Firstly, a thank you to my fellow LMS representative for the Central Birmingham area, Louis Maciel for both his welcome and for organising things today.
It was a wonderful High Mass, in a stunning Pugin Church accompanied by fitting music.
The Oratorians provided the sacred ministries in their usual eloquent and articulate way. Of course, it was only days since one of their own brethren, Fr Robert Byrne had been ordained to the Episcopate in the same Church.
The Mass was the Translation of St. Chad, transferred from the IV Tuesday after Easter. This feast celebrates the translation of the relics of St Chad from St Peter's Church in Lichfield to that built by Roger of Clinton, in 1148.
After Mass, I caught the bus along the Hagley Road and visited the The Oratory of Saint Philip Neri. Although the Church was locked when I arrived, a very kind keyholder arranged to open it and so I was able to visit the memorial Church of my beloved Blessed Cardinal John Henry Newman.
It was here that I met Father Daniel Horgan, a priest of the Columban Fathers. This is where the cup of tea mentioned in the title comes in!
As we both had an hour or so before our respective trains departed we both enjoyed a good chin wag over a cup of tea - after an hour of chatting, it was as if I had known him for years - he is duly on standby for Wrexham Masses forthwith! - pleased to have met you Father.
St Chad, Blessed John Henry Newman - pray for us!