The Benedictine Priory at Ealing has been now established as an lndependant Priory.
On Friday, December 19, in the presence of the Rt. Rev. H. Byrne,
O.S.B., M.A., Abbot-President and Abbot of Ampleforth, the Brief was read out and the Prior, the Very Rev. M. C. Pontifex, M.A., was installed. The Community then renewed their vows and held their first Chapter.
On Sunday last, December 21, the Priory Church was packed to over flow when Pontifical Mass mann Cardinali, was celebrated by the Abbot President in the presence of
Cardinal Griffin, Archbishop of Westminster. When preaching the sermon, Cardinal Griffin, spoke of the life of St. Benedict and the history of the Order.
" The establishment of the Benedictine Community here at Ealing
as an independent Priory, marks a further development in Benedictine life in this country. I wish to thank the Abbot of Downside and the Community for making this possible. " I welcome the Benedictines here because they have something very special to contribute to the spiritual life of the country."
The Cardinal concluded with these words. " May the establishment here of an independent Priory, give courage and hope of England's return to the ancient faith."
In the afternoon, the Cardinal administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to boys of the Priory School and parishioners of the Parish Church.