging the many willing contributors that made the evening such a special occassion, even finishing with a personal message from Pope Francis.
The mass commenced with the processional hymn, 'Cwn Rhondda', sung by the whole congregation, soon to be followed by 'Gloria' sung by the combined choirs of Capel y Boro and Cor Llundain led by William Thomas.
Huw Edwards and the Rev. Rob Nicholls then gave the First and Second Readings, before numerous Bidding Prayers and Sermon followed, along with additional hymns leading up to the Eucharist and Communion, at which time, 'Llef' was sung by the members of the combined Cor Meibion Gwalia and the London Welsh Rugby Club choir led by Mike Wyn Jones.
Throughout the evening, the music for the congregational hymns, was provided by organist Iestyn Evans, and the wonderful Band of the Welsh Guards.
The ecumenical aspect of the mass was itself quite innovative, with the inclusion of protestant ministers like Rob Nicholl and Richard Brunt along with their chapel choirs, and possibly witnessed the first time the Band of the Welsh Guards have played in a Catholic mass.
Towards the end of the Mass, there was a personal message from His Holiness Pope Francis, entertainingly-read by his envoy the Arch-Bishop Claudio Gugerotti, Papal Nuncio.
The closing of the Mass brought a heartfelt feeling of goodwill to the congregation as a quartet from the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, London, who go by the name VIVO, sang the Ukrainian National Anthem. This very powerful and emotional moment was followed by a huge applause and cheers from the large audience. VIVO have since been invited to appear in Ukrainian fund-raising events at various venues across London including Westminster Cathedral and a Wigmore Hall event at the Cathedral.
With spirits high, various numbers of VIP's and performers ventured to the vaults of the church where they were then treated to an informal drinks and buffet reception.
Chris Duckett played the piano in the background before the choirs broke into a few impromptu Welsh favourites Led by Mike Wyn Jones.
Anthony even had us all singing a Spanish version of 'Calon Lan' as sung by the welsh community in Patagonia, Argentina.
There were many kind contributors to this unique event, including many behind the scenes, so congratulations to Anthony for having the vision and determination to carry this through to fruition, and to the Church of St. James for hosting this unique event.
Readers at Mass :-
Huw Edwards, Rev. Rob Nicholls
Sermon by :-
Fr. Allen R. Jones, CRIC
Bidding Prayers by :-
Guto Harri, Rev. Richard Brunt, Richard Hopkin,
Parch Peter Dewi Richards, Gaenor Howells, Wyn Hyland
Photography by :- Marcin Mazur,
Official photographer for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales
The evening was recorded live and has been posted on youtube where so far it has recieved around a quarter of a million viewings worldwide.