On December 12th, the cathedral of Ss Mary and Joseph in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia, celebrated the centenary of its consecration; this was commemorated with a solemn Mass in the Extraordinary Form in the presence of the tenth Bishop of Armidale, His Excellency Michael Kennedy. Fr Mark Withoos celebrated the Mass; the choir, led by the cathedral’s Director of Music, Mr Warwick Durham, sang Haydn’s Mass no. 7 in Bb, the “Little Organ Mass”, while the Gregorian schola, directed by Mr Ronan Reilly, sang the Mass for the Dedication of a Church Terribilis est. The liturgy was well attended by many of the local local faithful, in what many hope may become an annual celebration. Thanks to Mr Reilly for sahring these picures with us.
Apparelled albs are making a big comeback Down Under! The servers bring the bishop his liturgical garments.
In a Mass coram praelato, the prelate officiates in a cope, and participates in the prayers before the altar before returning to his throne.
As a sign of his authority, he also performs the three blessings of incense during the Mass, and of the water at the Offertory.
The prelate is also incensed at the beginning of the Mass.
Before the Gospel.
The bishop kneeling at the consecration.
