Basset's Cell Movement

I AM surprised by the omission in "Jubilee for Jesuit's greatest asset" (August 4) the account of the career of Fr Bernard Basset, S J, of his most significant work; the Cell Movement, which with Col Hope and Mr John Sullivan, he founded in the late 40's.
This was a lay movement, working in local cells, and run with admirable simplicity. Cells were kept in touch through a monthly newsletter, suggesting Gospel study and action for the coming month. Each member was given some action at each meeting to be accounted for at the next. Hardly original now, but it was then, and it suited the empiral English.
It also had a more intellectual side, and could have assisted the spread of Vatican II ideas in this country. But it was too freeranging for its time, and was stopped by our bishops at the height of its success. Believing in Obedience Fr Bassett did not seem to fight for his creation, and without his co-ordination the movement was still too young to survive.
But Fr Basset had helped to cast fire over England which is not yet extinct. Such pioneering work is always costly, and he paid for it. But in the words of his ancestor: "After this travail we shall come to a rest which lasts for ay, and sit on a settle of joy with the angels."
Dora Turbin Catholic Women's Network New Malden Surrey