The video and photograph below come by courtesy of 'The Transalpine Redemptorists at home' website.
Father Anthony Mary's mother, Mrs. Monica Seeber, receiving the First Blessing from her son on his day of Ordination,
27 June, 1991, at Econe. 'Feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Succour.'
Here on Stronsay in Orkney we are extremely fortunate and blessed to have our own church, Our Lady's Chapel, owned and served by the Transalpine Redemptorists, known also as the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer (F.SS.R), at Golgotha Monastery, Papa Stronsay.
In 1999 when the monks first moved to Papa Stronsay, there was no Catholic chapel as such on Stronsay, and Holy Mass was celebrated in a private house. In 2002, a stone-built storehouse at the end of the quay was converted into a chapel, now known as Our Lady's Chapel, where the traditional Latin Mass is now said daily by a priest from Papa Stronsay.
Exterior of Our Lady's Chapel, Stronsay.
Interior of Our Lady's Chapel, Stronsay.
Including the Rector Major, Fr Michael Mary F.SS.R. and the Vicar General, Fr Anthony Mary F.SS.R., there are now six priests in the monastic community, and something like twelve brothers. The community have a permanent Mission apostolate in Christchurch, New Zealand, which means that at any one time they will have two or possibly three priests working there, and perhaps three or four brothers. Additionally three brothers are currently on their way to the Seminary in Nebraska to study for the priesthood.
Recently Fr Anthony Mary, whilst serving in Christchurch, celebrated the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination. A video was produced to celebrate and commemorate this special day, which was subsequently posted on Facebook and the website 'Transalpine Redemptorists at home'. I found watching this video and listening to Fr Anthony both moving and inspirational, radiating real joy, peace, and hope for the future. I sincerely believe that the video deserves to be seen and savoured by everyone, and have taken the liberty of reproducing it in this post. I must make special mention of the beautiful and haunting musical accompaniment, composed, arranged and performed by talented professional musicians who, I understand, are themselves parishioners of this Mission parish. Please allow yourselves 20 minutes to watch this inspiring film, I promise that you will not be disappointed.
Please find the link to the video below:- just high-light the link, right click, and click 'open link'. Alternatively if link already high-lighted, just left click.
https://youtu.be/HhA2e6cwnLA