On Wednesday next, April 25, the foundation stone of the new Abbey Church at Prinknash, Gloucester, will be laid.
Cardinal Hinsley, Archbishop of Westminster, will preside at the ceremony, at which Archbishop Godfrey, the Apostolic Delegate to Great Britain, and Mgr. William Lee, Bishop of the Diocese, will also A large gathering of clergy, secular and regular, including several Abbots, are als( to take part.
The plans for a new modern monastery and church were revealed by Abbot Upson early in January, and since that time the monks have been preparing the site and quarrying stone for the huge church, which it is hoped to build at a total cost of 1100,000.
In February the appeal for the funds was deferred by Abbot Upson in view of the many pressing needs i.hat late political events have forced on us, but the building is to be started at once, and progress made as funds allow.
Much of the work is being, and will be, done by the monks themselves. In the original announcement Abbot Upson said that the plans were for a modern monastery of monks in a modern world, and mere imitation Of the medieval would be avoided.
The architect's conception of the Abbey Church bears out this description; Mr H. S. Goodhart-Rendel is responsible for the plans.
SPECIAL EXPRESS FROM LONDON
To enable the large number of people who desire to be present at the laying of the foundation stone to travel in comfort, Mr S. V. A. Kelly, of " Keltrips " fame, was requested by the Abbot to undertake arrangements for a special express to run from London.
The train leaves Paddington at 11.15 a.m., with convenient connections from Windsor, Slough, Maidenhead, Reading, Reading West, Didcot, Oxford and Kingham. There are special cheap inclusive fares with meals,
The express will be due back at Kingham at 6.30 p.m., Oxford 7 p.m., Reading 7.30 p.m. and Paddington 8.30 p.m. Further information and tickets can be obtained or Mr Kelly at 51, Goldsmith Avenue, W.3.