(Continued from page 1) generation's" vieepoint was put to Inc by an experienced Brentwood Canon who has officiated at Holy Saturday morning celebrations for nearly 30 years.
" The new Ordo is wonderfully expressive in many ways." he said. "For the people it is grand and far better than the longer and less convenient morning service.
"As far as l personally am concerned. 1 am not yet sure which I prefer."
He added thee two outstanding points about the new liturgy deserved to be made.
"The first is that, with a little explanation, the people simply cannot help being captivated by it.
-The second IS that for the first time to my knowledge in any liturgical direction, English. or rather the vernacular, is prescribed by the Church for the renewal of the baptismal vows. In my church these two factors brought the whole liturgy to startling life."
Inspiration
Canon James Dacey. administrator of Brentwood Cathedral, told me that the ceremonies there " went Nery mell indeed. Bishop Beek was quite taken by its success and is very happy about it."
Almost the entire congregation received Holy Communion at Midnight Mass.
Another Brenrwood parish where the night vigil was held Canning Town's Churoh of St. Margaret and All Saints-reported yet another triumph of liturgical appreciation. Fr. Francis Heenan, brother of the new Bishop of Leeds, said : " With the help of a White Father, we carried out the solemn ceremony without a hitch. The people found it inspiring and moving." Similar inspiration was drawn by a crowded congregation from the night ceremonies at St. George's, Sudbury, Middlesex. In the tiny parish of St. Peter and St. Francis. Prestetyn, North Wales, 60 people cooperated in the night vigil celebration, renewed their baptismal vows, and received Holy Communion at the Solemn Midnight Mass sung by Fr. Ivor Daniel.