Barnard Castle and more

I found Barnard Castle an interesting place to wander round. We have been here before, but never with so much time available. And we had never found the Catholic Church before.

The castle is huge and well worth a visit. Bowes museum is a must too. If you want to see "TheSwan" in action, you have to be there for 2pm. It's worth it. A rarity.

We spent many holidays in Wales, and became "adopted members " of the parish there, Our Lady Queen of Peace. The priest became a great friend. Fr William Higham SJ. He wrote a wonderful series of booklets on a variety of subjects. He died a few years ago, and sadly there is no resident priest any more.

I have the same feelings about St Mary's in Barnard Castle. It felt right as soon as we went in. We did not feel like strangers.

There is a big fuss in Glasgow Archdiocese over the Old Rite Mass. But in St Mary's, Father Elkin celebrates the Old Rite and the New Rite with no fuss, and both forms with great dignity and respect.

How wonderful it would be if our Bishops could see this example, and encourage other priests to follow the simple example being set here in Barnard Castle.